<p>The Education Act 1996 places a duty on maintained schools and academies to provide nutritious free meals to pupils who meet the eligibility criteria, including being a registered pupil of a state funded school.</p><p>Free School Meal (FSM) provision should be made to eligible pupils either on the school premises or at any other place where education is being provided.</p><p>The Department has published guidance for schools on FSM provision to eligible pupils who are being taught remotely. The guidance can be found at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1136309/Providing_remote_education_non-statutory_guidance_for_schools.pdf" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1136309/Providing_remote_education_non-statutory_guidance_for_schools.pdf</a>, and: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/handling-strike-action-in-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/handling-strike-action-in-schools</a>, and: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance</a>.</p><p> </p>