School Meals

Provision is made for the children to have a school meal or to bring a packed lunch.

We aim to provide meals that are of a high quality with, where possible, locally sourced ingredients. The children are allowed a controlled choice from a varied menu of both hot and cold options. The kitchen will always ensure there is a vegetarian alternative and all dietary requirements can be catered for. The menu is on a 3-week rotation copy of which is sent out to parents and carers by email, and is available at the school office. There is also a copy on the notice board in the reception area, and a link below. 

Meals should be paid for in advance on Arbor.

School meals are free for all children in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 due to the Universal Free School Meal entitlement introduced in September 2014.

A school meal costs £2.65 for all Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 pupils.

Autumn Menu 25/26

Free School Meals

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, your child may be entitled to free school meals, saving you up to £495 per year per child. This scheme is available for school-age children and to post-16 students at a school with a sixth form or college.

Did you know?

• Families who are currently paying for school meals will save around £495 a year for each primary school child if they are entitled to free school meals.
• Many schools have systems which mean it is impossible for other pupils to know who is receiving free school meals.
• School children who are eligible for free school meals are entitled to a meal worth approximately £2.60 each day. 
• When you apply for free school meals, you will also allow your child's school to receive Pupil Premium, which is extra money to support children from families on lower incomes.
• If your child is in receipt of universal infant free school meals (where your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2), we recommend you apply if you believe you may be eligible for free school meals, because the protection will continue beyond Year 2.
• Secondary school children who are entitled to free school meals might also qualify for help with school transport costs.
• If you also have a 3 or 4-year-old child who is in a free childcare place, they may also be eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium.

Eligibility

Your child will get free school meals if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit – but no element of Working Tax Credit – and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) that does not exceed £16,190
• If you are supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment finishes or after you start to work less hours per week
• Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (as from 1 April 2018)

To check your eligibility and apply for Free School Meals, please go to: 

https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/schools-learning/help-with-school-learning-costs/free-school-meals

Packed Lunches

Should you wish your child to bring a packed lunch to school, we actively encourage healthy options – though a small 'treat' as part of a balanced lunch is allowed.

Please include some of their five-a-day fruit and vegetables. Please do not include sweets, large chocolate bars, fizzy drinks, glass bottles or cans.

We will encourage children to eat their lunch in an appropriate order, leaving sweet things until last.

Please also be aware that we are a 'nut free' school, so please check the contents of any lunch you are providing to ensure it does not include nuts.

These websites offer further inspiration for packing a healthy lunch:

https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/

https://realfood.tesco.com/curatedlist/lunchbox-ideas-for-kids.html

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/school-packed-lunch-inspiration