That’s why it’s so important that families are aware if their children are eligible for free school meals. All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 in state schools in England receive universal free school meals regardless of income. In Scotland, all pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 5 and all children attending council-run special education schools get universal free school meals. In Wales, all children in primary school get universal free school meals. How to apply for free school mealsFree school meals are not given to children automatically.