School Lunches
Lunchtime
Children may have a school meal prepared by our kitchen staff or bring a packed lunch. School meals are provided by Edsential and costs £3.25 per day (£16.25 per week). All meals must be paid for in the week they are taken by Friday morning at the latest. If we do not receive money your child will be asked to have packed lunches until the amount outstanding is cleared. All meals must be paid for using our online system, ParentPay. Forms for free school meals can be obtained by phoning the Free School Meals Team on 0300 123 7039 or alternatively go online to:
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/school-meals.aspx
Children in Foundation Stage 2 (Reception), Year 1 and Year 2 are still entitled to a Universal Free School Lunch, however if you are entitled to Free School meals we would ask that you apply for them as we receive additional funding and we can reduce residential trips.
Snacks
Children may bring a healthy snack such as an apple, banana or breadsticks for their morning break. Sweets, packets of crisps and glass bottles are not encouraged.
Children have access to fresh, chilled, filtered water. Water bottles should be brought into school each day and taken home to be washed at the end of each day.
Free School Lunches
If you are entitled to a free school meal please do claim for it even if you do not wish your child to eat it! This helps the school and also means that school residential trips for your child will be at a reduced cost.
Important Changes to Free School Meal (FSM) Eligibility – September 2026
There are important changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility that will take effect from September 2026. These changes have been introduced nationally by the Department for Education and will be implemented locally by Cheshire West and Chester Council.
What is changing?
From the start of the 2026/27 school year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free school meal. However, there will be 2 categories of Universal Credit based FSM :
- Targeted FSM: which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less
- Expanded FSM: a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400.
This is a significant expansion and is expected to make many more families eligible.
Transitional protection arrangements will end in August 2026. This means that from September 2026, eligibility will be based on your current circumstances, and pupils who are currently protected need to reapply.
What this means for families in Cheshire West and Chester.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that:
- From September 2026, any family receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to apply for FSM.
- Families must apply through the council - entitlement is not automatic.
Why it is important to apply.
Applying for FSM is important because:
- Your child will receive a free, nutritious meal each day at school
- You could save around £500 per child each year on lunches
- The school receives additional funding (Pupil Premium) for some eligible pupils, helping to provide extra support and opportunities
Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a universal free meal, registering for FSM remains essential. (If you are entitled to FSM but have not claimed, your child will not be entitled to Universal Free School Meals under the new scheme – The Government will not be subsidising schools in these circumstances, so please apply for FSM if you are on Universal Credits).
What you need to do.
We strongly encourage all families to:
- Apply for FSM if you are currently receiving Universal Credit, even if you have not been eligible before
- Reapply ahead of September 2026 if your child currently receives FSM
You can apply online via Cheshire West and Chester Council: Free school meals | Cheshire West and Chester Council
Please can you let the office know if you are successful as we do not get notified by the local authority.
If you have any queries, please contact the Benefits department (FSM) in the first instance, or call in at the school office.
The quickest way to apply for Free School Meals is on:
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/school-meals.aspx
If you wish to apply for free school meals for your child, please call the Free School Meals Office on 0300 123 7039 with your national insurance number and they will instantly be able to confirm your eligibility.
APPLY TODAY!
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00 Mon-Fri
We are unable to backdate the meals you have previously taken.