Free School Meals, Food Vouchers, Breakfast Club & Holiday Support

We are committed to supporting families in Hounslow by providing clear information about the free meal schemes available. At our school, we want every child to be well-fed and ready to learn.  National and local funding can support families to access a variety of free meal programs - at school, during holidays, and at home.

Free Meals Summary

Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) & FSM (Mayor’s Scheme)

All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day under the government’s Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) scheme. This ensures every child receives a healthy, nutritious lunch to support their learning and wellbeing.

Children in Year 3 to Year 6 attending a state-funded primary school in London are also entitled to a free hot meal every school day, funded by the Mayor of London, regardless of household income.

• No need to apply – your child will receive free school meals automatically.
• Meals support healthy growth, concentration, and overall wellbeing.
• Saves families up to £1,000 per child, per year.

From September 2025, all children will automatically receive a free, nutritious school meal each day. If you would like to opt out, please contact our Welfare Officer at welfare@marlborough.hounslow.sch.uk.

Benefit -Related Free School Meals (FSM) 

Even though all children now receive Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) & the FSM (Mayor's scheme), your family may still be entitled to additional support. If your child is eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM) based on certain criteria, the school will receive over £1,515 per year in extra government funding through the Pupil Premium.

This extra funding helps the school invest in:

• Enrichment activities

• Teacher training and development

• Targeted support for children who need it most

Your child will also be eligible for:

• Holiday Activities vouchers during school breaks
• Food Vouchers - £3 per child, per day during the holidays
• Priority access and reduced costs for some clubs or trips

How to Check Eligibility for FSM & Apply

Your household may be eligible if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit with a household income under £7,400/year (after tax, excluding benefits)
• Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) with income below £16,190/year
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
• Support from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS)

 Apply for Free School Meals here

If you are unsure or need help, please contact the school office.

Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

If your child qualifies for benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM), they may also take part in the HAF programme, which offers free holiday clubs with meals.

✔️ Fun activities – sports, crafts, drama, and more
✔️ Healthy, hot lunch provided every day
✔️ Available during Easter, Summer, and Christmas breaks
✔️ Local venues across Hounslow

The entitlement for each eligible child:

• 4 days for 4 hours during Easter
• 16 days for 4 hours during Summer
• 4 days for 4 hours during Winter

 You must be registered for benefit-related Free School Meals to receive your HAF vouchers, which are sent around 5 weeks before each holiday period.

• HAF Hounslow Parents Padlet
• Hounslow HAF - Information for parents
• Choosing a HAF provision for your child
• Things to do - Hounslow Family Service Directory

Food Vouchers (School Holidays)

For children eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM), Hounslow Council provides supermarket food vouchers during all school holidays (outside of HAF club dates).

• Sent directly to families by email or text
• Can be used at most major supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Aldi, etc.)
• Typical value: £3 per child, per day during the holidays

Please make sure your contact details are up to date with the school, so you do not miss out.

Universal Free Breakfast Club – Open to All Pupils

 To help children start the day well, we offer a free breakfast through the National School Breakfast Programme.

We are pleased to provide a Free Breakfast Club for all children from Reception to Year 6, held daily from 8:25am in our Community Centre. This club gives children a healthy breakfast and a calm, settled start to the day—helping them feel ready to learn

Booking Information

• Book sessions via Scopay under Universal Free Breakfast Club.
• If your child no longer needs a place, please cancel via Scopay another pupil can attend.

Key Details

• Drop-off time: 8:25am – 8:40am
• Late arrivals (after 8:40am) will not be allowed entry and must wait with a parent until class doors open at 8:55am.
• Location: Community Centre (access via Finney Lane gate)
• Pre-booking is essential — only children with booked places may attend.

We have seen a fantastic response so far and look forward to welcoming even more children to our Breakfast Club.

Need help?

Contact the school office by email on office@marlborough.hounslow.sch.uk or call on 020 8560 3978.