Orchard Park Community Primary School

School Meals at Orchard Park CP School

At Orchard Park CP School, we’re proud to work with ABM Catering Ltd, who provide popular, nutritious, and exciting meals for our children.

All meals are freshly prepared daily, using seasonal ingredients, and are designed to meet the dietary needs of every child. ABM is committed to ensuring that no child misses out due to poor nutrition and holds a Gold Food for Life accreditation.

Paying for School Meals

School meals cost £2.50 per day and must be paid for in advance using the Arbor App, which can be downloaded via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This app allows you to make secure payments online 24/7.

Please note: Meals cannot be provided on credit. If payment is not made in advance, your child may be refused a meal.

Free School Meals (FSM) & Pupil Premium

Children from families with lower incomes may be entitled to Free School Meals (FSM). You can apply online at:

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk

If your child qualifies for FSM based on income, the school also receives Pupil Premium funding from the government. This helps us to provide additional resources and support for eligible children.

All children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 are entitled to a free school lunch, thanks to the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) policy — no application needed.

When your child joins the school, we kindly ask you to provide your date of birth and National Insurance number so we can check for Pupil Premium eligibility, even if your child is in KS1.

For more details:

• Apply online for FSMs and Pupil Premium

• More on Education Welfare Benefits

If you have any questions, please contact the School Office — we’re happy to help, and all enquiries are handled confidentially.

Special Dietary Requirements

If your child has any food allergies or special dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, dairy-free), please fill in a Special Dietary Request form:

Special Dietary Request Form

Once submitted, ABM will create a tailored, nutritionally balanced menu that avoids any allergens and stays as close as possible to the main menu.

Please note:

• ABM kitchens are nut-free, and strict precautions are taken to avoid cross-contamination, though 100% allergen-free meals cannot be guaranteed.

Packed Lunches

You are welcome to provide a packed lunch for your child if you prefer. For health and safety:

• Use a suitable, labelled container (e.g., a plastic box with your child’s name and class).

• Drinks should be in cartons or plastic, watertight bottles.

• Fizzy drinks and glass bottles are not allowed.

• Please ensure packed lunches are healthy and contain foods your child can manage easily.

Nut-Free School

Orchard Park CP School is a nut-free zone. This means no nut products are allowed on school grounds, including in packed lunches and snacks.

Please do not send items like Nutella or other nut-based spreads. We have children in school with severe nut allergies, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated in keeping everyone safe.

Sweets in School

We kindly ask that sweets are not brought into school.

Key Documents and Further Information

You’ll find more detailed guidance under the Key Documents section, including:

• Information for children starting school

• Information for children starting Year 3

• FSM guidance for children moving to secondary school

• Parent’s Guide to Education Welfare Benefits – v2

If you have any further questions, please contact the School Office — our staff will be happy to assist you.

Autumn Term 1 2025

Key Documents