At Christ Church Primary School, arrangements for lunchtime and food and drink throughout the day are designed to support our vision ‘Aspiring together through love'.

Food and sharing food are an important part of what we do as a school. At Christ Church Primary it is our aim that all children enjoy eating together, have opportunity to taste different foods and learn about how healthy food and drink choices can impact positively on their lives now and into the future.

Healthy food and drink on offer at lunchtime and other times of day ensures that children are energised and nutritionally fuelled ready for learning and enjoying school. The importance of educating for healthy eating and good oral health extends throughout the day and our healthy food policy and practice gives children the required knowledge to lead a healthy lifestyle for themselves. 

Lunchtime

Lunchtime in particular is a very special time for all of our children; it is a time when they dine together and are able to flourish socially and spiritually. It is a time for children to build quality relationships, develop independence and grow in their social development. ‘Happy Healthy Lunchtimes’ at Christ Church Primary ensure children have a safe, happy and worthwhile break from school teaching sessions in the middle of the day.

All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to a 'Universal Free School Meal' if they wish to have one. For those wishing to bring a packed lunch, we request that it is a balanced, healthy meal. All children dine together and our children are looked after by our very own highly qualified learning assistant staff team who know them well and ensure that lunchtime is a positive and rewarding time.

Meals are provided by Alliance in Partnership (AIP) and meet the mandatory Food Standards set by the Department for Education and are cooked on the premises.  To find out more about AIP, please see the information at the end of this section. 

Menus can also be found at the end of this section and run on a three-week rolling basis.  Dates for each week and when menus are 'running' can be found on each menu. 

From year three upwards (KS2), universal free school meals ceases and, unless your child is entitled to a free school meal under eligibility criteria, meals will need to be paid for. Meals are paid for via our payment app Eduspot. Children can bring a packed lunch from home if they prefer. Children sit with their friends at tables in their classroom during this time. Our healthy eating policy applies and we do ask parents and carers to pack a nutritious lunch for their child; fizzy drinks, chocolate and sweets are not allowed. 

We have a nut free policy which is strictly enforced to ensure the well-being of any pupil who may have a nut allergy.

It is possible to 'mix and match' school dinners and sandwiches from home. Please contact the office for further details.

Please see dates on each menu to find out which menu is running which week. 

Morning Snack

At Christ Church Primary School we understand that snacks can play an important part in the diet of young people and can contribute positively towards a balanced diet. The Government’s school fruit and vegetable scheme entitles all children in KS1 to one piece of fruit and/or vegetable per day and in addition, the school fully funds fruit and vegetables for all children in KS2. Milk is also purchased by the school and is on offer for all children should they wish.

From year three upwards children are able to purchase milk and/ or toast should they wish to do so. The cost for this is kept to a minimum and prices can be found in the school office.

Children in EYFS and KS1 enjoy ‘fruit and milk’ time in the classroom with their class team. KS2 children enjoy their snack during their morning breaktime.

Drinks

The school food plan states: Water is available for all pupils throughout the day, free of charge. Milk is available at least once a day.

At Christ Church Primary School we promote children’s good general health and oral health with a strict ‘water only’ water bottle policy. Children are able to bring their own water bottle from home if they wish and we ask that this has a sports cap where possible to avoid unnecessary spillage. Children are able to refill their water bottle throughout the day. For those who do not bring a water bottle from home, a small plastic beaker is supplied. Juice drinks such as ‘squash’ are not allowed during the school day and children will be asked to take these home at the end of the day should they bring them in.

Our Lunchtime Arrangements and School Food policy can be found in the 'Policies' tab.

Healthy Lunchbox Week

Throughout the year we have Healthy Lunchbox Weeks in school. Children are able to receive a sticker every day for having a healthy lunchbox or for eating all of their hot lunch (or trying something new) within school.  Children from Reception to Year 6 can take part. You can find recommendations for Healthy Lunchboxes here at the NHS Change For Life website: