School Meals and Healthy Eating
At SS John and Monica Catholic Primary School, we recognise the importance of providing children with healthy, nutritious and balanced meals to support their growth, wellbeing and learning. We are committed to promoting positive eating habits and ensuring that lunchtime is an enjoyable and sociable part of the school day.
Children can choose to enjoy a freshly prepared school meal or bring a healthy packed lunch from home.
School Meals and Payments
Our school meals provide children with a nutritious and balanced lunch, with a variety of menu options available.
Payment for school meals should be made securely online through Eduspot. Parents and carers will receive information from the school explaining how to access their child's account and make payments.
Our electronic payment system offers a convenient, secure and transparent way of managing school meal payments.
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Absences: If your child is absent from school, the electronic system automatically records their absence and ensures that their account is not charged for a meal on that day.
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Meal Charges: The cost of school meals is determined by the relevant catering arrangements and may be subject to change. Parents will be informed of any changes to meal prices.
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Free School Meals: Parents who believe their child may be eligible for free school meals are encouraged to contact the School Office, where staff will be happy to provide advice and support with the application process.
Universal Infant Free School Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal each day under the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
Families who may also qualify for benefits-related free school meals are strongly encouraged to apply, even if their child already receives a free meal through this scheme. Eligibility may provide access to additional funding and support for your child's education through Pupil Premium.
| 1 day lunch money | £2.75 |
| 2 days lunch money | £5.50 |
| 3 days lunch money | £8.25 |
| 4 days of lunch money | £11.00 |
| 5 days lunch money | £13.75 |
Packed Lunches
Children are welcome to bring a packed lunch from home. We ask parents and carers to support our commitment to healthy eating by providing a balanced and nutritious lunch that helps children remain energised and ready to learn throughout the afternoon.
In line with our Healthy Eating and Packed Lunch Policy, we ask that:
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Packed lunches include a healthy balance of foods, such as sandwiches, wraps, fruit, vegetables and other nutritious options.
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Sweets, chocolate bars and fizzy drinks are not brought into school.
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Drinks are provided in suitable, secure, non-breakable containers. Glass bottles and tins are not permitted.
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Lunchboxes and drinks containers are clearly labelled with your child's name.
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All containers are securely closed to prevent spillages and damage to school belongings.
Children who bring packed lunches may also have the opportunity to purchase pizza on Fridays. Parents should contact the School Office for further information and payment arrangements.
Meal Choices and Arrangements
To support effective meal planning, food preparation and catering arrangements, children are expected to remain with their chosen lunchtime option — either school meals or packed lunches — for the duration of each half-term.
Parents wishing to change their child's meal arrangements should contact the School Office in advance of the following half-term.
We recognise that individual circumstances may arise and encourage families to contact us if they need to discuss specific dietary or medical requirements.
Pupil Voice – Having a Say in Our School Menu
We believe that children should have a voice in decisions that affect their everyday school experience.
Through our School Council, pupils play an active role in helping to shape and improve our school meal provision. School Council representatives meet with the Catering Manager to discuss menus, share feedback from their classmates and suggest new meal ideas.
This valuable involvement encourages children to develop confidence, responsibility and an understanding of healthy food choices, while ensuring that their views are listened to and valued.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Healthy eating is an important part of our wider commitment to children's physical and emotional wellbeing. Through our curriculum, school routines and lunchtime provision, we encourage children to make informed choices about food, develop positive eating habits and understand the importance of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
By working together with parents and carers, we aim to ensure that every child enjoys a positive lunchtime experience and develops healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.