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School Meals

School Meals at Sandfield Close

At Sandfield Close Primary School, we are committed to giving every child a nutritious, tasty and enjoyable school meal to support their learning, wellbeing and development throughout the day.

We are delighted to be working in partnership with ABM Catering, who provide our school meals. Meals are freshly prepared on-site each day by our dedicated catering team, with a focus on providing healthy, balanced and appealing choices for our pupils.

 

Online Meal Ordering

Parents and carers can choose their child’s school meals in advance using our online meal ordering system through Tucasi SCOPAY.

The menu operates on a three-week cycle and families can view the available meal choices online and select the meals their child would like for each day.

We encourage parents to order meals in advance to help the catering team plan effectively and ensure children receive their preferred meal choice.

If you need any help accessing SCOPAY or ordering meals, please contact the school office.

Special Diets and Allergies

We understand that some children have allergies, intolerances or other specific dietary requirements.

ABM Catering works closely with the school and families to ensure that children with medically required special diets are appropriately catered for.

If your child has a food allergy, intolerance or requires a special diet, please contact the school office so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place before meals are ordered online.

Please ensure that the school is informed immediately of any changes to your child’s dietary or allergy requirements.

Meal Options

Children can either bring a packed lunch from home or choose a school meal.

Families choosing school meals can select their child’s preferred meals in advance through SCOPAY, giving children greater choice from the available daily menu.

Children having a school meal or bringing a packed lunch must remain on the school premises during the lunchtime period.

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM), meaning they can enjoy a healthy school lunch free of charge each day.

Parents of children receiving UIFSM should still use SCOPAY to select and order their child’s meals in advance.

Could Your Child Be Eligible for Free School Meals?

If you think your child may be entitled to benefits-related Free School Meals, we strongly encourage you to apply.

From the 2026/27 academic year, children from households receiving Universal Credit can qualify for free school meals regardless of household income. Children may also qualify where a parent or carer receives certain other benefits, including:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Child Tax Credit, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria
  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  • Working Tax Credit run-on

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 already receive Universal Infant Free School Meals automatically. However, if you receive one of the qualifying benefits, we still encourage you to apply for benefits-related Free School Meals, as this can also help the school receive additional Pupil Premium funding to support your child’s education.

How to Apply

Applications are made directly through Leicester City Council and only take a few minutes to complete.

Apply online:
https://freeschoolmeals.leicester.gov.uk/

If you have previously applied and were told that your child was not eligible, Leicester City Council advises families to reapply, as the eligibility rules have changed for 2026/27.

School Meals

School meals for children who are not entitled to a free school meal are currently £2.90 per day or £14.50 per week.

Meals should be ordered and paid for in advance through Tucasi SCOPAY.

Parents and carers who believe their child may be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals are encouraged to apply. Until the school receives confirmation of eligibility, meals will need to be paid for as normal.

For further information or to apply, please visit the Leicester City Council Free School Meals webpage.

Packed Lunches

Children who bring a packed lunch eat alongside their friends during the lunchtime period, either in the dining hall or, where appropriate, outside during warmer weather.

We encourage families to provide a healthy, balanced packed lunch that will give children the energy they need for the remainder of the school day.

Healthy Eating and Safety

To help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all pupils, please follow the guidance below when preparing packed lunches:

  • No nuts or nut-based products, as we have children in school with severe allergies.
  • Please do not provide fizzy drinks or high-sugar drinks.
  • Where possible, include a balanced selection of foods such as fruit or vegetables, a source of protein and an appropriate carbohydrate.
  • Please avoid excessive amounts of sweets, chocolate and other high-sugar snacks.

Thank you for supporting us in creating a safe, happy and healthy lunchtime environment for all of our pupils.

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