Early years free school meals (EYFSM) expansion grant: 2026 to 2027
Methodology and conditions of grant for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
The early years free school meals (EYFSM) expansion grant provides funding to eligible early years settings to help with the additional costs of free meals following the expansion to free school meals (FSM) eligibility in England to all children in households receiving Universal Credit.
The EYFSM expansion grant will provide funding for the period September 2026 to March 2027.
Methodology
This document sets out the methodology for the EYFSM expansion grant for the 2026 to 2027 financial year. It includes information on how we will allocate funding and who is eligible.
Conditions of grant
Grant recipients must comply with these terms and conditions when administering the grant.
Published allocations
Allocations will be published on this page in October 2026.
Further information
More information on the FSM expansion and what it means for the sector is available in Free school meals: guidance for schools and local authorities.
Find more information on funding for school aged children and further education:
- school-aged children can be found in Free school meals expansion grant: 2026 to 2027
- further education can be found in Free meals in further education guide