Warwickshire Direct
School meals
Please note that not all schools are signed up to the school meals service. Please speak to your school about their own school meal arrangements if they are not listed.
What children eat is an important part of their learning experience; health and progress stem from their eating habits which are established in their formative years at primary school.
We believe we have a responsibility to assist with the education process through the provision of healthy, wholesome and enjoyable foods - which also meet the ethnic and where possible the dietary requirements of pupils.
Our experience in feeding children in Warwickshire schools is extensive and we focus on continual improvement to ensure that they enjoy their lunchtime meal as well as providing value for the price of the meal.
- Applying
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Special educational needs schools
- Nutritional guidelines
- Awards
Applying
If you would like your child to have school meals, please contact your school directly.
Free school meals - find out about free school meals, check if you are able to receive them, and apply online.
Primary schools
Promotions
This year we are celebrating World Book Day on Thursday, 1st March with a storybook character lunch.
World Book Day promotion (pdf, 245Kb)
We are also celebrating Mother's Day on Friday 16th March 2012 with a special menu.
Mother's Day promotion (pdf, 289Kb)
Futher information
FAQs (pdf, 51Kb) - if your child is starting school in September and you would like to know more about school lunches, here is a selection of our frequently asked questions.
My School Lunch - raises awareness of school lunches while educating children, their parents and teachers about healthy eating and an active lifestyle.
I Love Water - find out how water affects your body, learn about water in your area and lots more.
Menus
Meat and poultry products used on the menus are sourced from within the UK, with many coming from surrounding counties. All meet the 'Red Tractor Assured Food Standards' criteria. Eggs used in schools, which are free range, are from Leicestershire and fish products labelled on our menus meet 'Marine Stewardship Council' standards. Pork and lamb meatballs are sourced from UK Foodhall in Shrewsbury and our beef meatballs and minced beef, which are organic, come from Lower Hurst Farm in Derbyshire.
Week 1 menu for weeks beginning: 14th Nov, 5th Dec, 16th Jan, 6th Feb, 27th Fed, 19th Mar, 30th Apr
Week 2 menu for weeks beginning: 21st Nov, 12th Dec, 2nd Jan, 23rd Jan, 5th Mar, 26th Mar, 16th Apr, 7th May
Week 3 menu for weeks beginning: 28th Nov, 9th Jan, 30th Jan, 20th Feb, 12th Mar, 23rd Apr, 14th May
Primary school choice menu (pdf, 321Kb)
Primary school standard menu (pdf, 322Kb)
Vegetarian (V) choices are shown on the menus.
Halal alternatives are available in selected schools as appropriate - contact your child's school for more information.
Some menu items may change to meet customer preferences by agreement with individual schools.
Easy read version of the menus
Secondary schools
Secondary school promotions (pdf, 2.17Mb) - find out what special offers are available.
The menu for secondary schools is based on a 'cash cafeteria' style service - where pupils can choose from individually priced food items.
Elements FAQs (pdf, 297Kb) - what your child can expect when he/she reaches their new school.
Elements leaflet (pdf, 682Kb) - information on the dining experience in Warwickshire secondary schools.
Breakfast is offered in some schools and a morning break service is available in all schools. Meal choices may vary according to local arrangements.
Menus
Typical secondary school lunch menu (pdf, 696Kb)
Typical morning break menu (pdf, 698Kb)
Special educational needs schools
The menu is based on a 'choice' style service and has been developed with pupils, teaching staff, parents, carers and other health professionals. The menu has a three week cycle starting with week one on 6th February.
Special educational needs school lunch menu (pdf, 583Kb)
Nutritional guidelines
Our menus match the Nutritional Standards set by the Government and we seek to enable pupils to learn to choose food wisely and achieve a balanced diet.
Our menus contain.
- Less fat - we use polyunsaturated pure vegetable oil for cooking, and oven bake foods in preference to frying.
- Less sugar - we have reduced the sugar content in our recipes.
- Less salt - we use the minimum amount of salt in our recipes and do not place salt on the dining tables.
- More fibre - we have increased the fibre in our menus through the use of wholemeal bread and flour, pasta, fresh fruit and vegetable crudites and other items enriched in fibre.
Nutrient based standards in schools (pdf, 263Kb)
Awards
Good Egg Award
The Good Egg Awards have celebrated companies who are using only cage-free eggs or egg products, or committing to do so by 2012. This program works by recognising and rewarding producers, manufacturers, food service, retailers and public bodies for working in a sustainable and responsible way.
Compassion in World Farming’s Food Business
Soil Association’s Food Bronze Catering Mark
Warwickshire school dinners are top nosh
The Food for Life Partnership is a network of schools and communities across England committed to transforming food culture. Together we are revolutionising school meals, reconnecting children and young people with where their food comes from, and inspiring families to grow and cook food.
