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Lunch & Snacks

Welcome to the Bottesford Schools Federation guide to lunch and snacks. We are committed to providing healthy, enjoyable and inclusive food experiences for all our pupils across the Infant and Junior sites. Mealtimes are an important part of school life — they support learning, social skills and wellbeing, and reflect our vision to "RISE together".

Our approach to food and mealtimes

  • We pride ourselves on being an active and healthy federation. Healthy eating is promoted across the school day and is woven into curriculum learning, assemblies, personal development curriculum and day-to-day routines.
  • Reading and real-life learning  are reflected in how we teach about food: pupils learn where food comes from, how to make healthy choices and share practical cooking and food-preparation activities when age-appropriate.
  • Mealtimes are calm, social and supportive. Staff use them as opportunities to model respect, integrity and empowerment — encouraging independence, good manners and positive conversation.

School lunches

  • Our school lunch provision promotes balanced, nutritious meals that meet the Government’s school food standards. Menus change regularly to reflect seasonality and cultural variety, ensuring there is choice for all tastes.
  • We work with our caterers to provide:
    • Balanced main meals and vegetarian options
    • Fresh fruit and vegetables every day
    • Water available at all times
  • If your child has dietary requirements (medical, religious or cultural) or allergies, please notify the school so we can ensure safe, suitable choices are provided. Our SEND and pastoral teams work with families to make reasonable adjustments and provide the support pupils need.

How our values show at mealtimes

  • Respect: Pupils learn to respect one another’s dietary needs and cultural preferences and to value the effort that goes into providing healthy food.
  • Integrity: Pupils are encouraged to make honest, healthy choices and take responsibility for clearing up after themselves.
  • Strive: Lunchtimes and food-related lessons support pupils to develop independence — using cutlery, managing portions and trying new foods.
  • Empowered: We give pupils voice and choice, for example through meal feedback and pupil-led lunch team.

Supporting families

  • Free school meals and Pupil Premium: If your child is eligible for free school meals or receives Pupil Premium support, please contact the school office for confidential advice and support. 
  • Practical support: We provide information and occasional workshops for families on healthy lunchboxes, budgeting and simple meal preparation.
  • Transition and SEND: For pupils with SEND, our staff plan and adapt mealtime routines as required.