What is Universal Free School Meals (UFSM)?

Universal Free School Meals is an initiative provided at government or regional level to ensure that qualifying pupils are provided with free school meals. These are typically Key Stage 1 (KS1) pupils but can include nursery or Key Stage 2 (KS2) groups in some regions.

  This article will teach you...

About the different Free School Meals schemes.

What is UFSM and how is it different from FSM?

UFSM

UFSM is a universal allowance that is given to all children regardless of their financial situation. It is assigned by year groups and is set at a local or national government level or by a regional or district body.

FSM

FSM allowances are assigned individually to qualifying children. To gain this benefit the parents or guardian must apply to the appropriate government body to be approved. They can often then benefit from additional subsidies such as pupil premiums.

You can find the appropriate governing body by searching for 'Free School Meals' and choosing the region the child attends school.

What are the different types of UFSM Acronyms?

UIFSM

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) is commonly used in England and Scotland.

UPFSM
Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) is commonly used in Wales.
LFSM
Key Stage 2 London Free School Meals (LFSM) is used for the extra provision within the City of London.

IMPORTANT

For more information on how to apply UFSM please refer to the following article.

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