At Longlands, we are committed to supporting healthy choices and ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food and drink throughout the school day. We work closely with families to promote wellbeing and make mealtimes a positive experience for all.
School Dinners
Our delicious and well-balanced meals are freshly prepared in our own school kitchen by Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL). We offer a Pupil Choice Menu, which includes a vegetarian option and a nutritious packed lunch alternative. Menus are sent out termly so you can explore the options with your child. Please see the menu below:
If your child has a food allergy or intolerance, HCL provides specially designed menus to meet medical dietary needs. To apply for a special menu, please visit:
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are currently entitled to a free school meal under the Government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme (UIFSM).
Children in Years 3 to 6 pay for school meals unless eligible for free school meals through certain benefits. Payments should be made weekly in advance via the Arbor App on the first morning of the school week. You are also welcome to pay half-termly or termly if preferred.
To help us continue providing meals smoothly, we kindly ask that parents keep meal accounts up to date. If an account falls into arrears, we may ask that a home-packed lunch be provided until the outstanding balance is cleared. If you are experiencing any difficulties or to find out the current cost of meals, please speak to the school office. We’re here to help.
If you are entitled to free school meals, we strongly encourage you to apply. It’s your right and it helps support your child’s education. Applications can be made online:
Or call: 0300 123 4048
If you would like help with the application process or have any questions, please speak to a member of staff at the school office.
Packed Lunches, Snacks & Drinks
At Longlands, we promote healthy eating and aim to make mealtimes a positive and nourishing part of the school day. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and inclusive food environment for all children.
Packed Lunches
If your child brings a packed lunch to school, we kindly ask that it reflects our commitment to healthy choices. Please do not include:
- Chocolate or sweets
- Fizzy drinks
- Foods containing nuts
- Hot food such as soup
This helps us ensure that lunchtime is safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with allergies.
Healthy Snacks
Children in Nursery to Year 2 are provided with a free piece of fruit or vegetable each day as a healthy snack. From Year 3 onwards, parents and carers are welcome to send their child in with a piece of fruit for breaktime.
We encourage these healthy choices as they not only support a balanced lifestyle but also help children stay focused and energised throughout the school day. A nutritious snack can make a real difference to concentration and learning, especially during busy mornings.
School Milk
Milk is available to all children.
It is free for children in Nursery, and for those in Reception until the term before they turn five. If you are in receipt of certain benefits, your child may also be entitled to free milk.
To apply, please visit:
Free School Meals & Milk Application
Or call: 0300 123 4048
Water Bottles
All children should bring a named water bottle to school each day. Bottles are kept in the classroom and should be taken home daily to be cleaned and refilled. Please ensure bottles contain plain water only. We ask that juice, squash, or sugary drinks are not brought in.