Free Daily Hot Meal At Thurnham The school offers a cooked free school meal to all our pupils (if parents wish them to have one) as the Government funds the meal cost. The meals are provided by a Caterlink Ltd as part of a County level contract with Kent County Council and across a school week are nutritionally balanced. We will ask for an indication as to whether dinners will be required on a permanent basis or that a parent wishes to provide a packed lunch. Changing to dinners or vice versa can be done at the start of each week. Please send a letter informing the school office in advance if possible. For children bringing packed lunches, food and drink should be brought in small, clearly marked containers. Whilst snack biscuits are acceptable, please do not send packets of sweets or bars of chocolate in packed lunch boxes. Please remember to include a spoon if there is yoghurt in the lunch box, and a drink (not fizzy). Please refer to the packed lunch guidelines for further information. The children eating a hot dinner will be provided with water or milk for a drink.

Due to the high take-up of a free hot meal at the school, lunchtime has to be well organised and efficient. Reception children go to the Hall to eat at 11:45am, Year 1 generally around 12:10pm and Year 2 at around 12:30pm. The menu when available from the company should be found on the school website. Ordinarily some days are similar (e.g. Wednesday is ‘roast’ day, Friday is ‘fish and chips’ day) and the children can be offered alternatives where appropriate. The company reserves the right to alter the menu on occasion due to varying circumstances. Children with particular allergies can usually be catered for, but parents must discuss this with the school and the caterers in advance.

Remember, lunchtimes are a relaxed and social time so whilst we expect the children to show their best table manners, we are happy for them to talk and socialise.

We hope your children enjoy their meals!