In the UK, free school meals play a crucial role in supporting the health, well-being, and educational outcomes of children but working out which children are eligible isn't always easy. This is where Online Free School Meals, or OFSM, helps schools and local authorities - streamlining the process of determining eligibility, reducing the admin involved, and helping make sure no child misses out on a meal they are entitled to.
What is OFSM?
OFSM enables schools, local authorities, and parents to check whether a child qualifies for free school meals based on government-set criteria. OFSM directly integrates with the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC databases, so you can check students' eligibility within a matter of minutes.
Historically, free school meal eligibility checks meant families had to submit documents providing a list of qualifying benefits, like Universal Credit or Income Support. This process can be time-consuming and sensitive for some families, particularly with families facing language or digital barriers. OFSM simplifies this by requiring only basic personal information to run a quick and secure eligibility check.
Why is OFSM important?
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Reducing barriers for families
OFSM removes the stigma and admin burden that can be associated with applying for free school meals. Some parents are hesitant to apply due to the stigma or confusion about whether they qualify. With OFSM, schools and local authorities can support families by checking eligibility on their behalf or providing them with a simple online form. This means more free schools meals for children who might go without.
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Improves accuracy and speed
OFSM provides quick results by connecting directly to government databases. This means that eligibility can be confirmed within minutes rather than weeks. Not only does this help schools plan and allocate resources more efficiently, but it also means eligible children are not waiting unnecessarily to get nutritious school meals.
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Supporting additional Pupil Premium funding
Accurate free school meal eligibility is also crucial for schools because it directly affects Pupil Premium funding. This additional government funding is allocated based on the number of children in a school who are eligible for free school meals. Without accurate free school meal data, schools can miss out on crucial funding.
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Reducing admin time
School staff often juggle various roles, and the admin load in processing free school meals applications can be significant. OFSM reduces paperwork, removes the need for manual cross-checking, and enables batch processing of applications. This frees up valuable time and resource that can be redirected.
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Data-driven planning
With accurate free school meal data at schools and local authorities' fingertips, school leaders can make better decisions about their meal service, budget planning, and targeted assistance to families. OFSM can directly integrate with management systems, allowing real-time tracking of eligibility status over time. This is especially important with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continuing to affect more families.
OFSM is more than just a digital tool; it enables access to healthy and nutritious school meals for pupils who need them. By simplifying eligibility checks, reducing stigma, and enabling schools to access vital funding, OFSM ensures that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are supported in ways that improve their overall educational journey and long-term life outcomes. As pressure on family income continues, the role of OFSM in ensuring no child goes hungry becomes not only important, but essential.
Want to find out more about OFSM and how it can benefit your schools? Click below: