At Nightingale Primary School, our meals are provided by our catering partner, Hampshire County Council Education Catering (Formerly known as HC3S) and the vast majority of our children opt for at least one school meal a week. Hampshire County Council Education Catering offers a rolling three-week menu which can be found here.
Children can have a school meal every day or a combination of school meals and packed lunches. This provides families the freedom to tailor their choices to the individual needs and preferences of their child. Parents are able to view our menu options, book and pay for their child’s lunch in advance via SCOPAY or children can order themselves in the classroom each morning.
We know that a healthy lunch is essential for good learning and evidence shows:
- Children are better prepared for learning if they eat well
- Children make more progress if they have eaten the right nutritional lunch
- Eating lunch together is an important social occasion and the children learn vital social skills
The cost of this tasty and nutritious meal is currently £3.00. Children in Years R, 1 and 2 are entitled to receive a free school meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meal system. Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 have to purchase a Hampshire County Council Education Catering meal unless they are eligible for Free School Meals. If you feel your child may be entitled to Free School Meals you need to apply via the Hampshire County Council website which can be found by clicking here. All meals must be paid for until we have confirmation of your eligibility and unfortunately, this cannot be backdated.
Food Allergies & Intolerances
Hampshire County Council Education Catering is able to meet the needs of all children, including those who have a food allergy or intolerance. Please click here to visit the Hampshire County Council Education Catering website for further details and to register for an account. Hampshire County Council Education Catering will review your medical evidence with their NHS dietician and devise an adapted menu for your child’s school lunch.
Once registered, you can see your child’s individual menu and update medical evidence details whenever you need to. Hampshire County Council Education Catering also be able to send you updates when your child’s new menus are created.
Healthy packed lunches
If you choose to provide a packed lunch for your child, please click here to read our suggestions for a healthy lunchbox and guidelines as to what should be included and what must be avoided. Why not visit www.nhs.uk/change4life/pages/healthy-lunchbox-picnic.aspx for a two week menu filled with nutritious ideas.
Paying for your school lunch
We are encouraging everyone to register for a SCOPAY account, however we will accept payments in cash or cheque (made payable to Hampshire County Council).
For more information on SCOPAY please click here or to request an online access code please click here.