2024-2025:
School Meal Price Increase
Please be advised that from September 2024 there will be a price increase to school meals. Our Catering Team have been working hard over recent months to absorb these costs through menu changes and negotiating with our suppliers. We have tried to keep the prices as low as possible for as long as possible, however we cannot continue to absorb the rising cost of food and energy increases. At CPA, the cost of a school meal has been £2.40 for several years. With effect from the 4th of September 2024 the price of a school meal will be £2.65 per child.
All menus will continue to provide children a choice of nutritious meals, while complying with the Government’s nutritional guidelines, and catering for those with allergies. We want to assure you that the decision to take this action was not taken lightly.
The Government is continuing to support Universal Infant Free School meals and this means that all of the children, from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can be provided with a school meal free of charge. universal infant free school meals
If your child is in Years 3-6, they can also have a free school meal if you are in receipt of certain allowances. If your child is in Year 3 or above, and you receive one of the listed qualifying benefits, your child may be eligible for free school meals.
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit), with an annual income below £16,190
Pension Guarantee Credit
Employment and Support Allowance, income related
Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999
Working Tax Credit run-on, paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit, with a household income of £7,400 or less (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
In accordance with national Department for Education advice, we cannot accept evidence of provisional tax awards. If you believe you may be eligible, please contact the school office for help in completing the forms or complete the online using the link below.
Free school meals: Eligibility for free school meals | Essex County Council
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Furia
Headteacher