Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of children who do not receive free school meals they are entitled to; and what steps they are taking to ensure that all eligible children receive free school meals.

The government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child poverty. From September 2026, eligibility for free school meals (FSMs) was extended to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, providing over half a million additional children with access to a free, nutritious lunchtime meal. The department recognises the vital role played by FSMs and encourages all eligible families to claim the support to which they are entitled.

The department has upgraded the Eligibility Checking System, making it easier to identify children who are eligible for FSMs. We have also worked closely across government, including with the Department for Work and Pensions, as well as with schools and local authorities, to support implementation and awareness of the expanded entitlement.

The department does not routinely assess the number of children who are entitled to FSMs but do not receive them.

The department will continue to monitor take-up of FSMs following implementation of the expansion, including through the school census.