Lunches

At The Willows Catholic Primary School, we believe that lunchtime should be a happy, enjoyable part of the school day. We want every child to have access to nutritious, balanced meals that help them stay healthy, develop good eating habits and be ready to learn throughout the afternoon.

Children can enjoy a freshly prepared school meal or bring a healthy packed lunch from home.

Our School Kitchen

We are fortunate to have a dedicated catering team who prepare and serve our school meals each day. Our catering service is provided by Caterlink, with our Head Chef, John, supported by Chloe and Courtney. The team takes great pride in preparing appealing, nutritious meals for our children. John brings a wealth of experience from his career in catering and is committed to providing meals that children will enjoy. Our school meals offer a variety of choices, helping children experience different foods while enjoying familiar favourites.

We encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards food, try new things and enjoy eating together with their friends.

School Dinner Menus

Our school meals are planned to provide a balanced diet, in line with the government's School Food Standards. The menu offers a variety of dishes throughout the week, with different options to suit children's preferences and dietary requirements. Parents can view the available menu choices through My Child At School (MCAS). We encourage families to look through the menu with their children and discuss their choices.

Special Dietary Requirements and Allergies

We recognise that some children have specific dietary requirements because of allergies, medical conditions, religious beliefs or other individual needs. We work with Caterlink to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made wherever possible. If your child has a food allergy, intolerance or other dietary requirement, please inform the school office before ordering meals. Where necessary, we will work with you and our catering provider to agree suitable arrangements and ensure that relevant staff have the information they need.

Please do not assume that a particular meal is suitable for your child without checking if they have a diagnosed allergy or specific dietary requirement.

If your child's dietary needs change, please let us know promptly so that we can review their arrangements.

Healthy Packed Lunches

Children who prefer not to have a school meal are welcome to bring a packed lunch from home. We encourage families to provide a healthy, balanced lunch that gives children the energy and nutrients they need for the school day.

A balanced packed lunch might include:

A main item: Sandwiches, wraps, rolls, pasta or another suitable alternative.
Fruit and vegetables: Fresh fruit, cucumber sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes or other vegetables.
A source of protein: Cheese, chicken, egg, hummus or another suitable filling or accompaniment.
A dairy food or alternative: Yoghurt, cheese or a suitable alternative.
An additional snack: A plain biscuit, breadsticks or a similar item.

We understand that children have different tastes and appetites. Packed lunches do not need to be complicated or expensive. The aim is to provide a varied and satisfying meal that your child will enjoy. For younger children, please prepare foods such as grapes and cherry tomatoes safely by cutting them lengthways into quarters.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

To support healthy eating and maintain consistency with our school expectations, please do not include:

Sweets or chocolate bars
Chewing gum
Fizzy drinks or energy drinks
Food intended to be shared or traded with other pupils

Please also follow any additional guidance issued by school about foods that may present an allergy risk.

Drinking Water

Children are encouraged to drink water regularly throughout the school day.

The school provides pupils with a water bottle. Children should use their school-issued bottle, filled with water.

Please do not send additional bottles containing squash, juice or fizzy drinks.

Lunchtime at The Willows

Lunchtime is an important opportunity for children to relax, develop friendships and enjoy spending time together. We encourage children to demonstrate good manners, respect for others and positive behaviour when eating. Our staff support children to enjoy their meals, develop independence and make lunchtime a pleasant experience for everyone. As a Catholic school, we also recognise the importance of gratitude. Children are encouraged to give thanks for their food and to show care and consideration for others.