The government has announced that they will permanently extend eligibility for free school meals to children with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
Previously, children of families which had an irregular immigration status, have been unable to access educational entitlements such as free school meals, regardless of their own immigration status.
In 2020, the government temporarily extended free school meal eligibility to include some children of groups who have NPRF.
The income thresholds for the extension of eligibility for free school meals are as follows:
£22,700 per annum for families outside London with one child.
£31,200 per annum for families within London with one child.
£26,300 per annum for families outside London with two or more children.
£34,800 per annum for families within London with two or more children.
This permanent extension will begin from 19th April 2022. Newly eligible free school meal pupils will be recorded in exactly the same way as other free school meal pupils. All children in receipt of free school meals will attract pupil premium funding for their school.
Read the full statement at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2022-03-24/hcws714