At Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School, we recognise that good nutrition is fundamental to a pupil’s growth, learning, and overall well-being. As a maintained primary school rooted in Christian values, we are committed to nurturing every pupil so they can flourish — body, mind, and spirit — within a supportive and caring community. Our school meals provision reflects our vision to inspire excellence, resilience, and compassion by promoting healthy eating habits and fostering positive social experiences.
Hot School Meals
We are proud to offer hot school meals that provide balanced, nutritious food designed to fuel pupils’ learning and development throughout the school day. Our menus are carefully planned to meet the Food Standards Agency’s nutritional standards and include a variety of:
- Lean proteins
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
Benefits of Hot School Meals:
- Nutritional Value: Each meal supports pupils’ physical health and concentration, helping them to stay energised and engaged in lessons.
- Improved Concentration: Well-nourished pupils are better able to focus and achieve their academic potential.
- Healthy Habits: We encourage lifelong healthy eating habits that align with our core values of Service and Trust in caring for ourselves and others.
- Social Interaction: Lunchtimes offer valuable opportunities for pupils to build friendships and develop social skills in a warm, inclusive environment.
- Convenience for Parents: Booking hot meals through Arbour simplifies mealtime planning, saving parents time and ensuring pupils receive balanced meals.
Meals cost £3.05 per day and should ideally be booked via Arbour by the Sunday before the week. If you need assistance, please contact the school office. A helpful “How To” guide and current menus are available below.
Free School Meals
All pupils in Reception through Year 2 are eligible for Universal Free School Meals under the Government initiative.
For pupils in Key Stage 2, eligibility for free school meals depends on certain household income criteria or benefits, including:
- Universal Credit (with specific income limits)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (with income limits)
- Working Tax Credit run-on
Applying online is straightforward, and successful applications are notified to the school immediately, enabling pupils to access their free meals within 24 hours. Registering also helps the school receive additional funding to support your child’s learning. Parents can chek their eligibility and apply here
Packed Lunches
Pupils who bring packed lunches should use a clearly named, suitable container. Lunchboxes are stored safely in class chests until mealtime. Any uneaten food is sent home to encourage healthy eating habits.
As a Healthy School, we encourage parents and pupils to make nutritious choices. For ideas and guidance, please refer to the Eatwell Guide linked below.
Special Diets and Allergies
We understand that some pupils require special dietary provisions due to health needs or allergies. In partnership with parents, we are happy to tailor our menus to accommodate these needs. Alternatively, parents may provide packed lunches, for which we ask that healthy choices are maintained.
To ensure the safety of all pupils, swapping food is not permitted, and we kindly ask that no nuts or nut-containing products are sent into school.