Thorney Close Primary School

"Where Learning Blossoms..."

Catering 

School meals currently costs £2.40 per day (£12.00 per week). 

From September 2025 school meals will cost £2.50 per day (£12.50 per week)

School Dinners – Fresh, Tasty and Nutritious!

School dinners have improved so much over the years, and we’re proud to offer a wide selection of freshly cooked hot meals every day. Each meal includes a tasty dessert and a drink. There’s also a variety of lighter options available, including a well-stocked salad bar, fresh sandwiches, and jacket potatoes—so there’s something to suit every taste.

Our menus are carefully designed and tested to ensure your child receives a healthy, balanced diet full of essential nutrients and vitamins. We work closely with the local authority to create meals that are both nutritious and appealing to children. We also carefully monitor fat, sugar, and salt levels to promote healthy eating habits.

We encourage children to try new foods and explore a wide range of flavours in a positive and supportive environment.

Dietary Requirements

If your child has any dietary requirements, please make an appointment with Mrs Jenner to discuss their needs. To help us create a safe and suitable menu, we kindly ask that you provide a letter from your child’s dietician or consultant. Once received, we’ll work closely with our School Cook to plan appropriate meals.


Packed Lunch or School Meal? Let Us Know!

If your child would like to switch from packed lunches to school meals—or vice versa—you must inform the school office by sending a message through Arbor.  If we don’t receive notification, you may still be charged for meals that have already been ordered and prepared.

To support our School Cook with planning and food orders, we kindly ask that changes to meal preferences are made at the beginning of each half term, where possible.


Free Meals for Younger Children

Children in Reception to Year 2 receive free school meals under the government’s Infant Universal Free School Meals scheme. As such, all children in these year groups are provided with a hot school meal each day. We do not encourage packed lunches to be brought in for these children, as we want everyone to benefit from the nutritious meals provided.

From Year 3 onwards, families can choose between school meals and packed lunches. If your child is eligible for means-tested Free School Meals and you’ve applied successfully, they will continue to receive school meals free of charge.


Payment Information

School meals are currently priced at £2.40 per day or £12.00 per week. Payments must be made in advance on Monday mornings. You can pay weekly, monthly, or termly—whatever suits you best.

All payments should be made through the Arbor system. If you haven’t set this up yet, please contact the school office and we’ll be happy to assist. Arbor can also be used for other payments, including school trips.

Please note: In line with school financial procedures, we are unable to allow dinner money arrears—meals must be paid for in advance.


Price Change from September 2025

From September 2025, the cost of school meals will increase to £2.50 per day. We’ve worked hard to keep prices low, but rising food and staffing costs mean this small increase is necessary to continue offering high-quality meals.

 

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