All meals must be ordered and paid for by 10.30 a.m. on the first day of the school week (usually Monday). If your child is absent but will be present later in the week, the money should still be sent to school on the first day of the week. Dinner money should be placed in the envelopes provided, with the child's name, class and amount of money enclosed, clearly written on the outside. Parents are requested to please send the correct amount and remember to deduct credits for any absences from the previous week.

If you wish your child to change their lunch time meal arrangements we require written notice. The change may only take place at the beginning of a HALF TERM, and therefore a letter would be required before the end of the previous half term.

A free meal is supplied to children whose parents are in receipt of Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, or Child Tax Credit, provided they do not receive Working Tax Credit and have an annual income that does not exceed £14,495. If you think your child may be entitled to free meals please contact the school or the Education Office Free Meals Section at the Civic Centre, Hartlepool. Every effort is made to ensure that children receiving free meals cannot be distinguished from other children.

There is at least a choice of four main dishes or salads or sandwiches and three puddings or yoghurts or fresh fruit each day, as a child prefers. Parents are welcome to come into school to see the choice of food available. New parents are invited to share a school meal with their child.
Children who stay at school for dinners may NOT leave the premises during the mid-day break unless the Headteacher gives express permission, or a request in writing, from a parent, is received.

If your child has a packed lunch we ask that you do not provide them with sweets or chocolate bars. Other children are not allowed them as this doesn't fit with our healthy eating policy. Also fizzy drinks in cans or bottles are a problem and are not allowed. We ask that you do not provide your child with peanut butter, peanuts in a bag or any other nuts. This is due to the adverse effect that can be caused to children who have peanut allergy. Please ensure your child has a regular sized lunch box or bag that will fit on the storage trolley. Back packs are too big.

Healthy Lunchbox checklist

1) A good portion of starchy food, e.g. thick wholemeal bread, chapatti, pita packet, pasta or rice salad.
2) Plenty of fruit and vegetables, e.g. an apple, satsuma, handful of cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, mini can of fruit in natural juice.
3) Portion of milk or dairy food, e.g. individual cheese portion, pot of yoghurt.
4) Portion of lean meat, fish or alternative, ham, chicken, beef, tuna, egg, humus or bean/lentil salad.
5) A drink of fruit juice, milk or water

It is recommended that Reception children go home for the first week, or until they are settled in school. Please check with your child’s teacher.

The price for a School Meal at present is £1.50 per day (£7.50 per week). Parents are notified by letter whenever an increase occurs.

Children bringing packed lunches must be able to manage the opening of their lunch boxes and contents.

PLAYTIME FRUIT
The school is involved in a government initiative to provide a piece of fruit for every key stage 1 child every day. This is usually eaten at the beginning of the day. KS1 children are also encouraged to bring a piece of fruit to eat at breaktime. KS2 children can bring a piece of fruit or can buy a piece of fruit from school for a nominal price to eat at break time. Sweets and crisps are not allowed.