School census

FSM Eligibility

Since the January 2013 school census, the free school meals (FSM) eligibility on census day has been replaced by any periods of FSM eligibility for pupils on roll on census day since the last census. Eligibility start dates will be captured for ongoing eligibility, as well as start and end dates for period(s) of eligibility that have ended since the last census. This links in with the method of pupil premium funding based on the number of children who have been eligible for FSM within the last 6 years.

If schools wish to remind their parents of the FSM entitlement criteria and facilitate an increased uptake, they can use the FSM template letter (PDF 7.1KB) to assist with the process. Further information about the FSM entitlement can be obtained from Central Bedfordshire's Customer Services helpdesk on 0300 300 8306.