Lunches, Hot Meals & Snacks
At Crowmarsh Gifford, we are committed to providing healthy, nutritious and enjoyable hot meals every day. When we brought our catering service in‑house (Autumn 2025), our aim was to improve both the quality and nutritional value of the meals we serve. Our work is guided by the Government’s School Food Standards, which all maintained schools in England must follow. These standards ensure that school food supports children’s health, wellbeing, and learning. [gov.uk]
Our hot meals are cooked & prepared by Mrs Smith & Mrs Royall they are supported by the catering team at Wallingford Secondary school.
We are also extremely proud to hold a 5‑star food hygiene rating, reflecting our high standards of cleanliness, food handling, and kitchen safety.
Lunches take place in the school hall or in the classroom for Pre School children. Both packed lunch children and those enjoying a school hot lunch eat together.
If you are providing a packed lunch, please ensure it is healthy and does not contain nuts.
All children need a water bottle each day.
Our School Values in Action
Everything we do is rooted in our values:
- Care – providing healthy, balanced meals that support wellbeing
- Grow – listening and responding to feedback from pupils and families
- Persevere – working through challenges to get things right
- Shine – offering meals children enjoy and feel proud of
We remain committed to offering nutritious, high‑quality hot lunches that help our pupils learn, flourish and shine every day.
If you have any questions about our meals or would like further information, please contact the school office.
Please find below our menus which we continue to review termly to ensure we are serving seasonal meals:
Nutritional Standards
Nutritional Standards We Must Follow
All our meals meet the Department for Education’s School Food Standards, which apply to all food served on school premises up to 6pm — including breakfast clubs, breaktime snacks, hot lunches, and after‑school food.
Fruit & Vegetables
- At least one portion of vegetables every day.
- At least one portion of fruit every day.
- A dessert with at least 50% fruit twice a week.
Starchy Foods
- A starchy food every day.
- Three different starchy foods each week.
- One wholegrain option each week.
- Starchy food cooked in oil no more than two days per week.
Protein Groups
- A portion of protein daily.
- Meat or poultry on three or more days per week.
- Oily fish once every three weeks.
- Vegetarians receive non‑dairy protein three or more days per week.
Milk & Dairy
- A dairy product every day, with lower‑fat milk available daily.
Foods High in Fat, Sugar or Salt
- No more than two deep‑fried or batter‑coated foods each week.
- No more than two pastry‑based items per week.
- Desserts may be served, but no confectionery or chocolate is allowed.
Healthy Drinks Only
- Plain water
- Lower‑fat milk
- 150ml fruit or vegetable juice
- Calcium‑enriched milk alternatives
These government‑set standards ensure children receive balanced nutrition throughout the school day.
Mrs Eaglen's Hot Lunch Diary
Mrs Eagelen spent the week eating school lunches to see what children experience. Joining the children at different, unannounced times during Years 4, 5 and 6 service to get a full picture.
Monday
Ham and pineapple pizza – the slice was the same size as the children’s (about the size of my flat, closed hand). Served with sweetcorn and small roasted potato cubes. Salad bar and tinned fruit were available. Delicious!
Tuesday
I was a bit apprehensive today as I am a fussy curry eater. We had chicken curry – tomato-based sauce made from scratch by Mrs Smith and Mrs Royall, no jar sauces. Naam bread portion size similar to Monday’s pizza. Vegetables were available, and the salad bar offered potatoes, couscous, cucumber and other items. I have to say I enjoyed it. Yoghurt was available for dessert. I enjoyed a raspberry one!
Wednesday
Sausage plait with mash, served with brussels sprouts and cabbage (I persevered because it’s good for me!). A hearty, traditional option that felt balanced and satisfying. My favourite so far!
Thursday
Spaghetti Bolognese – again, not my personal favourite, but it was lovely. Pasta with freshly made sauce, cooked from scratch, again not from a jar. Balanced with salad options from the Bara dn a donut.
Friday
Fish and chips – as always, in line with our church school tradition. The chip issue has been solved with a new brand that crisps well, and children clearly enjoy it. The salad bar offered a big choice, including pasta and bananas. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, heart-shaped pancakes were available with maple syrup or chocolate sauce – a real treat!
I have to say I was impressed with the food. There wasn't one thing I didn't like and I am a fussy eater. Why won't I have hot lunches every day? The children need energy. But for me, it's a lot to eat for lunch.
How do I order a hot meal?
How do I order a hot meal?
Hot meals can be ordered via the Arbor App.
The deadline for ordering a hot meal is 1 week before the meal is taken.
Teachers complete the meals register every morning and double check with the children who is having a hot meal.
Meals are paid via Arbor, you do this by topping up your meals account and then the cost is deducted once it has been taken.
You can view this terms menu below.
Free School Meals
Your child might be eligible for free school meals if you access:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or 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
- Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)
For further details click here
Healthy Morning Snacks
Cool Milk
All children under the age of 5yrs are entitled to free school milk. This is provided by the national 'Cool Milk' scheme. Whilst the milk is delivered to school, it is not the school who orders the milk. Parents must opt in to this scheme by registering through the website Cool Milk for School.
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Listening to Our Pupils
We recently carried out a whole‑school pupil voice survey and held a follow‑up assembly, where children shared what they enjoy, what they would like more of, and their own ideas for improving school meals. - Please see below.