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St. Bernard's RC Primary & Nursery School

St. Bernard's RC Primary & Nursery School

A Voluntary Academy

School Lunch

Our school meals are provided by Innovate IFG.  All menus adhere to the Government’s nutritional guidelines -so every choice is a good one.

Introducing The New Primary Menu

Innovate IFG only use reputable suppliers and their quality assurance system ensures that all meals meet food safety legislation. They use fresh meat from local butchers to enable it to be traced back to the farmer. See the food map below. They strive to support local businesses and reduce food miles wherever possible.

A vegetarian choice is available each day. Salad or vegetables are available daily as well as fresh fruit. Bread without spread is also available to accompany the meal.

Almost all dessert choices contain fruit, from homemade puddings to fruit yoghurt and fresh fruit salads.

The menus still feature all the old favourites and all recipes have been improved to lower the fat, salt and sugar content. Most importantly your child can get at least three of their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day by choosing school food.

Nutrition Initiatives At Impact Food

From September 2025 the cost of a school lunch will be £2.70.

allergens

We cater for a wide range of dietary needs.  If your child has any food allergies please let us know so our kitchen staff can be fully prepared!

Allergy Awareness and Management video

Universal infant free school meals

From September 2014 all infants (Team Reception, Team One and Team Two) will receive a free hot two course meal every school day.

Free School Meals

Important Changes to Free School Meal (FSM) Eligibility – September 2026


 Important upcoming changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility that will take effect from September 2026. These changes have been introduced nationally by the Department for Education and will be implemented locally by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

What is changing?

From the start of the 2026/27 academic year (September 2026):
• All children in households receiving Universal Credit will become eligible for Free School Meals. (Expanded Free School Meals)
• The current earnings threshold (approximately £7,400 per year) will remain for additional benefits such as Pupil Premium eligibility. (Targeted Free School Meals)
• This is a significant expansion and is expected to make many more families eligible


Transitional protection arrangements will end in August 2026. This means that from September 2026, eligibility will be based on your current circumstances, and pupils who are currently protected need to reapply.


What this means for families in Cheshire West and Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that:
• From September 2026, any family receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to apply for FSM.
• Families must apply through the council - entitlement is not automatic.

 

Why it is important to apply
Applying for FSM is important because:

• Your child will receive a free, nutritious meal each day at school
• You could save around £450–£500 per child each year on lunches
• The school receives additional funding (Pupil Premium) for some eligible pupils, helping to provide extra support and opportunities


Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a universal free meal,registering for FSM remains essential.

What you need to do
We strongly encourage all families to:
• Apply for FSM if you are currently receiving Universal Credit, even if you have not been eligible before
• Reapply ahead of September 2026 if your child currently receives FSM You can apply via Cheshire West and Chester Council:
• Online: Apply Here

We understand that changes to eligibility can feel confusing. Please be assured that we are here to help you through the process. All enquiries will be treated with the strictest confidence.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, we strongly encourage you to apply or contact us for advice.