Meals for KS2 children are currently charged at £2.40 each
Payment should be made online and in advance via MyChildAtSchool (MCAS)
Healthy Lunches and Snacks
Hamstreet Primary has been awarded the national Healthy School Standard as we encourage children to make healthy choices when with us, hoping that this will stay with them as they grow up. Because of this, we ask that snacks of fruit, vegetables or cheese are brought in for mid-morning break (e.g. cheese strings/slices) but not crisps, biscuits or Fruit Winder for example.
Children in Year R to 2 also receive a piece of fruit in afternoon break. This fruit is provided through a government scheme to encourage children to eat “5 a day!”
Children are also encouraged to drink water during the day as research has shown a lack of water in children has a detrimental effect on their concentration and learning. Children in Reception leave their water bottles in class during the week and take them home at the weekend.
We also cook our own lunches in our kitchen and provide a healthy, freshly cooked meal sourced from locally produced foods. All children in Years R, 1 and 2 can have a free daily school meal.
The kitchen caters for vegetarians and also for children with intolerances or allergies (we would need medical evidence of this).
Packed lunches may be taken as an alternative to a cooked lunch (from Years 3-6) but sweets, chocolate or anything containing nuts or shellfish should not be included in this. A drink (not fizzy) may be brought to school to take with the meal.
Pupil Premium & Free School Meals
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any 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
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
Even if your child is in Year R, 1 or 2 and receives a free school meal, you still need to check if you are eligible for Free School Meals – this is a simple online check. If you are, it allows the school access to extra funding called Pupil Premium. This enables us to buy resources for your child to benefit from and you may be eligible for free items of school uniform. Further information can be obtained from the Academy Office or the Principal and all enquires are treated in confidence.