School Meals
School Dinners
The food children eat in school is very important for their education. Not only does a well-balanced diet help with general health but establishing healthy eating habits at a young age can give them knowledge for the future. We understand primary school children and their likes and dislikes so we tailor our menus to encourage maximum uptake.
What Makes Us Different
Healthy eating is at the very heart of our approach to food. We wholeheartedly encourage balanced eating patterns within our schools and investment in training and our policy of purchasing seasonal produce enables us to deliver exceptional value.
We have implemented our own Fresh Food Policy throughout our business which sets out our expectations and minimum requirements to meet the daily nutritional needs of the students and staff for whom we cater. We are proud to have gained professional recognition for the success of our Fresh Food Policy, including the Soil Association’s Food For Life Served Here at both “Silver” &”Gold” levels and Compassion in World Farming’s “Good Egg” Award.
Fuel for The Mind
You could say that food fuels the brain. Eating a well balanced diet helps with physical fitness and general good health, both in body and mind. A well balanced diet means getting the right nutrients your body needs to be in tip top condition – protein helps with repair and growth, carbohydrates and healthy fats provide you with energy, water replaces lost fluids and fibre and the right vitamins support healthy body maintenance. By getting into the habit of eating healthily, we can avoid the risk of serious health problems for the future.
Payment for School Dinners
Caterlink directly manage all payments for school dinners . Meals which cost £2.43 should be paid for online using the Caterlink meal payment system
You will have been provided with a letter with your login details which you will need to complete the registration process. If you have not received this please contact the school office by emailing:
Is my child entitled to a free school meal?
If you think your child may qualify for Free School Meals, please read the following information so that you can begin to start the claim process.
Why should I claim for Free School Meals?
It is really important, that if you feel you may be entitled to claim for Free School Meals, that you do so. This is because there is additional government funding awarded to the school, called the Pupil Premium, which is awarded to schools according to the number of children in receipt of Free School Meals. This means that claiming for Free School Meals could also help your child receive other benefits at school. Therefore, if you do feel you are entitled to claim, it is very much in your, your child and the school’s interest that you do make this claim. You can even claim and then not take the school hot dinner if your child does not like it; or, your child can just have the school dinners on the days they wish to.
What are the eligibility criteria to claim for Free School Meals?
The current criteria for claiming free school meals are that you must be in receipt of one or more of the following;
- Income Support (IS)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income Based)
- Child Tax Credit, provided the annual taxable income, as assessed by the Inland Revenue is not in excess of £16,190. (Families who also receive an award of Working Tax Credit do not qualify to claim for free school meals.
- The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Children who receive Income Support (IS) or Income Jobseekers Allowance in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals
In addition, there is also a temporary qualification for free school meals.
From 1st May 2009, where a parent has been entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week, they will be eligible to claim free school meals over that period.
How do I claim for Free School Meals?
To make a claim for Free School Meals, follow the link below or call in to the school office, who will be able to provide you with a copy of the form and support you with the application process.
Do I have to apply every year?
You only need to apply for free school meals once, your eligibility will then be checked on a 4 weekly basis via the central benefit records database. If after this check of eligibility it is found that you are no longer eligible, the School Food Support Service will write to you requesting to see proof of the benefits you are receiving.
Further Information
If you would like any further information about Free School Meals, please contact the school office who will be able to assist you.
Healthy Packed Lunch Ideas
Whether squeezing it in before the school run in the morning or before bed on busy midweek evenings, preparing your child's lunchbox can seem like just another thing on the list.
School meals are a great choice, but if you do make a packed lunch for your child then we've got you covered with our range of quick, easy, healthier lunchbox ideas. Click on the Change 4 Life link to get inspired!
