See below for information on school dinners, packed lunches, snacks and drinks in school

We are delighted to be able to offer cooked meals to all the children. For some years we have directly employed our own meals staff which means that we can control meal costs and offer a wide and varied menu . We have worked hard to try and ensure that we meet food guidelines and aim to offer healthy and where possible home cooked meals to the children. Vegetarian and other special dietary requirements can usually be catered for after prior consultation with the school cook. Children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 are entitled to a free school meal. From time to time we also offer themed lunches e.g. for Harvest, Valentine’s Day and of course Christmas.

Packed lunches
If your child doesn’t wish to have a school meal you may choose for them to go home or bring in a packed lunch. Please ensure this is healthy and doesn’t include nuts or sweets.

Packed lunches should ideally consist of:

• Sandwich with a meat or vegetarian filling or an alternative (e.g. pasta, rice, couscous, noodles)
• One portion of fruit and/or one portion of vegetable or salad
• A dairy food, such as semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, cheese, yoghurt or fromage frais
• Water, still or sparkling, fruit juice, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, yoghurt or milk drinks and smoothies
• Snacks such as crisps should only be provided occasionally. Instead, include seeds, chopped vegetables and chopped fruit (with no added salt, sugar or fat). Savoury crackers or breadsticks served with fruit, vegetables or dairy food are also a good choice
• Please do not send in sweets (e.g. Mars bars, Dairy Milk, Haribos or similar types of sweets). Cakes and biscuits are allowed but these should be part of a balanced meal.

For further ideas please see https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/school-packed-lunch-inspiration or http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/childrens-food-trust/parents/your-childs-food-at-school/packed-lunches/what-to-put-in-a-lunchbox/

Procedure for booking a school meal

Unless eligible for a universal free school meal (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) or have applied and are eligible for a free school meal, meals need to be paid for via ParentPay on a daily or weekly basis.

Currently school meals cost £2.30 per day - £11.50 per week (This charge only applies to children in Years 3-6).

All meals are to be paid for via ParentPay. A meal can only be provided if there are sufficient funds on the account.

Notification must be given before 10.30 am each day if a meal is required for a child who is to attend school later in the morning or who has forgotten a packed lunch. Please note that booked meals cannot be cancelled after 10.30 (as meal preparations have started by this time in the kitchen) and need to be paid for even if not taken.

Free School Meals

In order to apply for or find out if you are entitled to a free school meal please visit the Essex Local Authority website page by clicking here to find the online application form and additional information.

You can also contact them by telephone on 0345 603 2200.

If you require further assistance please do ask at the school office.

Snacks

Children in Reception and Years 1 & 2 are provided with a free daily fruit or veg snack. Children in Years 3 – 6 are requested to bring in a piece of fresh fruit or veg daily. (not fruit product or cereal bars etc.) No other snacks, etc. are permitted in school.

Water

Parents/carers are asked to send in a fresh bottle of drinking water daily for their child /children to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day. Do not send in squash or juice please.  Fresh water is available from water fountains when children are outside during break and lunchtime.