Guidance on free school meals and free childcare hours

GOV.UK explains eligibility and how to claim statutory free childcare hours (typically 15–30 hours for eligible working parents) and free school meals for children from low-income families or those meeting other criteria. The site sets out which families qualify, required documentation and step-by-step application routes through your local council or childcare provider. Visit the central guidance pages at https://www.gov.uk to check specific eligibility rules, find local authority portals and apply online.