School Meals
School Meals
Our school meals are freshly made and prepared daily onsite in our fully functioning school kitchen by Aspens.
Pupils in EYFS and Key Stage 1 are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM), however pupils may bring in a packed lunch.
A high standard of table manners is expected from children. The children are supervised by our Lunchtime Assistants during the meal and during lunchtime play. As part of our health-promoting philosophy we encourage healthy lunch boxes and do not allow chocolate, sweets or fizzy drinks
Allergen Advice
Some of our menu items contains allergens including: gluten, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soya, celery, mustard, sulphites, sesame and lupin.
Please click in the link below to see the full list of allergens the foods may contain.
If you have a food allergy or special dietary requirement, please speak to a member of the Aspens Catering Team.
Free School Meals
As you may be aware, if you claim certain benefits your child/children could be entitled to Free School Meals and have access to the Pupil Premium Scheme, which provides additional funding that enables enrichment of your child’s learning.
Parents and carers who receive any of the following are entitled to free school meals:
- Universal Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit.
Only the benefits listed above qualify for free school meals.
A pupil is only eligible for a free school meal where their eligibility has been verified by the local authority/school. Eligibility will not be backdated, so it is very important to apply as soon as possible.
Eligibility to Free School Meals is split between 2 categories:
Targeted Free School Meals
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less (the existing threshold for free school meals prior to the expansion), will be eligible for targeted FSM. In addition to receiving free meals, pupils eligible for targeted FSM will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools.
Other education entitlements that have previously been linked to eligibility for free school meals, such as Holiday Activities and the ‘extended rights’ element of school travel assistance, will also continue to be based on targeted free school meals.
Expanded FSM
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400 will be entitled to expanded free school meals only.
Other information
If you have recently become unemployed but are still receiving Working Tax Credits, you may be entitled to free school meals. Please call 0300 123 2224 for advice.
We encourage parents/carers to apply for this hugely beneficial scheme, even if your child is entitled to Universal Free School Meals.
If you think this applies to you, please click on the link below for an application form, which must be completed and sent directly to Somerset County Council or taken into the school office. Please also remember that if you are moving to a new school in a different county, you MUST re-apply for your child/children’s Free School Meals.
If you are unsure and have any questions, please ring the school office on 01278 226070 or speak to the office directly. Alternatively, please call Somerset County Council on 0300 123 2224 for advice.
- Click here for a Free School Meal Application Form
Packed lunch from Home
At Northgate Primary School we understand a healthy lunch every day will give your child the energy and nutrients they need to grow, develop and learn. We do not allow the following items in a packed lunchbox:
- NO Chocolate
- NO Crisps
- NO Fizzy Drinks
- NO Cake
- NO Chewing Gum
- NO Sweets
The key to a balanced, nutritious diet is variety. Here are some ideas of what to include to ensure that your child’s packed lunch is healthy, balanced and nutritious.
- Wraps, Pasta, Sandwiches, Rice, Crackers, Cous Cous, Pitta, Bagels
- Cheese, Yoghurts, Boiled Eggs
- Healthy Bar, Breadsticks, Rice Cakes, Plain Popcorn, Malt Loaf
- Fresh or Dried Fruit
- Vegetable Sticks
- Water to drink
For more ideas and suggestions for a healthy lunchbox please click on the links below.
School Meal Ordering and Payment
All school meals must be ordered and paid for through the MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) App. To ensure your child receives their chosen meal, orders should be placed at least 24 hours in advance.
If you forget to place an order, please contact the school office by 9:00am on the day. We will do our best to arrange a meal for your child, but requests received after 9:00am cannot be guaranteed.
SCHOOL SNAPSHOT
NORTHGATE PRIMARY SCHOOL
A creative and innovative place of learning.
