At Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School, we recognise that good nutrition is fundamental to a pupil’s growth, learning, and overall well-being. As a maintained primary school rooted in Christian values, we are committed to nurturing every pupil so they can flourish — body, mind, and spirit — within a supportive and caring community. Our school meals provision reflects our vision to inspire excellence, resilience, and compassion by promoting healthy eating habits and fostering positive social experiences.
Hot School Meals
We are proud to offer hot school meals that provide balanced, nutritious food designed to fuel pupils’ learning and development throughout the school day. Our menus are carefully planned to meet the Food Standards Agency’s nutritional standards and include a variety of:
- Lean proteins
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
Benefits of Hot School Meals:
- Nutritional Value: Each meal supports pupils’ physical health and concentration, helping them to stay energised and engaged in lessons.
- Improved Concentration: Well-nourished pupils are better able to focus and achieve their academic potential.
- Healthy Habits: We encourage lifelong healthy eating habits that align with our core values of Service and Trust in caring for ourselves and others.
- Social Interaction: Lunchtimes offer valuable opportunities for pupils to build friendships and develop social skills in a warm, inclusive environment.
- Convenience for Parents: Booking hot meals through Arbour simplifies mealtime planning, saving parents time and ensuring pupils receive balanced meals.
Meals cost £3.20 per day and should ideally be booked via Bromcom by the Sunday before the week. If you need assistance, please contact the school office. A helpful “How To” guide and current menus are available below.
Free School Meals
From September 2026, the eligibility rules for Free School Meals (FSM) have changed.
All children in households receiving Universal Credit are now eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of household income. This means that families who previously did not qualify because their earnings were above the £7,400 threshold may now be eligible.
There are two categories:
1) Targeted Free School Meals
Children are eligible for targeted FSM where their household:
- receives Universal Credit
- has annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, excluding benefits
Children in this group may also attract additional support through the Pupil Premium and may be eligible for other support such as the Holiday Activities and Food Programme.
2) Expanded Free School Meals
From September 2026, children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400 are also eligible for Free School Meals.
This expanded entitlement provides the free school meal but does not attract Pupil Premium funding.
How to apply
Even if you think your child may now be eligible, you should make an application through Kent County Council. Kent County Council will check your eligibility and notify the school when your application is successful.
Your child should then be able to receive a free school meal within 24 hours.
Parents can check their eligibility and apply here
If you are unsure whether you qualify, we recommend applying. There is no disadvantage to making an application and it helps ensure that your child receives any support to which they are entitled.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 continue to receive Universal Infant Free School Meals, regardless of household income.
There is more information here: Free School Meals
Packed Lunches
Pupils who bring packed lunches should use a clearly named, suitable container. Lunchboxes are stored safely in class chests until mealtime. Any uneaten food is sent home to encourage healthy eating habits.
As a Healthy School, we encourage parents and pupils to make nutritious choices. For ideas and guidance, please refer to the Eatwell Guide linked below.
Special Diets and Allergies
We understand that some pupils require special dietary provisions due to health needs or allergies. In partnership with parents, we are happy to tailor our menus to accommodate these needs. Alternatively, parents may provide packed lunches, for which we ask that healthy choices are maintained.
To ensure the safety of all pupils, swapping food is not permitted, and we kindly ask that no nuts or nut-containing products are sent into school.