Below are some good practice examples of activities schools are undertaking to increase Free School Meals (FSM) registration:

  • Add reminders to register for FSM in any regular newsletters or e-bulletins to parents.
  • Text all parents asking them to contact the school office if they receive benefits, as they may be able to help secure extra funding for the school.
  • Ensure reception teachers or parent liaison staff are talking to new parents about signing up for FSM when they carry out home visits.
  • Encourage teaching assistants, parent liaison staff and learning mentors to have confidential conversations with parents about registering their children as eligible for FSM, particularly if they have English as an additional language or lower levels of literacy.
  • Place information about FSM and the Pupil Premium on your website.
  • Hold discreet and informative school assemblies on FSM and the Pupil Premium, giving pupils confidence that, if they register as eligible, it will be kept confidential.

To find out more about increasing take up of FSM, see the School Food Trust Free School Meals Matter toolkit.