Palmer & Howells is still one of a few smaller independent caterers who can offer valuable time and focus to personally support our schools with the detailed attention they deserve. We are not a ‘one size fits all’ company, and we create bespoke and personal catering solutions, solely dependent on the individual needs of each school. 

About School Meals

Happy children are successful children: we believe that a well-fed child, who enjoys their food in a setting where they can socialise with their friends, will have the energy to learn, play and progress in all areas. Every weekday it focuses on providing fresh, healthy, and nutritionally balanced lunches that adhere to Government Food Standards.

Eating a balanced diet throughout the school day not only ensures pupils’ optimum growth and development – it also provides for their academic and physical activity, energy levels and nutrient requirements. We design menus that are healthy, delicious and packed with flavour and colour; we feature food from around the world and embrace modern food trends that will delight pupils.

We encourage a healthy and varied diet that ensures pupils receive all the necessary nutrients that are needed to develop, grow healthily and keep energised. As caterers, we believe that providing fresh, nutritious food feeds not only the body but also the mind.

From a young age, we start to inform pupils about healthy eating by encouraging them to select vegetables and fruit regularly, establishing positive eating habits for life.

There is a three-week menu cycle, offering three daily hot meal options, including a vegetarian choice.

Special diets and allergies

Palmer & Howells cater for the 14 key allergens identified by the Food Standards Agency and the school kitchen is nut free. 

If your child has an allergy or dietary requirement, please complete the Dietary Requirement Form at the bottom of this page and return it to the School Office. 

How much does a school meal cost and what’s included?

There has long been a positive association between learning outcomes and nutrition.

School meals are FREE for all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, regardless of household income (a saving of over £480).  This entitles your child to a balanced main course, dessert, fresh bread daily and access to a salad bar. 

If your child is in Year 3 or above, the cost per meal is £2.90. 

Your child may be entitled to a Free School Meal. Please speak in confidence to a member of the School Office, or complete and return the Free School Meal application form at the bottom of this page. 

Ordering and registering

If your child is in Year 3 or above and does not receive a Free School Meal, their school meal should be paid for and ordered in advance through the ARBOR app.

Parents and carers can also select their child's meal option each day using the ARBOR app.  

Current Menu