School Lunches
We operate a cashless cafeteria system. Children can add money to their cards either before 9am or during interval using the machine in the dining hall. It is preferred that parents/carers add funds to the cards using online banking. Further information can be obtained at: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/schooolpayments.
Children in receipt of free school meals automatically have funds credited to their cards. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools and First Stop Shops. Children of parents/carers are entitled to receive a free school meal if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits: Income Support, Job Seekers’ Allowance (income based), Employment and Support Allowance (income related), Universal Credit (with an income below £610 per month). All children in primaries 1, 2 and 3 receive free school meals. Only school children who receive a free school meal are entitled to free milk at lunchtime. Milk is available to purchase in the dining hall.
During registration time in the mornings children choose which meal they would like from the menu options. There is always an option of two hot meals and sandwiches. A vegetarian option is available very day. Children are then allocated a corresponding coloured band which they take to the dining hall. This ensures that all children receive the meal they have chosen. Menus are sent home throughout the year and parents/carers can check online to see what their child has chosen each day.
Further information available at: northlanarkshire.gov.uk/primaryschoolmeals
Special Dietary Needs
Diets required as a result of a medical condition (a medically prescribed diet, e.g. coeliac disease, diabetes, food allergy or intolerance) can be provided in school by our catering staff. A medically prescribed diet form, must be completed by the child’s Registered Dietician or General Practitioner. Procedures and forms can be accessed online through North Lanarkshire Council’s website, from the child’s school or dietician, or from North Lanarkshire’s Catering Service. For some conditions, parents/carers may be asked to supply prescription foods or attend a meeting to discuss the child’s dietary requirements.
Some children with additional support needs may require food to be adapted to an appropriate texture and consistency. In this instance the child’s Registered Dietician or Speech and Language Therapist will liaise with the Head Teacher and school catering service, including the nutritionist, to ensure appropriate food provision. In this case a form will still need to be signed by a medical professional.
Special diets required for ethical, religious or cultural reasons should be requested in writing to the head teacher, who will liaise with the school catering service.
Packed Lunches
Packed lunches may be eaten in the school lunch hall or, in good weather, children may be given permission to eat packed lunches outside, in designated areas. We request that parents support our Health Promoting School by only providing healthy lunches and snacks for children. Children should not bring sugary or fizzy drinks or sweets for their packed lunch. It is important that children learn in school and at home about the importance of healthy eating.
Playtime Snacks
As a Health Promoting School, we strive to encourage children to make healthy choices. We ask that children bring a healthy snack and drink to school for playtime, such as fruit, and that sweets and crisps be given as an occasional treat.
Drinks
We have provided every child with an Abronhill Primary School water bottle and have water coolers installed throughout the school. All children should bring their water bottle to school every day filled with fresh water. This can then be refilled during the day at designated times, if required. It has been proven that drinking water helps children to focus and learn so we encourage them to do so. We only allow water to be consumed in the classrooms so please do not provide your child with any other drinks as they will not be allowed to have them.
Children may have milk every day in school. This costs 50p a week and can be paid using the online payment system (IPay).
Nursery Snacks
Healthy snacks are provided each day for our nursery children. Children are supported to develop their independent skills by helping to prepare, select and tidy at snack time. Details of snacks provided are listed on the nursery information board, including details of possible allergens. Nursery children are entitled to free milk.
Nursery Lunches
From August 2020, all eligible two year olds and all children aged from 3 to those not yet attending primary school, who attend a North Lanarkshire Council Nursery or a Funded Provider (childminder or voluntary/private nursery), will be entitled to 1140 hours Early Learning and Childcare provision . Those children attending for four hours per day, or more, will receive a free meal as part of the Early Learning and Childcare entitlement.
