Lunchtimes

At Venn, we’re proud to provide a school meals service that’s inclusive, sustainable, and designed around our pupils.

All school meals are booked and paid for through the School Grid app, making it simple and convenient for parents to manage daily meal choices and payments in one place.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day under the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

Our service offers:

  • Good quality, inclusive food – with options for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and halal diets, all in a nut-free environment.
  • Menus chosen by pupils – children help shape what’s on offer, making lunchtime more enjoyable and engaging.
  • Freshly prepared meals every day – made using a pre-order system that reduces food waste and ensures every dish is freshly cooked and tasty.
  • Great value for families – each healthy, nutritious meal is just £1.70, no matter which Venn school your child attends.

Our approach to school catering focuses on minimal food waste, exceptional value for money, and a positive lunchtime experience for all.

A school meal is available at a cost of £1.70 (£8.50 per week) for years 3-6.

Our school uses SchoolGrid, an easy-to-use online system that allows parents to view menus, order meals in advance, and make payments securely.

With SchoolGrid, you can:

  • See daily menus with full ingredient and allergy information.
  • Order or cancel meals quickly from any device.
  • Pay conveniently using card, Direct Debit or cash, with options to set up automatic payments so you never need to top up.
  • Access clear nutritional and allergen details, giving peace of mind for children with specific dietary needs.

SchoolGrid also collects helpful feedback from families and pupils to ensure our catering team continues to provide healthy, inclusive and enjoyable meals for all children.

Free School Meals

At all our schools, children in reception, year one, and year two can get a free school lunch thanks to the Government’s UIFSM program, but this can change anytime.

To help the school get extra money for fun trips and resources, parents need to fill out the Free School Meals (FSM) forms, even if they’ve done it before.

Families getting certain types of financial help are eligible for free school meals, and it’s important for parents to re-register to keep the support going. Families receiving Income Support, Employment Support Allowance (income-related), Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Universal Credit, or support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 are eligible for free school meals when in year three and beyond.

“Focus on Reading: There is a strong emphasis on teaching reading, with high-quality training for teachers and effective support for pupils who need extra help.“

Ofsted Report

“Engaged and Resilient Pupils: Pupils listen carefully, focus well on their activities, are keen to join discussions, and demonstrate resilience when facing difficulties.“

Ofsted Report

“Effective Safeguarding: Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff understanding their responsibilities and providing good support for vulnerable pupils.“

Ofsted Report

“High Expectations from Leaders: School leaders have high expectations, understand what needs to improve, and staff work well together to share ideas and support each other.“

Ofsted Report

“Effective Pastoral Support: The pastoral team provides good support for vulnerable pupils, helping them stay safe and enjoy healthy relationships.“

Ofsted Report

“Pupils Enjoy School: Pupils are enthusiastic about their lessons and enjoy attending school.“

Ofsted Report

“Extra-curricular Activities: Extra-curricular clubs are well attended, and pupils regularly go on school trips that enhance their classroom learning.“

Ofsted Report

“Supportive and Safe Environment: Pupils feel safe, understand that bullying is rare, and know that adults are there to help if needed.“

Ofsted Report

“Broad Curriculum: Leaders provide a broad range of subjects, which are well-planned, helping pupils remember what they learn.“

Ofsted Report

“Strong Early Years Provision: The early years provision is effective, with strong relationships between adults and pupils, a well-organized environment, and activities that enthuse children.“

Ofsted Report

“Ambitious for SEND Pupils: Leaders are ambitious for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive good support and achieve well.“

Ofsted Report

“Calm and Orderly Environment: The school environment is described as calm and orderly, with good behavior from pupils.“

Ofsted Report