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School Meals

Local Food LinksHot meals are supplied to us by Local Food Links. Please click here to order online

You will need a special code. Please contact the School Office if you have not received one.

Please note: 7 days cancellation must be given for orders already placed.

Cost of meals are £2.70 for KS2 children. The price will increase to £2.80 per meal from September 2026.

 

Free School Meals

School meals are free for pupils in Reception and Years 1 and 2. 

If your child is in Year 3 and up, they may be entitled to free school meals if you are in receipt of the following:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit – provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

To check eligibility and apply, please call Dorset Direct on 01305 22100. Alternatively, click here to apply online

Children already approved for free school meals will remain eligible until the end of the 2025 2026 school year. There is no need to reapply until Summer 2026

Free School Meal FAQ's

What are Free School Meals (FSM)? Free School Meals provide eligible pupils with a free school lunch during the school day. Eligibility is set by the government and schools/local authorities manage applications.

What has changed about Free School Meals?  From September 2026, eligibility rules are changing so that more families may qualify. Families receiving Universal Credit may now be eligible under the updated arrangements.

Who can apply for Free School Meals? You may be able to apply if you receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits.  Because eligibility rules can change and individual circumstances vary, we encourage all families who think they might qualify to apply.

My child already gets free meals in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 – do I still need to apply?  Yes, children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive Universal Infant Free School Meals automatically. However, registering for Free School Meals may provide access to additional funding and support for the school and your child.

My child brings packed lunches – should I still apply?  Yes, even if your child usually brings lunch from home, registering may still unlock additional support and funding for school resources and pupil support.

I applied before and was refused. Should I try again?  Yes. Eligibility rules change and family circumstances change too. We encourage families to reapply if circumstances have changed or if you are unsure.

Will other children know my child receives Free School Meals? No, applications are confidential and schools work hard to ensure children are not identified because they receive Free School Meals.

Will staff know my financial circumstances?  Only staff who need access to eligibility information for administrative purposes will usually see this information. Applications are treated confidentially

How long does an application take? Most applications are quick to complete and only take a few minutes. Processing times may vary depending on the local authority.

What information will I need to apply? You may be asked for information such as:

  • Your name and address

  • Date of birth

  • National Insurance Number 

  • Details relating to qualifying benefits

If I receive Universal Credit, does that automatically mean my child gets Free School Meals?  Families receiving Universal Credit are encouraged to apply because eligibility arrangements are changing from September 2026. Submitting an application is the best way to confirm entitlement.

Does registering help the school?  Yes, when families register for Free School Meals, schools may receive additional funding to support pupils through extra resources, interventions and wider support.

Can my child still have school meals if they have allergies or dietary requirements? Yes, please contact the school office to discuss allergies, medical needs or dietary requirements so suitable arrangements can be made.

Allergies

All Allergy Forms need to be renewed annually. If your child has an allergy, please collect a form from the school office or click on the following link: Allergy Form - LFL The form needs to be filled in and returned to Local Food Links as soon as possible. Please note, the ingredients for each dish are listed on the Local Food Links website ordering page.

Barry Dovell, Catering Manager, is the point of contact for parents of children with allergies. Barry is happy to discuss specialist dietary requirements with parents.

For general enquiries (including ordering your child’s school meals), please contact Tim Peel:

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