Helsby Hillside Primary SchoolSchool Meals
The school operates a three option menu, one of which is vegetarian. In the summer term, we also provide a packed lunch option on certain days. The emphasis is on providing home cooked food in keeping with the school's philosophy on healthy lifestyles.
Who provides the school meals?
Meals are provided by Edsential, Cheshire West & Chester Councils catering partner. Please see their catering brochure attached.
Click here to visit their website for more information.
What if my child has a medical condition such as an allergy or Intolerence?
Edsential, who provide schools meal here Helsby Hillside, have recently reviewed their policy in relation to managing allergies and intolerances.
Edsential takes its responsibilities for providing high quality food, that is safe to eat, very seriously.
The business is committed to fulfilling all legal obligations, to reduce the risks to our customers and service users, with regards to the provision of food and the consumption of allergens which could lead to an allergic reaction. This includes all statutory guidance and best practices published by the Food Standards Agency .
The business understands that the successful implementation of this updated policy requires teamwork and the commitment and support of parents, education establishments, Edsential HQ and our Catering Teams. Where Edsential processes cannot be confirmed, the Catering Teams are directed to provide a fail-safe meal. Our fail-safe meal consists of jacket potato, a suitable approved topping, a suitable approved side salad, a piece of fresh fruit (apple) and a glass of water.
Therefore, in order for Edsential to cater for your child’s allergy/intolerance safely they require a medical letter from a health professional (this can be in the form of a hospital referral letter/allergy Clinic care plan, or downloaded from their medical record via the NHS App)
How do I pay for school meals?
School meals cost £2.95 per day/£14.75 per week from 15/04/24 for KS2 pupils which should be paid online via your ParentPay account, http://www.parentpay.com/ Payment must be made in advance of taking a meal. It is prefered if payment can be made at least weekly. Arrangements can be made to pay in cash with a Paypoint card if prefered.
Pupils in KS1, (Reception, Y1 & Y2) are eligible for infant free school meals so don't need to pay.
Can my child bring a break-time snack?
Children are allowed to bring a healthy snack for morning break but we suggest to parents that fruit is the most suitable option. School snacks (toast, bagels and fruit juice) are provided for KS2 children, which should be paid for in cash. Fresh fruit is provided for all our infant age children (Reception, Y1 and Y2).
Free School Meals
This is different/in addition to infant free school meals which all children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 are automarically entitled to receive. School can recieve additional funding to support children from low income families who are in receipt of certain benefits and may be eligible to receive free school meals. To find out if your child is eligible for Free School Meals, please see further information on the CWAC council website via this link, https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/school-meals.aspx .
Universal Infant Free School Meals
Since 2014 the Government have given grants to school to provide free school meals in KS1 (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2). The grant is calculated based on those children who take a meal on census day.
