School Lunches

If your child is in primary school and has special dietary requirements due to a diagnosed allergy, intolerance or medical condition, please register their details by completing our special diets registration form on the Edwards & Ward website using the following link, or the QR code shown in the pictures above.

https://edwardsandward.co.uk/special-diets/

UIFSM (Universal Infant Free School Meals)

All year R, 1 and 2 pupils are eligible for Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM). This is funded by the Government, and is for all all pupils and not based on income or circumstances.

FSM (Income Based Free School Meals)

Automatic entitlement to a Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM) finishes at the end of Year 2 and only children from low income families are eligible to Free School Meals (FSM) from Year 3 onwards.

Children may be eligible for free school meals if their parents receive the following benefits:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

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

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

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

• Universal Credit – household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get) 

Your application will be refused if you are not receiving any of the listed benefits. Please consider this before applying. Your application will be processed by Essex County Council within 15 working days, but it may take longer if you apply in August or September.

Click here to apply for Income Based Free School Meals

We are delighted to let you know that from 1 January 2026, Canonium Learning Trust will be partnering with Edwards & Ward, a highly respected school catering specialist, to provide school meals across all schools within our Trust. This is an exciting development and a big step forward in continually improving the quality, consistency and enjoyment of the food children receive every day.

Why have we chosen Edwards & Ward?

Edwards & Ward work with primary schools and bring years’ of experience in children’s nutrition, food education, and high-quality catering. Their approach is centred on:

• ️Fresh, home-style meals cooked from scratch

• Nutritious menus that support children’s wellbeing and learning

• Excellent allergen management and special dietary provision

• Warm, friendly catering teams who love working with children

• Exciting themed days and menus that encourage pupils to try new foods

Every child - whether they eat a hot meal every day or only occasionally - will benefit from a richer, more enjoyable dining experience.

Supporting health, learning and happiness

Good food makes a real difference to concentration, behaviour and energy levels. Edwards & Ward’s menus are designed by professionally trained chefs and a qualified nutritionist, ensuring meals meet the School Food Standards and support healthy eating habits for life.

Keeping families informed

Each school will share menus with families well in advance of the start date. There will also be opportunities for pupils to take part in tasting sessions and to help shape the menu through school council and pupil voice activities. For further information, please also read the attached leaflet from Edwards and Ward and take time to explore their website.

2025 11 Catering update to parents

If you would like to know more details about this arrangement please see further details on Canonium Learning Trust's website