Frequently Asked Questions
1) Where do you source your meat from?
2) Do you serve Halal meat ?
3) Do you cater for vegetarians?
4) Do you cater for allergies?
5/6) Portion size?
7) How do I claim for free school meals?
8) Why is the dish on the menu not always served?
9) Where can I get copies of the current menu?
10) How much is a school dinner?
11) How do I pay for school dinners?
1) Where do you source your meat from for school dinners?
All the meat used in Nottinghamshire County Council school meals is provided fresh from a local butcher, Mike Maloney. You can view this information in more detail on our menu leaflets.
2) Do you serve halal meat in your schools?
There are a couple of Nottinghamshire schools that serve halal meat, but it is only to children who have specifically requested it. We do not serve any other child with halal meat.
All the meat used for our school dinners is supplied fresh from a local butchers.
3) Do you have vegetarian options on your menus?
We cater for vegetarians in every school. In schools where there is a choice menu, there is a daily choice of a meat dish or a vegetarian dish. These options can be seen on our menu leaflets that your child will have brought home. If you have not seen a copy of the menu, they can be viewed and downloaded from the current menu section of this site.
If your child's school operates on a traditional single choice menu or family service, you will need to contact the school administration or Head Teacher. Once they have your child’s name and let the kitchen know, a daily vegetarian meal can be prepared.
4) My child is allergic to eggs/wheat/dairy products/nuts...can they still stay for a school dinner?
Yes! Nottinghamshire school dinners have provision for medical diets, we are committed to ensuring your child stays healthy and enjoys the social inclusion of having a school dinner.
If your child has an allergy, please write to us and let us know your child's condition and intolerance. This letter must be supported by medical documentation from your GP or other medical professional and sent with your child's full name and date of birth, the name of thier school, date of starting at school, your name and full contact details to:
Client Catering
Education Catering Services
County Hall
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7QP
5) I wanted to enquire about the portion size of school dinners at my child's school. I think some children would like bigger portions or 'seconds'.
We are delighted that your child has a healthy appetite, however the portions served in our schools are measured to ensure that they are equal and that they meet the recommended daily allowances.
Our menus fully comply with food standards on nutrition and portion size. They contain at least two portions of fruit and vegetables per meal and every meal is served with vegetables and/or salad as standard.
Part of the new food standards state that free bread should be made available at lunchtime to ensure children are not left hungry after their dinner. We fully comply with these regulations by making sure a basket of bread is available for children to help themselves from at dinner time. You can visit the School Food Trust website at www.schoolfoodtrust.org which outlines these standards.
6)Why do you offer bread as an accompaniment to the main meal instead of giving larger portions?
Since September 2006 the School Food Trust insisted that bread was available as an extra to the meal every day.
We have made sure that as an Authority, we fully comply with this legislation and we therefore have a basket of bread available for children to help themselves from at lunchtime. The bread is not intended to form part of the overall meal, it is merely an extra dimension to make sure that children feel full after their lunch.
You can find a copy of the Government standards on the School Food Trust website: www.schoolfoodtrust.org
7) How do I claim for free school meals?
You can claim free school meals for your child if you recieve any of the following:
- the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- an income based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Asylum Seeker’s Support
- Child Tax Credit.
Providing you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) does not exceed £15,575 you can get free meals for your child. They will get either a free two-course meal or items of an equivalent value if there is a cash cafeteria service.
To apply for free school meals or milk for your child you will need to complete a FSM1 form and return it to the following address:
Children and Young People’s Services
Parent and Pupil Services
North Base
Meadow House
Littleworth
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG18 2TA.
If you are applying for Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance for the first time you will receive an FSM1 form with your benefit pack. In this case please return the completed form to the Social Security office or Jobcentre dealing with your claim.
If you are currently recieving the Gurantee element of the State Pension Credit, income based Jobseeker's Allowance, Asylum Seeker's Support or Child Tax Credit, you can get a FSM1 form by tel: 08449 808080 (minicom: 01623 436657).
When you send back your form you will need to send written proof of the benefits you receive - details of proof needed will be on the form.
8) Why do you not always serve what is on the menu?
On some occasions we have to make alternative emergency provision to replace items on the menu. At the menu planning stage it is never our intention to do this, but unfortunately unexpected problems arise meaning we cannot always offer what is stated on the menu. In these cases our catering teams will ensure they still provide your child with a healthy alternative that meets all our requirements and standards.
9) Do you have an electronic copy of the school dinner menu?
All menus can be viewed and downloaded from the current menu section of this website. Alternatively parents can contact Nottinghamshire school dinners to request a copy by e-mail: schoolcatering.admin@nottscc.gov.uk
10) How much is a school dinner?
The cost for a two course meal in primary schools is £1.90. Secondary schools operate a cash cafeteria system with items starting at 50p.
11) How do I pay for my child's school dinners?
You can pay for your child's school dinners by cash or cheque directly to the school. Please check with your school if meals need to be paid for daily or weekly.
Some of our schools are now operating a cashless system, meaning you can pay online for your child's school dinners. Please visit our ParentPay page for more information and to find out if your child's school is involved.
