Claiming additional funding for Mayor of London universal primary free school meals (UPFSM) where take-up exceeds 90%

Item updated 5 March with letter from Deputy Mayor of Children and Families

The letter contains information on the following:

• details of additional funding for meal uptake over 90%
• independent evaluation schools survey
• support for schools
• Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards.

If you have any queries in the meantime, please do send them to freeschoolmeals@london.gov.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.  

Provide data

Schools that wish to claim for over 90% uptake of Mayor’s UPFSM are asked by GLA to provide snapshot data on school meal uptake on any of the dates below in 2024.

Data submissions must show uptake rates are above 90% and provide the data to the LA (local authority) who will submit the claim.

Schools should note that the additional funding they claim will directly reflect the percentage uptake above 90%. For example, for a claim showing 96% meal uptake, the school would receive 6% more funding than their original allocation. This top-up funding first goes to the LA for distribution to schools.

How to claim

The data can show the take-up rate as it occurred on any of the following dates:

• 18 January 2024
• 4 - 22 March 2024

If these dates are not suitable, schools will need to choose another date from those weeks (15-19 January and 4-22 March) and notify the LA when they submit information.

Schools should complete this template form and email it to the relevant LA contact below before 28 March 2024:

• ESCC schools return form to Lauren North NorthL@ealing.gov.uk
• PFI schools return form to Yacoba Godwyll GodwyllY@ealing.gov.uk
• All other primary schools return form to Tanuj Danee DaneeT@ealing.gov.uk

Schools may be required to provide additional information (such as school dinner records) if requested by the GLA.

Schools should ensure the data form is checked and signed by the head teacher before submitting to the LA. The GLA will request further evidence if forms do not provide sufficient detail.

Where uptake of the Mayor’s UFSM is lower than expected at Ealing schools, then LA contacts from the Schools Property Team are on hand and will be happy to get in touch to assist with ways to help.

If schools have experienced an increase in pupil intake during this academic year, which impacts the number of pupils on roll, and thus meal uptake, they should contact their borough to notify the GLA via a separate process.

Surveys

The GLA is working with evaluation partners who will be conducting research with schools and parents, and so will be encouraging boroughs to circulate the surveys when they are live in January. Please keep an eye out for further information and surveys in due course.

Further information

Claiming additional funding for meals uptake above 90 per cent | London City Hall

Mayor of London universal free school meals (UFSM) | Ealing Grid for Learning (egfl.org.uk)

Guidance and support for schools | London City Hall

Contact

Please contact the following if you require any further information:

• ESCC – ISS directly or, if concerns: Lauren North NorthL@ealing.gov.uk
• PFI – catering provider directly or, if concerns: Yacoba Godwyll GodwyllY@ealing.gov.uk​
• Own arrangement – notify the LA of concerns regarding delivery: Laurence Field FieldL@ealing.gov.uk