Guidance

Universal Infant Free School Meals

Published 16 December 2022

© Crown copyright 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-service-personnel-and-their-families-on-child-welfare-policies/universal-infant-free-school-meals

What is it?

The MOD’s Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM) entitlement seeks to mirror, where reasonably practicable overseas, the entitlement to free school meals for infants, available to eligible children in England.

The MOD will refund the cost of infant meals for eligible children who are in schools overseas.

Eligibility

Children of serving armed forces parents or entitled MOD Civilians in schools overseas must be in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2.

Year groups may differ overseas, therefore the date of birth of the child may be used to confirm eligibility.

Refunding costs

Refunding of the infant school meal is admissible only:

  • If a meal is provided by the school and a parent pays for it
  • If the school cannot provide a meal and a parent needs to pay for the cost of a meal
  • If a parent needs to pay for a meal that meets the specific dietary needs of their child
  • Refunds can only be claimed for the days the child is at school. Evidence of attendance is required
  • Parents will need to understand the full rules which are contained in the UIFSM DIN which can be accessed via Defence Instructions and Notices - Home (sharepoint.com) - (DIN Ref. 2022DIN01-009).

For further information please visit the Directorate Children and Young People (DCYP) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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