Purpose

This paper seeks a decision on
the funding methodology for the Mayor of London's Free School Meals
offer for 2025-2026 to be applied in Croydon – as per the
options and recommendations in Section 3 and approval of the
acceptance of the grant funding

Content

For the reasons set out in the
report, the Executive Mayor and Cabinet is
AGREED:
 
2.1. To accept the reduced base allocation from the GLA of
£6,111,967.50 to enable all primary school pupils across
Croydon to receive free school meals throughout the 2025-2026
academic year.
 
2.2. To agree that the Universal Free School Meal allowance for
pupils in Year’s 3-6 be funded at a cost of £3.00 per
pupil covering 190 days with a take up estimated percentage of 87%
as set out by the GLA.
 
2.3. To note the requirement placed on all London councils to
implement an auto-enrolment strategy to ensure all eligible
families are registered for Benefits-Related Free School Meals
(FSM).