DfE Update local authorities: 2 September 2026
Published 2 September 2026
Applies to England
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Information: Adult skills fund for funding calculation rule-base for funding year 2025 to 2026
We have published the adult skills fund (ASF) funding calculation rule-base for 2025 to 2026.
The rule-base provides the source code used for the ASF funding calculations for funding year 2025 to 2026. It supports providers, management information teams and software suppliers in understanding how learner data is processed and how we calculate earnings from your individualised learner records.
You should read this alongside the wider ASF funding guidance and funding rates and formula documentation.
Information: Free school meals for children from households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings
Children from households receiving Universal Credit can now receive free school meals (FSMs), regardless of household earnings. Families who wish to receive FSMs for the first time will need to apply. Temporary protections previously in place for some pupils have ended, so eligibility is now assessed based on a family’s current circumstances.
The FSMs guidance for schools and local authorities explains which settings must provide FSMs, who is eligible and how eligibility should be assessed. Resources are also available to help explain the changes to families and support applications.
Where eligibility rechecks are still underway, we strongly encourage continued provision of free meals to current recipients until checks are completed.
We appreciate the work schools and local authorities have already done to support families. Please continue to promote FSMs, raise awareness of the expanded eligibility criteria and help families submit applications.
Feedback: Help shape procurement services at DfE
Are you involved in, or responsible for, procuring goods and services for your school, academy or trust?
At DfE, we want to keep listening and learning from the people using our services so we can make them as useful and effective as possible.
There are lots of ways to get involved, from quick surveys and testing new features in your own time, to informal chats with our researchers about your experiences.
We will always contact you beforehand, and it’s completely up to you, which activities you’d like to take part in.
Register your interest, we’d love to hear from you.
Events and webinars: Risk Protection Arrangement members only: competent person workshop
Wednesday 16 September 2026, 10am to midday. Register via Teams.