Updated free school meal guidance

The DfE have recently (March 2024) updated their Free school meal guidance for local authorities, maintained schools, academies and free schools' to add sections on children receiving education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) and reasonable adjustments for disabled children.

Action for schools

Schools should familiarise themselves with the updated guidance to ensure they are meeting their duty as set out in Section 512 of the Education Act 1996, to provide free school meals to pupils of all ages that meet the criteria.