School Lunches & Snacks
We encourage healthy eating and provide freshly cooked school lunches, helping children develop positive food choices and healthy habits.
Reception, Year 1 & Year 2
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school lunch each day through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
Years 3 to 6
School lunches cost £2.70 per meal for children in Years 3 to 6.
Payment should be made online and in advance using MyChildAtSchool (MCAS).
Children who qualify for Free School Meals do not need to pay.
Freshly Cooked School Lunches
Our school kitchen prepares healthy, freshly cooked lunches using locally produced foods wherever possible. We aim to provide balanced, nutritious meals that children can enjoy.
Our kitchen caters for vegetarian diets and works with families to support children with food allergies and intolerances.
If your child has a food allergy, intolerance or other special dietary requirement, please contact the school office so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed. Relevant medical information may be requested where necessary.
You can also view our current school lunch menu , which includes allergen information.
Healthy Lunches & Snacks
We encourage children to make healthy food choices and develop habits that will benefit them as they grow.
Hamstreet has previously been awarded the national Healthy School Standard in recognition of its commitment to healthy lifestyles.
Mid-Morning Snacks
Children may bring fruit, vegetables or cheese, such as cheese strings or slices, for their mid-morning break.
Please do not send crisps, biscuits, Fruit Winders or similar sweet snacks.
Fruit for Younger Children
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive a piece of fruit during their afternoon break.
This is provided through a government scheme that encourages children to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Drinking Water
We encourage children to drink water regularly throughout the school day to support their wellbeing and concentration.
Children in Reception leave their water bottles in class during the week and take them home at the weekend.
Packed Lunches
Children in all year groups, from Reception to Year 6, may bring a packed lunch as an alternative to a cooked school meal.
We ask families to provide a healthy, balanced packed lunch and follow these school expectations:
- Do not include sweets or chocolate.
- Do not include foods containing nuts or shellfish.
- Drinks should not be fizzy.
- Water is encouraged as a healthy drink choice.
These expectations help us promote healthy eating and reduce avoidable allergy risks within the school community.
Free School Meals & Pupil Premium
Your child may be entitled to Free School Meals if your household receives certain benefits.
From September 2026, children in households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to free school meals, regardless of earnings. Other qualifying benefits include Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the guarantee element of Pension Credit and certain forms of immigration and asylum support.
Kent County Council provides an online eligibility check and application service.
Why Is It Important to Apply?
Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a free school lunch, we strongly encourage you to complete the eligibility check.
Qualifying for benefits-related Free School Meals can help the school receive additional funding through Pupil Premium. This funding supports children’s learning and development.
Families may also qualify for additional support, including help with school uniform and other educational costs, depending on their circumstances and the type of eligibility.
Applications and enquiries are treated confidentially. If you need assistance, please speak to the school office.
Questions About School Meals?
If you have questions about school lunches, payments, dietary requirements or Free School Meals, please contact our school office.
Email: enquiries@ham-street.org.uk
Telephone: 01233 732577