School Lunches
Gillingham Primary School believes that the school lunchtime is a great opportunity for all of our children to sit down together and enjoy their healthy and tasty meal, while developing their social skills.
Good food and good food culture have been shown to lead not only to healthier, happier and more fulfilled children, but to improved educational attainment.
We are able to provide children with a nutritious hot lunch or a healthy packed school lunch.
All meals are cooked and prepared here on site by our fantastic kitchen team.
We offer a choice of;
- hot main meal
- hot vegetarian meal
- a filled jacket potato or
- a packed lunch option (which includes a sandwich, fruit and crisps).
Our school lunches are available at a cost of £2.95 per day.
Ordering Lunches
Lunches (and Breakfast Club/Planet Play bookings) must be ordered on the Arbor App. Orders for lunches close 2 weeks in advance. If you have missed the deadline, please send your child in with a packed lunch. If you need help with the Arbor App, please come to the school office or check here for FAQs: Parent Portal and App - Getting started and logging in – Arbor Help Centre
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children are entitled to free school meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meal Scheme but still need to order on the app.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
DO I QUALIFY?
Changes in eligibility for Free School Meals from September 2026
There have been some important national changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility, which will take effect from September 2026.
We want to make sure that we are providing all children with the best education and support we can. Healthy school food can help children establish healthy habits for life and improve their readiness to learn.
What is changing?
From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household income.
This means the current income cap of £7,400 per year will be removed, and many more families may now qualify.
Free school meals can save families up to around £495 per child each year, while ensuring children receive a healthy meal during the school day.
Different types of support
There will be two levels of eligibility:
- Targeted Free School Meals
Families on lower incomes (for example, those receiving Universal Credit below £7,400 or certain other benefits) will continue to receive:
- Free school meals
- Additional support for the school through Pupil Premium funding
- Access to holiday activities and food programmes
- Expanded Free School Meals
Families receiving Universal Credit with higher earnings will now also qualify for:
- Free school meals
However, this group will not attract additional funding or access to the holiday programme.
What you need to do
To receive free school meals under the new system:
You must apply (or reapply) from 1 June 2026, even if your child currently receives free school meals
Please submit an application for each child. Applications can be made via your local authority’s online system using the link below.
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/free-school-meals
We strongly encourage all families receiving Universal Credit to apply, even if you think you may not qualify.
Important information for younger children
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive universal infant free school meals. However, if you receive qualifying benefits, we still encourage you to apply, as this may unlock additional support for your child and school.
Why this matters
Registering for free school meals not only supports your child directly, but can also provide additional funding to the school, helping us to further support pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
If you have any questions or would like support with your application, please contact the school office by email or telephone.
Alternatively, you could contact the council’s Free School Meals team:
Email: freeschoolmeals@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305221090
FOOD INFORMATION REGULATIONS 2014 - ALLERGENS
We continue to provide accurate information concerning the 14 major food allergenic ingredients which may be found in the foods we produce and serve.
We have identified any allergens in our menus and have a file in our kitchen which we are happy to share with you.
If you would like further information please visit:
