When schools return in September, all primary school children who go to state schools in London, will receive free school meals for the whole of the academic year.

With families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, the Mayor of London has provided funding to ensure that children of primary school age will be entitled to a free nutritious school meal, a saving to families in Ealing of around £440 across the year.

Don’t miss out

While all primary school children will receive their free school meal automatically, it’s still really important to register them in case they are eligible for extra funding from the government. This is worth £1,300 per year per eligible pupil to a school. It’s simple to do and confidential, and it also means that families of eligible children will receive supermarket food vouchers during school holidays and free access to the Holiday Activities and Food sessions.

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start said: “It is great to know that the Mayor of London is funding free school meals for all primary school children for the next academic year. This will help financially all families with young children.

“But I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure you apply for free school meals if you are eligible to do so or to re-register if you are already receiving them. If you don’t, you will miss out on food vouchers over the school holidays, free holiday activities, and your child’s school will miss out on vital funding to spend on your child’s education.”

Check if you are eligible

Find out if you are eligible for your child to receive free school meals or re-register on the council’s website.

More information on advice and support available locally, including discounts at local businesses, can be found on the council’s website.