School Meals
At Ickworth Park Primary School, we believe that healthy, nutritious food plays an important role in children's wellbeing, development and learning. Lunchtimes are an important part of the school day, providing children with an opportunity to enjoy a balanced meal and spend time socialising with their peers.
Our school meals are provided by The Lunchtime Company, a specialist school catering provider with over 25 years' experience in delivering high-quality meals to schools across East Anglia. Meals are freshly prepared and designed to meet the Government's School Food Standards, ensuring children have access to healthy, nutritious and enjoyable food every day.
https://www.gov.uk/school-meals-food-standards
School Meal Menus
A variety of meal options are available each day, including:
- A hot main meal
- A vegetarian option
- Fresh vegetables and salad
- Desserts and fruit options
- Special dietary meals where required
Current menus can be viewed and downloaded below.
Universal Infant Free School Meals
All children in:
- Reception
- Year 1
- Year 2
are entitled to a free school meal every day through the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
We encourage all children in these year groups to take advantage of this offer.
Free School Meals and Pupil Premium
Families who receive certain benefits may be eligible for Free School Meals.
Registering for Free School Meals can also help the school access additional funding through the Pupil Premium, providing further support for children's education and wellbeing.
Even if your child is currently receiving Universal Infant Free School Meals, we encourage eligible families to apply.
For more information and to check eligibility, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
Allergies, Medical Diets and Food Safety
The safety and wellbeing of children with allergies and medical dietary requirements is extremely important to us.
We work closely with families and The Lunchtime Company to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for children with:
- Food allergies
- Food intolerances
- Coeliac disease
- Medically prescribed diets
- Other dietary requirements linked to a medical condition
Individual healthcare plans are created where necessary, and relevant information is shared with staff to ensure children remain safe throughout the school day.
If your child has an allergy or medical dietary requirement, please inform the school office as soon as possible and notify us immediately of any changes.
Allergen Information
The school and The Lunchtime Company follow current food safety legislation, including Natasha's Law, which requires food businesses to provide clear ingredient and allergen information on foods pre-packed for direct sale.
Detailed allergen information is available for all school meals and can be provided upon request.
We are committed to working closely with families to minimise risk and ensure pupils with allergies can safely access school meals.
Nut-Aware School
As we have children with severe nut allergies, we ask families not to send nuts or nut-containing products into school, including:
- Peanuts
- Peanut butter
- Nut-based cereal bars
- Chocolate spreads containing nuts
- Other snacks containing nuts
Whilst it is not possible to guarantee a completely nut-free environment, we take all reasonable steps to minimise risk and keep children safe.
We appreciate parents' support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all pupils.
Healthy Packed Lunches
Children who bring a packed lunch are encouraged to bring a healthy, balanced meal that supports learning and concentration throughout the day.
A healthy packed lunch should include:
- A sandwich, wrap, pasta, rice or similar carbohydrate-based food
- Fruit and/or vegetables
- A dairy product such as yoghurt or cheese
- Water to drink
We ask families to avoid sending:
- Sweets
- Chocolate bars
- Energy drinks
- Highly caffeinated drinks
Helping children develop healthy eating habits is an important part of our commitment to supporting lifelong wellbeing.
Mid-Morning Snacks
Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable each day through the Government Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.
Children in Key Stage 2 may bring a small healthy snack for morning break, such as:
- Fresh fruit
- Dried fruit
- Vegetable sticks
- Plain crackers
- Rice cakes
To support healthy eating and protect children with allergies, we ask that snacks do not include sweets, chocolate or nut products.
Drinks
Children should bring a named water bottle to school each day.
Fresh drinking water is available throughout the school and children are encouraged to drink regularly throughout the day.
To promote good health, hydration and concentration, water should be the only drink consumed during lessons.
Promoting Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is an important part of school life at Ickworth Park.
Through our curriculum, themed events and everyday experiences, we aim to help children:
- Develop a positive relationship with food
- Learn about balanced diets and healthy lifestyles
- Try new foods and flavours
- Understand how food contributes to physical and mental wellbeing
We work closely with The Lunchtime Company to ensure that healthy choices are available and that lunchtime remains a positive experience for all children.
Lunchtime Co Contact Details:
info@lunchtime.co.uk