Images protected by Greenhouse School Websites

Christ Church CEP Academy

  • Translate Translate Page
  • Search Search Site
  • Arbor MIS Arbor MIS
  • Class Dojo Class Dojo

 

 

School Meals

Our school is proud to offer a welcoming on-site canteen, serving a delicious selection of freshly prepared hot and cold lunches every day. Our catering is provided by Independent Catering, whose menus are designed to be tasty, nutritious and satisfying, giving children the energy they need to learn, play and make the most of their school day.

You can find out more about Independent Catering and their approach to school meals here.

Free School Meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. Children in Years 3–6 may also qualify for free school meals, depending on family circumstances. Please see the information below to find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

For children who are not entitled to a free school meal, the cost is £3.05 per day. Payment should be made at the beginning of each week through Arbor.

Packed Lunches

Children are also welcome to bring a packed lunch from home. We encourage parents and carers to provide a healthy, balanced selection of foods to keep children fuelled throughout the day. Please remember that chocolate and fizzy drinks are not permitted.

To help keep everyone safe, we are a nut-free school due to allergies. Please ensure that packed lunches do not contain nuts or products containing nuts. If any nut products are brought into school, they will be safely removed and taken to the school office for parents to collect at the end of the day.

The only additional snack permitted in school is a piece of fruit, which children can enjoy during morning break.

Drinks and Water Bottles

We encourage children to stay hydrated throughout the day. Please ensure your child brings a reusable water bottle to school each day, clearly labelled with their name. Water is available for children to refill their bottles as needed.

 

 

 

 Free school meals

 

You may be entitled to additional support with the cost of school meals, even if you are already receiving Universal Infant Free School Meals for your child in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2.

From September 2026, the eligibility criteria have been extended, meaning that all children whose households receive Universal Credit can now qualify for free school meals, regardless of household income.

You may also qualify if you receive certain other benefits, including:

  • Income Support.

  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

  • The Guarantee Element of Pension Credit.

  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

How to apply

  2. Complete the online application form with your details and your child's details.

  3. Kent County Council will check your eligibility and let you know the outcome.

  4. If successful, the school will be notified and your child can receive their free school meal.

Why is it worth applying?

Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a free school meal, registering for benefits-related Free School Meals may unlock additional support for your family and help the school access additional funding to support children's learning.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, we would always encourage you to check. There is no charge to apply.

If you need help completing an application, please contact the school office – we will be happy to help!

↑
×