School Meals / Menus
SCHOOL MEALS
School Meals are currently £2.75 per day. This can be paid weekly, monthly or half termly and ideally in advance please. We take payment using an online payment system called ParentPay.
These charges only apply to children in KS2 (Year Three and above) as all infants are entitled to a universal free school meal. Please note that even if your child is in Reception/KS1 (Years One and Two) and you think you are eligible for free school meals (*see the criteria below) let us know. This is because we will receive additional funding for your child, to be used for their educational and/or social benefit.
We currently use Edsential Catering for our school meals. They cater for all dietary requirements, ie allergies, vegetarian, halal etc.
All menus run on a 3-week cycle. Also available daily is freshly baked bread, seasonal vegetables, salad, fresh fruit, and organic yoghurt.
All Edsential menus meet the ‘School Food Standards‘ and the ‘Food for Life Served Here‘ Bronze criteria, approved by the Soil Association ensuring the food on the plate is high quality.
https://www.foodforlife.org.uk/
Our pupils participate in selecting the menus, by choosing as a whole class/school or via a focus/school council group each year. This is to promote the element of choice and empower children to be ambassadors for new menus. We believe a menu that is chosen by pupils will encourage uptake.
Our menus are displayed on our website and in school. If at any time you need to discuss menu options for your son/daughter, please ask to speak with our cook.
*Free School Meals eligibility
Do you qualify?
If your child goes to school within the Cheshire West and Chester area, you may be able to claim free school meals. All key stage one pupils will automatically receive them. You need to apply with us if you are receiving one of the benefits listed below as your school can claim additional funding which can help towards equipment and resources.
You will qualify if you are receiving one of the following benefits:
>Income Support
>Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
>Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
>Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
>Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit and have an annual income that does not exceed £16,190
>The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
>Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
>Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
Do you receive Working Tax credit?
If you or a partner receive Working Tax Credit regardless of income you will not qualify for free school meals.
If you have difficulties claiming online, please contact us by email at benefits@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or call us on 0300 123 7021 to discuss making a telephone or paper application.
If I qualify, when will my child get free school meals?
If you qualify, most claims are dealt with the same day and your entitlement will start the day after. A letter of entitlement will be issued to you, and we will notify the school.
Do I need to apply each year?
No, your claim will be renewed automatically each year.