School Dinners

What school meals are available to my child?

The menu is on a three week cycle.   Nutritional information can be found on the Herts Catering Limited website.

For each day, there is a meat or fish option; a vegetarian option, a cold option (e.g. a cheese roll), or the option of a jacket potato with cheese and/or beans.  

Our dessert options include fresh fruit, fruit jelly, fruit yogurts or cheese and crackers.

How do I book a school meal for my child?

A parent/carer must book their child's meals using School Grid.  To get set up on School Grid, you must telephone or e-mail the Office Administrator.  

By using School Grid, it ensures your child can select a meal they will enjoy, rather than their favourite option running out before their class come into the dining hall to eat lunch.  Similarly, it gives parents and carers complete control over what food their child will eat, so if there are any foods your child must not eat for cultural or religious reasons, you will ensure those are not selected for your child to eat in school.  

What if my child has a food allergy or food intolerance?

If your child has a food allergy or intolerance, you must click here to apply for a special menu.  This ensures the cooks working in the kitchen are aware of your child's requirements and so can ensure these are met to keep your child safe and well.  

What is the cost of a school meal and how do I pay?

Currently, the cost is £3.15 per meal for children in Years 3-6, unless your child is entitled to universal free school meals (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) or free school meals in key stage 2, in which case there is no charge. 

Our preferred method of payment for school dinners is via the SchoolGateway app.  You may also set up a direct debit on School Grid or bring cash to the School Office.  

Universal Free School Meals (Reception, Year 1 & Year 2)

Regardless of household income, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can get a free meal at school during lunchtime.  However, if you receive any of the benefits listed below in the next section, you should click here to apply for free school meals as this will allow your child to get free school milk each day and the school will receive extra money to help children with their learning.

Free School Meals (Years 3-6)

If you have a child in Year 3, 4, 5 or 6, and you receive any of the benefits listed below, your child could get a free school meal each day at lunchtime:

• 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 State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (as long as you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and you don't get more than £16,190 a year)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Universal Credit (with annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get).

Click here to apply today if you receive any of the benefits listed above. It takes 5 minutes and in most cases, you will find out straightaway if your child can get free meals at school.  

If you have any questions, please telephone the school office on 01992 624099 or e-mail admin@hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk to ask for help about applying for free school meals.