School Meals                                   

Children in Classes R, 1 and 2 are entitled to a cooked school lunch every day courtesy of Government funding – this scheme  is called ‘Universal Infant Free School Meals’.  

For children in Classes 3, 4, 5 and 6 the cost of a healthy, cooked school meal is £2.75.

Good food and good food culture has been shown to lead not only to healthier, happier and more fulfilled children, but to improved educational attainment.  . 

We believe that the school lunchtime is a great opportunity for all our children to sit down together and enjoy their healthy and tasty meal, while developing their social skills. 

Our meals are provided by ‘Whole School Meals’ who are a local firm who use fresh, locally sourced produce.  You can view their menus, etc. on their website www.wholeschoolmeals.co.uk.

Free School Meals

There will be 2 categories of free school meals from September 2026: Targeted FSM

Families in receipt of Universal Credit with earnings of £7,400 or less. These pupils will receive the free school meal, reduced cost KCC Travel Saver bus pass and access to the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. In addition, the school will receive pupil premium funding.

Expanded FSM

Families in receipt of Universal Credit with earnings above the income threshold (£7,400). These pupils will receive the free school meal only.

Transitional protections for Free School Meals have been in effect since April 2018. This has meant that pupils becoming eligible for free meals under the benefits-based criteria have retained their entitlement, even if their household earnings improved above the threshold. From the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, transitional protections for FSM will end and households must meet the FSM eligibility criteria to continue receiving provision.

This means that we will now be required to check all FSM entitlements annually, but you only need to apply once.

Please complete the FSM Application Form to check your eligibility for September 2026. There is no need to complete the form if you have already made an application.

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/free-school-meals/apply-for-free-school-meal

Your information will be held on file and used to re-check your eligibility every year.

If you apply now, Expanded FSM applications will be processed ready for your child’s free school meals to start in September 2026.

Packed Lunch

If you would prefer your child to bring a packed lunch, then please ensure it is enclosed in a suitable, named container.  No glass bottles, can, sweets or nuts please.  The Children’s Food Trust www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk has some good packed lunch ideas.

Other Food and Drink in School

Children in Class R and Key Stage 1 are provided with a government funded piece of fruit or vegetable for their mid-morning snack. This is to encourage the habit of healthy eating. Children in Key Stage 2 may bring a fresh fruit or vegetable snack for their mid-morning break.

 

Children are entitled to a portion of free milk until their 5^th birthday – please register with Cool Milk to claim your child’s entitlement. Following their fifth birthday you can pay for this to continue.

 

Water Bottles

Hydration during the day is very important and all children are required to bring a water bottle to school every day with fresh water from home. This bottle must contain just plain water and will be accessible throughout the day, please ensure it is clearly labelled with your child’s name.  

Children may bring an additional drink to school to have at lunchtime if they wish; this may be juice or squash. This second bottle should be put on the lunch trolley/shelf with the packed lunch boxes at morning registration and the content consumed at lunchtime. This is applicable for children who have packed lunches AND hot school meals.

Thank you for your support with this matter.

Play!

We have a number of dedicated playleaders who encourage active play during our lunchtimes.  They will initiate games and put out varied play equipment to make playtimes engaging , healthy and enjoyable.