More than 100 children in Sefton will now receive Free School Meals (FSM) following a new initiative by Sefton Council to ensure families get the support they’re entitled to. 

As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling child poverty and supporting families, the Council have pulled together a wealth of data to identify families across the borough who are eligible for Free School Meals but who may not have realised they qualified. 

So far, 129 children have been confirmed as eligible, including 83 in primary schools and 46 in high schools. Not only does this entitle children to a free balanced meal at school but also unlocks support over the holiday periods and half terms as well as access to free and subsidised activities during the school holidays.  

As well as being of huge benefit to children and families, this initiative enables Sefton schools to access more ‘Pupil Premium’ funding which helps schools provide extra resources and support for children from low-income households. Sefton schools could receive an additional £175,000 in funding as a result of this initiative.  

Leader of the Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson said:  

“This is about making sure no child goes without the support they are entitled to. Our teams have worked hard to use the data we have in a smarter way to make it easier for families to access the support they need.” 

“I am so pleased to know that over 100 children will now be getting the support they are entitled to and that our schools will be able to access funding to make learning even better for all children in Sefton.  

“We know how hard things are for many families right now and this initiative is one way we can make a real, immediate difference.” 

Newly eligible families have received letters notifying them of their eligibility and unless they chose to opt out, children were automatically enrolled—ensuring no delay in accessing meals and support. 

In the coming months, Sefton Council plans to expand the project to help families access other benefits and services they may be missing out on—ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive. 

For more support, visit www.sefton.gov.uk/costofliving or www.sefton.gov.uk/familyhubs