Our school meals are provided in-house.
Our catering team’s aim is to ensure healthy eating for all pupils through the provision of a well balanced school lunch, served in a warm, welcoming dining environment.
All school meals meet government nutritional standards however we do have greater freedom over menu choices. We aim to, in consultation with both parents and pupils, offer what students at Meadowdale would like to eat and will devise menu options based on the needs and wants of our customers, the pupils!
Meals are available at a cost of £2.30 for a main meal and dessert; and £2.36 for a main meal, dessert and glass of juice. The weekly cost is £11.50, although ‘extras’ are available. Please ensure your child’s lunch account is up to date as we can no longer have debts on the lunch account.
We know how important it is to create the good eating habits that can last a lifetime, and teach children about the importance to not only their physical well being but how food can affect their mood, temperament and energy levels.
Free School Meals
Please see below for an explanation of how free school meals work, and for information on how to apply for free school meals.
Universal free school meals
All pupils in reception, year one, and year two are entitled to a free meal, without having to apply for this option.
Eligibility for free school meals
The government has made amendments to the eligibility criteria since April 2018. This is to reflect the introduction of Universal Credit.
PLEASE NOTE: Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Provided you have an annual net income of no more than £7,400
- This is assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods
- Income Support
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
- Working Tax Credit run on
- Paid four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
What do the changes to free school meals mean?
Most people won’t be affected by the new criteria. If you’re currently claiming free school meals, but don’t meet the new criteria, your child will continue to receive free school meals until the end of the Universal Credit roll-out period.
The roll-out period isn’t scheduled to end until March 2022. Once Universal Credit is fully rolled out, your child will keep their free school meals entitlement until the end of their current phase of education, i.e primary to secondary.
Claim free school meals
Online:
Specific Dietary Needs
If your child has a food allergy and/or specific dietary need then we are able to cater for them. Please contact the school office for further information.