Breakfast, Snacks and Lunchtime
As part of our science and PSHE curriculum we often teach the children about healthy eating and how it can positively improve your concentration and mood. As a result, we have discussed with staff and have carefully considered guidance from the Early Years Framework as a starting point to our new expectations around this from September 2025.
We have tried to create a common-sense approach to which food is allowed to be bought into school, making some compromises (many schools will only allow fruit and vegetables). We have now finalised on the below, which will become our new expectations from September 25.
Breakfast
Children call all access a free, healthy breakfast from 8:15am each day, parents please register with 4 Community Trust. Children who cannot attend the club will be offered toast on arrival at school.
Mid-Moring Snacks - What are snacks for?
Snacks are meant to provide a boost of energy if a few hours pass between meals and blood glucose levels drop. They can help prevent overeating at the next meal by not being too ravenous and they can provide extra nutrients when choosing certain snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables. SNACKS are not TREATS – this is something different and can be enjoyed every now and then as a treat – AT HOME.
All children in Nursery, Reception and Years 1 and 2 are offered a free piece of fruit each day, so there is no need to send an additional snack if you do not wish to. If you do wish to send your child with a healthy snack, this would ideally be a piece of fruit or veg, but there are other good options as well. Please remember we are a nut free school; we have children and staff members with nut allergies.
Carbohydrates Protein and Dairy Fruit and Veg
Plain popcorn
Oatcakes
Plain rice cakes
Breadsticks
Plain crackers
Corn crackers
Crackerbread
Hard-boiled egg pieces Houmous Slices of cooked meat Natural yoghurt Cheese – BabyBel, Edam, Cheese Spread Carrot sticks Cucumber sticks Apple slices Banana Seedless grapes (cut into quarters) Small orange
Manufactured food high in fat or sugar are NOT allowed in school, this includes e.g. sweets, crisps, high sugar cereal bars, cakes or chocolate bars etc. If these snacks are bought in, the child will be asked to take them home and an alternative will be offered.
School Meals
School meals will give your child a real appetite for learning and help them to achieve their full potential.
Our meals are currently provided by SIPS catering. Meals are freshly prepared each day by our catering staff. A variety of both hot and cold meals are provided.
A school meal currently costs £2.90 per day.
Meals must be pre-booked in advance (before midnight for the next day) and paid for on Parent Pay.
For instruction on how to book your child's meals please click the link below:
If you require a Parent Pay account or are having difficulties logging on, please contact the school office by emailing office@st-martins.sandwell.sch.uk or calling us on 0121 557 1546.
Free School Meals
All children are eligible to free school meals in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 - this is part of the universal free school meal offer.
Did you know that you child could qualify for free school meals?
If your child is eligible it means they can enjoy delicious, healthy meals without the bills and the fuss of of making packed lunches. Many children at our school are already eating free school meals, and your child may be able to have them too.
There is nothing healthier for your child and your family’s budget than free school meals. A professional cooks prepare meals for your child, it saves you having to worry about the effort and expense of making packed lunches every day.
Your child may also qualify for free school meals if you receive any of the following benefits:
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Universal Credit - To qualify if you are in receipt of Universal Credit, your net earned income (after taxes and deductions ‘take home pay’) must be below £616 per month under the Universal Credit allowance you receive. This will be confirmed on your latest online Universal Credit statement when you received it. If your net earned income shows above the £616 figure you don’t qualify.
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Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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Pension Credit - Guaranteed Element Only
Please note - From September 2026 - Any household receiving Universal Credit, regardless of earnings will be eligible for a benefit-related free school meal for their child, subject to a completed application form being submitted and assessed.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds 'NRTPF'
For parents with no recourse to public funds, you will need to apply directly to school and must meet the relevant Government set eligibility groups, These can be be found on the following link:
How to apply:
To apply or for further information, please contact the school office to collect a form or use the link provided:
Milk
Milk is provided free of charge for all children in school under the age of 5.
Once your child reaches the age of 5 you have an option to pay for milk. This will ensure that your child continues to receive milk each day.
Milk can be ordered from our School Milk provider, Cool Milk. The school office will contact you when your child is 5 to find out if you would like to continue to pay for milk.
Children who do not have milk are provided with water.