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School Lunches

Menu

Our menu runs on a two-week cycle and offers a variety of hot meals with vegetarian options available daily. Pupils can also choose from jacket potatoes, paninis, or our deli bar.

Download our current menu below.

Lunchtimes are an important part of the school day and a valuable teaching opportunity. Class staff and midday staff  support pupils during mealtimes, promoting and developing a range of skills including:

  • Independence skills - making choices, using cutlery, and self-feeding
  • Social skills - sitting with others, turn-taking, and communication
  • Self-care skills - hand washing, table manners, and clearing away
  • Sensory exploration - trying new foods, textures, and flavours

We understand that some pupils require specific meals or have limited diets due to their special educational needs. Staff will:

  • Support specific feeding requirements as discussed with parents or other professionals (such as the dietician and SALT)
  • Encourage independence when eating, at a pace that suits each child
  • Adapt meals to meet individual dietary needs and preferences
  • Create a positive, calm dining experience

Allergies and dietary requirements

Please inform the school office of any allergies, dietary requirements, food preferences, or feeding support needs. We will work with you and any relevant professionals to ensure your child's needs are met.

Cost of School Meals

Pupil dinners: £2.50 per meal

Payments: Via Compass on the Parent Portal

Packed lunches: You may send your child with a packed lunch instead of a school meal if you prefer.

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day, regardless of family income. This is called Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).

This entitlement ends when your child moves into Year 3.

Free School Meals (FSM) & Pupil Premium

Wirral Council operates an opt-out system for Free School Meals. If you receive qualifying benefits, your child will automatically be registered for Free School Meals using council benefit data, meaning you do not need to fill out a separate application form.

Why this matters for your child and the school:

  • Extra Funding for Learning: Registration secures £1,480 per year in Pupil Premium funding per eligible primary pupil, directly supporting your child’s learning, resources, and wellbeing.

  • Continuous Free Meals: Your child will continue to receive free school meals when they move into Year 3 and beyond.

  • Additional Benefits: Eligible families may also qualify for help with uniform costs, school trips, and extracurricular activities.

Qualifying Criteria

Automatic entitlement applies if your household receives any of the following:

  • Universal Credit (provided your household net earned income is under £7,400 per year after tax and not including benefits)

  • Income Support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

  • Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income below £16,190)

  • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

Opting Out or Checking Eligibility

If you wish to opt out, check your registration status, or report a change in your household's financial circumstances, please contact:

Questions?

If you have any questions about school meals, Free School Meals eligibility, or would like to discuss your child's individual needs, please contact:

Phone: 0151 342 6741
Or speak to: Your child's class staff via ClassDojo

Stanley School, Greenbank Drive, Pensby, Wirral, CH61 5UE

schooloffice@stanley.wirral.sch.uk

0151 342 6741