Universal Infant Free School Meals.

 

From September 2014 all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England receive free school meals. The government made this decision after a recommendation in the School Food Plan. So if your child is in reception, year 1 or 2 there will be no more paying for their school meals or worrying about what to put in their lunch box. All children in these age groups will receive a nutritious meal every lunch time.

This is great news for children and families and the health benefits of giving our children a nutritious lunch every day are clear. We know that when children eat better they do better. A nutritious school lunch is a big step towards making sure children grow up fit and healthy and achieve their full potential at school.

The Government have estimated that through this move families will save both money, approximately £400 a year, and time without the cost of school meals or making expensive packed lunches.

Secondly the two course menu must meet the government’s school food standards and so healthy meals and snacks such as low fat milk, fruit and vegetables will be available every day.

And last but not least it’s been shown when children eat a healthy, nutritious lunch their concentration and learning is better in the afternoon. It also has the added benefit of teaching children more about social interaction and encouraging them to try new and exciting foods.

For those parents who have children with specific food allergies, intolerances or cultural needs there might be some concern. However don’t worry this initiative is for ALL children so simply contact your child’s school to make them aware of your child’s needs and discuss how your child can enjoy free school meals along with all their class mates.

 

SCHOOL MEALS

 

For children in years 3-6 they can either bring a packed lunch each day or choose a school hot meal at a cost of £2.20 per day.  A menu is sent home each Friday for selection and must be returned the following Monday by 12 noon.  The correct money should be sent to school in a sealed, named envelope, with the Menu attached to the outside of the envelope please.  Our caterers provide a broad range of quality meals and comply with the relevant standards of nutrition.  You are welcome to come in and try one with us, with prior arrangement with the school office.  I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised!  Applications for free meals are dealt with by the Education Office, Blackfriars Street, Hereford.

Application forms are available from the School Office.

 

Break-time snacks—fresh fruit and vegetables are provided free by the school.

 

 

SCHOOL MILK

 

Cartons of milk are available for children to drink during the mid morning break, at a cost of 16p per day.  Milk is free for Nursery age children. Milk money for the following week (80p) is collected on Thursday mornings up to 12 noon.  I regret that, should a child be absent during the week, no refund can be made, as milk will already have been purchased and we have no cool storage facilities to keep it longer than the day of delivery.