Children — school, meals, rights
All children aged 5-16 must go to school in the UK — no matter their status. School is free. There are Free School Meals, 15 hours free childcare, and help with uniform up to £200.
🎒 Right to education
What to do: contact the education department at your local council. They will find a school with a place. If your child does not speak English, the school will give EAL support (English as Additional Language).
🍽️ Free School Meals
Who qualifies:
• Asylum seekers with NASS number — automatically
• Families with NRPF and income below £22,700
• Families on Universal Credit, Income Support, JSA
How to apply: ask for the form at your child's school. The school will help you fill it in.
👕 School uniform
What to do: ask at school or contact your council. Many schools also have secondhand uniform they give out for free.
👶 Childcare (nursery)
30 hours — for working parents.
Since September 2025 the programme has expanded: more families now get free hours. Check with your local council or at gov.uk/childcare-calculator.
🥛 Healthy Start
How much: £4.25/week (children 1-4 years), £8.50/week (pregnant women and children under 1).
Who qualifies: pregnant women and families with children under 4 on asylum support or benefits.
Apply: healthystart.nhs.uk
🧒 Unaccompanied children
What they get:
• Foster care or housing from the council
• A social worker
• Legal help
• Refugee Council IUSS — free help for unaccompanied children
♿ Special needs (SEND)
EHC Plan (Education, Health and Care) — a personal support plan. Ask the school for an EHC assessment through the council. It is free. The council must respond within 20 weeks.
🛡️ Child protection
• Children's Services — through your local council
• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 — free child protection line (24/7)
• Childline: 0800 1111 — for children themselves (free, anonymous)
Frequently asked questions
Can a school refuse my child because of immigration status?
No. All children aged 5-16 have the right to education in the UK. A school CANNOT refuse a child because of immigration status. This is the law.
How do I register my child for school?
Contact the education department at your local council. They will find a place. If your child does not speak English, the school must provide EAL support (English as Additional Language).
What are Free School Meals?
Free hot meals at school every day. Asylum seekers with a NASS number get them automatically. Refugees qualify if family income is below £22,700. Ask at your school for the form.
How much is the school uniform grant?
Many local councils give grants up to £200 for uniform. The amount depends on your area. Ask at school or contact your council.
My child arrived alone — what happens?
Unaccompanied minors automatically become "looked after children". The council must provide housing (foster care), a social worker, and legal help. Refugee Council IUSS also helps.
My child has special needs (SEND) — is there help?
Yes! Children with special needs have the same rights as UK children. Ask the school for an EHC assessment through the council. It is free.