Healthy Snacks for Breaktime

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are provided with a portion of fruit or vegetables each day through the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

Children may also bring an appropriate healthy snack from home if required. We ask families to choose simple, healthy options such as fresh fruit or vegetables and to avoid sweets, chocolate, crisps and other confectionery.

Please ensure that snacks are clearly named where appropriate.

Allergies and Nuts

Manuden Primary School does not permit nuts or products containing nuts to be brought into school or taken on school trips.

Families should always check food labels carefully. If your child has a diagnosed food allergy, intolerance or other dietary requirement, please inform the school office so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

School Meals

Freshly prepared school meals are available each day.

Our current menu operates on a two-week rolling cycle. Children are offered three meal choices each day, including vegetarian options, alongside vegetables or other side dishes.

A healthy salad bar and fresh fruit are available every day, and fresh milk and water are also available with meals. AUTUMN 1 TERM 2026 - MENUS

Current School Lunch Menu – Autumn 1 Term 2026

Download the Autumn 1 Term 2026 School Lunch Menu

Our menu is updated periodically throughout the school year, so please check this page for the most up-to-date version.

If your child has a food allergy, intolerance or other dietary requirement, please contact the school office so that we can discuss their needs with you and our catering team.

School meal price: £3.00 per meal for children who are not entitled to a free school meal.

Free School Meals

Universal Infant Free School Meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 attending a state-funded school are entitled to a free school meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. GOV.UK

Parents do not need to be receiving benefits for their child to receive a Universal Infant Free School Meal.

Benefits-Related Free School Meals

From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, children from households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to a free school meal, regardless of household earnings. Other families receiving certain qualifying benefits may also be eligible. GOV.UK

It is important that eligible families make a claim and have their eligibility verified, even where their child is already receiving a free meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

Some children who meet the targeted Free School Meals criteria may also attract additional funding for the school through the Pupil Premium. This funding is used to support eligible pupils with their learning, wellbeing and wider opportunities. GOV.UK

If you think your child may be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals, please contact the school office or apply through your local authority.