It is very important for all young people to eat a healthy, balanced diet and Kirklees Catering Service takes this responsibility very seriously. Here are some facts about our service and the meals we offer in school:

• Every menu is tailored to the school after consulting with our customers (you, your children and their teachers)
• We cater for special diets in partnership with each school.
• We hold themed events, linked to what’s happening in and out of school, which make lunchtime educational and fun.
• Primary schools have regular visits from our mascot, Munch the friendly dragon, who promotes healthy foods and educates children about healthy eating and lifestyles.
• Schools serve a nutritious and tasty two course meal, prepared daily on site, at a set price of £2.30 per day. 
• Our service holds the Food for Life bronze catering mark (working towards the silver) which means menus include a minimum of 75% fresh food, free range eggs, high welfare meat and sustainable fish.
• Research has shown that children concentrate much better if they have eaten a healthy, balanced meal at lunchtime, which can support your child’s learning in school.
• All menus are nutritionally analysed to ensure they meet, and often exceed, Government standards.

For more information please click here to visit the Kirklees School Meals webpage.

Statutory Free School Meals (benefits related free school meals)

Children and young people who live in Kirklees and who:

• attend full time at a local authority school or sixth form
• are under 19 years of age

and whose parents or carers receive one or more of the following:

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
• Income Support
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit, but are not entitled to a Working Tax Credit and your annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) is less than £16,190
• Support under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

can apply for Statutory Free School Meals:

• online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/free-school-meals
• on the phone: 01484 221928

Schools receive extra funding for every child who is entitled to Statutory Free School Meals so please support us by registering if you are eligible.

Children who are entitled to Statutory Free School Meals also receive free school milk which is available to all other pupils on payment of a termly fee and we can also provide free packed lunches to take on school trips.

Your application is anonymous, no one will know you have applied and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.

If you are unsure if you are eligible or need help with your application, please contact the school office and Mrs Ball or Mrs Mitchell will be happy to help you.

For further information please contact Kirklees Free School Meals on 01484 221928 or freeschoolmeals@kirklees.gov.uk.

Universal Infant Free School Meals

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 who are not eligible for Statutory Free School Meals under the scheme above receive free meals (but not milk) under a different scheme called Universal Infant Free School Meals, no application is required.

From Year 3 onwards, families either pay for school meals or can claim Statutory Free School Meals if they are eligible.