Chartwells are the chosen school meal provider across all KCSP schools and meals (unless FSM or UIFSM) are charged at £2.75.

In an attempt to remove all cash and cheques from school all parents are asked to use our e-payment method to pay for dinner money, trips & events at school.  This is done online using a very secure website using ParentPay or in cash at local stores where you see the PayPoint logo.

School dinners must always be paid for at the beginning of the school week via ParentPay.  Packed lunches are available for Reception and KS1.  If you have any enquiries regarding school meals please contact the school office and we will transfer you over to the kitchen staff.

PUPIL PREMIUM - IMPORTANT PLEASE READ

You may have heard that the government gives additional money to schools for every pupil who has registered for free school meals; this funding is called ‘Pupil Premium’.

As from September 2014, every Infant pupil has been automatically entitled to receive free school dinners. However, for each pupil entitled to claim a free school meal, the school receives an additional funding per year in the school’s budget and free school milk can be provided when the children reach five years old. This funding allows us to support these pupils by assisting across a range of areas including: the provision of additional resources where necessary, a Teaching Assistant and small group or individual teaching support. This benefits both the pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding and other children needing additional educational support.

Therefore, could I urge you to apply, if you believe you are eligible? The free school meals process at St Mary’s is entirely confidential and you do not need to take up the entitlement, however, I’m sure that you’ll agree that the amount of additional funding we could receive if you do apply would help the school enormously.

To be eligible for free school meals your family must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (not including Working Tax Credit) if the household income is below £16,190
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit

Kent County Council has launched an online Free School Meals application service that provides the opportunity to find out if you are entitled to make a claim. This can be accessed at http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/free-school-meals.  The school will be notified automatically of any successful applicants.

Medical Dietary Requirements

If your child has food allergies and require a medical diet, Chartwells are able to provide this for them.  Parents should complete a Medical Diet Request Form and send it to Chartwells, along with supporting medical evidence.  Please see the Medical Diet Policy and relevant forms below.