School Meals

Mid-Morning Snack

Children in Nursery, Reception Class and Key Stage 1 are provided daily with fruit to eat during their morning breaktime.  Key Stage 2 pupils are also welcome to bring in a piece of fruit or vegetable from home for a snack.

Children under 5 years and children in receipt of Free School Meals also receive a daily carton of milk.   Any parent/carer of a child over 5 or not in receipt of Free School Meals may also purchase a carton of milk for their child to have during the morning break from our milk provider.   Full information on the scheme can be obtained from the school office or alternatively the Cool Milk website at  www.coolmilk.com.

Lunches
Here at Bearwood we recognise the importance of a healthy, balanced diet as central to a healthy lifestyle and fundamental to a child’s concentration, energy levels and self-image.  By teaching healthy eating skills, we aim to contribute greatly to promoting family health and the social pleasure and interaction which this fosters.  We wish children to understand food from growth to cooking, serving and eating.
 
School lunches are provided on site by our catering partner Caterlink.
 
Menus are based on a three week rolling plan.   There are a minimum of two options everyday, at least one of which will be a vegetarian option.    A salad bar, fresh bread and fresh fruit are also always available.  The menu changes each term and these are sent home for parents to see. 
 
Children at Bearwood are able to bring a packed lunch to school as an alternative to a hot meal from the school kitchen.
 
Packed lunches brought from home are closely monitored to ensure that they are healthy and nutritious and that food is similar to food served in schools, which is strictly regulated by national standards.   We ask that families follow packed lunch guidelines outlined on the NHS website.   Lunchbox ideas and recipes – Healthier Families - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 
 
Children should bring a named water bottle into school every day which should contain water only.  Fresh drinking water is available at all times throughout the day if bottles require refilling.   Children are allowed to bring a small carton of juice drink, diluted squash or smoothie alongside their packed lunch if they wish but this should be small and not fizzy. 
Payment
School meals are currently priced at £2.69 per day.
 
In line with Government legislation children in Reception Class and Key Stage One receive a free school lunch via the Universal Free School Meals scheme.   All children from Year Three to Year Six must pay for their school meals, unless they are entitled to free school meals.  Lunches are paid for in advance via our Arbor Payment System 
 
Parents can find out if their child is entitled to free school meals by contacting the school office. You can also find out more information by clicking on the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals