Lunch at All Saints’

All Saints’ recognises the importance of good nutrition on pupils’ emotional, physical health and wellbeing and the effects this can have on an individual child’s ability to maximise their educational attainment.

We also recognise that eating should be an inherently social experience and encourage our children to interact and enjoy this period of their day as much as possible. Good manners and clearing away are also encouraged.

Our menus and lunchtime routines are regularly reviewed on the back of feedback from parents and contributions from children on the School Council to ensure that the All Saints’ lunch experience delivers on health, nutrition, fulfillment and fun.

School Dinners

The school cooks its own freshly prepared hot meals on-site, with most ingredients sourced locally.

Menus run on a three-week cycle. These menus are produced by our own kitchen staff and the healthy school’s coordinator in accordance with current nutritional legislation.

In addition to the hot meal and vegetarian option, a further option is available for the children. This is either a jacket potato with various fillings or a pasta bar with different toppings, offered throughout the three-week menu cycle.

Children are also able to help themselves to the salad bar which is available daily. Each day there is a dessert on the menu and yoghurt and fresh fruit are provided daily as another dessert option.

We cater to allergies and strong beliefs, with vegetarian and vegan diets catered for.

Packed Lunches

Parents and pupils are consulted to encourage the use of healthy packed lunches. The school provides guidance for parents about packed lunches. Parents are requested not to provide their children with nuts for snack or lunch due to children having serious nut allergies in school.

Universal Free School Meals

Due to Universal Free School Meals, all pupils in EYFS and KS1 are entitled to a free school lunch daily. Those children who are entitled to a Free School Meal may choose from the whole menu without exception. Special themed lunches are organised to celebrate festivals and other special events. Parent and children (via the school council) comments are considered with the development of each new menu.

In KS2, pupils are no longer entitled to Universal Free School Meals. If you can’t afford school dinners you may still be eligible for free school meals in Years 3-6. You will need to apply for free school meals online via Essex County Councils, Healthy Living and School Meals page - https://www.essex.gov.uk/free-school-meals

To be eligible you must be receiving one of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit), with an annual income of below £16,190
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance, income related
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit, with an income of £7,400 or less

If you do not have internet access, the school office can assist you with making an application for Free School Meals.