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.

Allergen Advice

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.

How do I qualify?
Parents/carers who receive any of the following are entitled to free school meals:

- Income Support (IS)

- Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)

- Universal Credit with an annual household income of below £7400 after tax

- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA)

- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit.

- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

- Child Tax Credit provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit, with an annual taxable income (as assessed by HMRC) of less than £16,190

Please note: Only the benefits listed above qualify for free school meals.

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 Miss Weston 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.

NHS Choices
Change4Life

Aspens Online Ordering and Payment System

Northgate Primary school would like to introduce you to the Aspens online ordering and payment system for your child’s school meals. The school will no longer be sending out paper menus and all orders must be placed using the online ordering system. This system will be completely separate from school and run entirely by Aspens. If you would like your child to continue to have a hot meal you will need to set up an online account with Aspens and make your orders directly with them.

We will be working closely with Aspens during the changeover to online ordering to ensure that all families can access the ordering system, but it is really important that you seek support from Aspens if you have any difficulties. We will try to help in school if we can but for the quickest results it is best to contact Aspens directly.

Aspen – You can contact them via email on info@aspens-services.com or call on 01905 759613. You will also find a host of information on their website – www.aspens-services.com

Please click on the links below to access further information about the online ordering and payment system.

How to Register for the Online Ordering and Payment System and Place Orders

Please click on the links below for guidance on how to register your child for the online ordering and payment system and to find out how to place orders.