MIS: What do the free school meal categories FSMT, FSME and FSMO mean?

MIS

Overview

This article explains the three free school meal categories you can record for a pupil. It also explains the code for each category.

Free school meal categories

Category Code Who it covers Counts towards Pupil Premium and Ever 6
Targeted FSM FSMT Pupils in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. Yes
Expanded FSM FSME Pupils who don't meet the Targeted threshold, but whose households still receive Universal Credit. This is a meals-only entitlement. No
Other FSM FSMO Locally funded free meal provision that falls outside the Targeted and Expanded criteria, for example a scheme funded by your local authority. No

Where you see the categories

  • In the pupil list, FSM History shows the category (FSMT, FSME or FSMO) for each period, with the most recent first.
  • In the pupil list, FSM Category shows the pupil's current category.
  • In Filters, you can filter by FSM-T, FSM-E and FSM-O. These match FSMT, FSME and FSMO.
  • In the pupil's record, you record the category in the Free School Meals section of Funding / Census.

Tips and best practices

  • Only Targeted FSM counts towards Pupil Premium and Ever 6 funding. Check the category carefully before you report on funding.
  • The Department for Education requires you to verify eligibility from 1 June each year.

Related information

Updated