School Meals
School Meals
At Scientia Primary Academy, school meals are provided by HCL, who offer a range of healthy, nutritious meals each day.
Menus are shared with parents regularly and can be viewed via the school's meal ordering system. We encourage pupils to enjoy a balanced diet and to try a variety of foods throughout the school year.
Free School Meals
Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit, provided your annual household income is £16,190 or less and you do not receive Working Tax Credit
- The Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit, provided your annual net earned income does not exceed £7,400 (£616.67 per month)
Why apply?
If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, the school may also receive additional government funding through the Pupil Premium. This funding helps us provide extra support and opportunities that enhance children's learning and achievement.
Even if your child currently receives a free meal through Universal Infant Free School Meals, it is still important to register if you are eligible so that the school can access this additional funding.
Parents can check eligibility and apply online via Staffordshire County Council:
Universal Infant Free School Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day under the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
This entitlement is available to all infant-aged children regardless of family income.
However, if you receive any of the qualifying benefits listed above, we strongly encourage you to apply for Free School Meals as this enables the school to receive valuable additional funding through the Pupil Premium.
Special Dietary Requirements
If your child requires a special diet due to a medical condition, food allergy or intolerance, please contact the school office and complete the relevant dietary requirements forms through HCL.
Further information, frequently asked questions and special diet application forms can be found on the HCL website:
If you have any questions regarding school meals, dietary requirements or eligibility for Free School Meals, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.