TACT have joined forces with The Fostering Network to lobby the Department for Education (DfE) to extend free school meals entitlement to all children in foster care.

In June 2025, the government announced that, from the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the eligibility criteria for free school meals in England would be expanded to all children in households receiving Universal Credit. Whilst this was a welcomed decision for those households, a significant number of young people in foster care would not be eligible for those free school meals.

TACT immediately joined forces with The Fostering Network and approached the Department for Education (DfE). They agreed to co-design a survey that The Fostering Network would share with all members. The survey closed on Sunday 9th August and it had a huge response, with 713 foster carers in England completing the survey, highlighting the importance of this issue.

There were some significant key findings.

51% of foster carers stated that the children they foster are expected to lose their free school meal entitlement from September 2026, despite living in low-income households – as carers are unable to claim Universal Credit due to savings exceeding eligibility thresholds, often set aside for retirement or used to meet the needs of children in their care. The survey also found that household incomes were only slightly above the eligibility threshold, and that some were ineligible for Universal Credit due to being above State Pension age.

A number of foster carers highlighted significant financial concerns, with many estimating that the loss of free school meals would increase costs by more than £100 per child per month. This was a particular concern for foster carers with 3+ children all currently on free school meals. With fostering allowances not universally increasing to offset these costs, carers reported that they may need to reduce spending on other essentials, including clothing and/or activities for children.

There was strong support for automatic free school meals entitlement for all children-in-care, regardless of their foster carer’s income or benefit status. Many carers reported that free school meals provided continuity, stability and routine for children. This was seen as particularly important during transitions, such as moving between foster families or reunification with birth families. Many also cited the local authority’s role as corporate parent, arguing that children-in-care should automatically qualify for free school meals.

Foster carers also expressed considerable concerns about the wider implications of losing free school meals entitlement, particularly the potential loss of access to the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. As HAF eligibility is linked to benefits-related free school meals, children-in-care who lose their entitlement may also lose access to holiday activities, food provision and opportunities for social engagement.

The survey results are now with the DfE and TACT are lobbying them to extend free school meals entitlement to all children in foster care.