School Meals

School meals at Hotwells Primary School are tasty, nutritious and good value for money. Eating a well-balanced meal at school is good for children’s health and development - and also good for their learning! We know that children who have eaten well are better able to focus in lessons and have the energy they need to get the most out of a busy school day.

Our catering company is Alliance in Partnership (AiP) and all of our meals are prepared and cooked freshly on site by our super kitchen staff team.  Every day there are a choice of options available (including vegetarian and Halal options) and a salad bar which children can access with every meal. The menu (which runs on a three weekly cycle) is carefully planned and analysed so that it meets high nutritional standards? Click here to see the menu and click here to see the nutritional analysis. 

School Dinners are £2.35 per day (£11.75 per week), payable in advance. It’s quick and easy to pay on-line (Click here to access School Gateway). School meals for all years groups must be booked and paid for in advance online using and families can make their choices for meals at the time of booking.

Universal Free School Meals:

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal (known as Universal Free School Meals), regardless of income or eligibility for benefits.  These meals should still be chosen and booked online, even though no payment is required.

Free School Meals:

Many parents do not realise that they may be eligible for Free School Meals. You can apply for free school meals if you receive one of the following:

  • Income Support
  • Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
  • Child Tax Credit, but are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £16,190
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
  • The ‘Guaranteed Element’ of Pension Credit
  • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance Benefit (any element of contribution based paid free school meals are not available)

It is quick and easy to apply and, even if your child does not wish to take a school meal, the school receives extra funding based on the numbers of eligible pupils, so it is well worth applying.  

If you would like to apply, you can request an application form from the School Office or you can click here to apply online. If you would like to know more, please contact the School Office to speak to a member of staff.

Packed Lunches:

If you do opt for your child to bring a packed lunch, please remember that we are a nut free school. Your child should not bring nuts or products containing nuts to school as we have children in our school with severe allergies.  

Packed lunches should also be balanced and healthy. Sweets and fizzy drinks are not allowed in packed lunches. Children should not bring glass bottles or containers.