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Lunches

We try to encourage children to lead healthy lifestyles and to help them to understand the importance of a balanced diet and sufficient exercise.

School Meals

Parents can decide whether they would like to order a hot school meal for their child, or whether they would prefer to provide them with a lunch box. Hot school meals are served every day and are provided by Local Food Links (LFL). (Local Food Links – current menu)

Universal Infant Free School Meals

From September 2014 all children in Reception and KS1 will be entitled to a Free School Meal. However, they will still need to order them from the Local Food Links website. New parents will be provided with a user-name and password so that they can register on the LFL website and can order and pay (if they are not entitled to a free meal) online.

Free School Meals/Pupil Premium

We encourage all parents who are eligible for the following benefits to apply for Free School Meals even if they are in Reception or KS1. This is because the school receives extra income, currently £1300 per year, which we use to provide additional support for your child. Details of how to apply for free school meals in Dorset can be found by clicking here, or by ringing 01305 221000

You can register for Free School Meals if you get any of these benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual taxable income that does not exceed £16,190
  • Income-Based Job Seekers’ Allowance
  • Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)
  • Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

If a parent is 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, their children are also entitled to free school meals.

Water

Children are expected to bring a water bottle to use in school and encourage them to drink water regularly. Drinking water is known to promote healthy bodies and alert minds.

Snacks/Fruit

Children in Foundation and Key Stage One are provided with a piece of fruit each day, funded by the National Health Service. Older children are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit or vegetable (carrot, celery etc) to eat during morning play (NOT biscuits, crisps or chocolate) Please support us in these efforts to develop healthy eating habits.

Packed Lunches

There is a wealth of evidence now about the effect of food on children’s behaviour and concentration. We therefore ask you to please consider carefully what you provide for your child each day if they bring a packed lunch. Sweets are not allowed, but we also discourage chocolate bars and an over-reliance on processed snacks. Sandwiches and fresh fruit are ideal, providing the right kind of energy for your child to make the most of their afternoon in school.