School Lunches

All children in Early Years, Year One and Year Two are entitled to a daily, free hot school dinner.

At New Horizons Primary School, we believe that every pupil should enjoy healthy and nutritious meals to support their learning. 

We partner with a catering specialist called Innovate, a member of Impact Food Group, who offer quality food choice, flexibility and speed at the heart of everything they do. 

Their food is inspired by the best and most fashionable high street concepts, fusing fantastic quality food with the industry's leading quick service style food markets and cafes.

If you are in Years 3-6, you can purchase a school meal for £2.65 a day. Meals are prepared freshly on site in our new kitchen. Meals are paid online on Arbor and must be ordered in advance, meals cannot be ordered after 8am on the day.

Primary Schools Innovate Menu 

All Packed lunches should follow our New Horizons Healthy Packed lunch Policy:

Packed lunch guidelines

Free School Meals

What are Free School Meals (FSM)?

Free School Meals provide eligible pupils with a free school lunch during the school day. Eligibility is set by the government and schools/local authorities manage applications.

What has changed about Free School Meals?

From September 2026, eligibility rules are changing so that more families may qualify. Families receiving Universal Credit may now be eligible under the updated arrangements.

We encourage all families to check eligibility, even if you have not qualified before.

Who can apply for Free School Meals?

You may be able to apply if you receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits.

Because eligibility rules can change and individual circumstances vary, we encourage all families who think they might qualify to apply.

(Primary School) My child already gets free meals in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 – do I still need to apply?

Yes, children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive Universal Infant Free School Meals automatically. However, registering for Free School Meals may provide access to additional funding and support for the school and your child.

Please note that even if your child currently receives free school meals, parents and carers will need to reapply each academic year 26/27 . Once approved, entitlement will be awarded for the full academic year, regardless of any changes in circumstances.

My child brings packed lunches – should I still apply?

Yes, even if your child usually brings lunch from home, registering may still unlock additional support and funding for school resources and pupil support.

I applied before and was refused. Should I try again?

Yes. Eligibility rules change and family circumstances change too. We encourage families to reapply if circumstances have changed or if you are unsure.

Will other children know my child receives Free School Meals?

No, applications are confidential and schools work hard to ensure children are not identified because they receive Free School Meals.

Will staff know my financial circumstances?

Only staff who need access to eligibility information for administrative purposes will usually see this information. Applications are treated confidentially.

How do I apply?

Applications are completed through our local authority system.

Apply here: Synergy - Enquiry

If you need help completing an application, please contact the school office.

How long does an application take?

Most applications are quick to complete and only take a few minutes. Processing times may vary depending on the local authority.

What information will I need to apply?

You may be asked for information such as:

  • Your name and address
  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance Number
  • Details relating to qualifying benefits

If I receive Universal Credit, does that automatically mean my child gets Free School Meals?

Families receiving Universal Credit are encouraged to apply because eligibility arrangements are changing from September 2026. Submitting an application is the best way to confirm entitlement.

Does registering help the school?

Yes, when families register for Free School Meals, schools may receive additional funding to support pupils through extra resources, interventions and wider support.

Can my child still have school meals if they have allergies or dietary requirements?

Yes, please contact the school office to discuss allergies, medical needs or dietary requirements so suitable arrangements can be made.

Fruit, milk and water

Fruit in Early Years, Year One and Year Two:

We take part in the national fruit scheme, which provides a free piece of fruit (and occasionally vegetables) for every child every day. Fruit and vegetables provided include apples, bananas, pears, oranges, tomatoes, carrots and mini-cucumbers.

Fruit in Years Three to Six:

Please provide a fresh piece of fruit or vegetables for your child’s mid morning playtime. 

Milk in Early Years, Year One and Year Two

We also take part in the national school milk scheme. Children under 5 are entitled to free school milk and this is given to the children during the daily routine in the Early Years.  If your child is over 5 and you wish them to have milk please complete the following form, copies are also available from the school office.   

If your child is in Years Three to Six and is entitled to a free school dinner then they can also have free milk daily, Please speak to your child’s class teacher.

Water

We encourage children to have plenty of drinks of water through the day as this aids concentration and physical health. Drinking plenty of water during the day has also been shown to improve bed-wetting problems.

The school provides each child with a water bottle in Year R, which is needs to be refilled every day and brought into school. If you would like to purchase an NHP branded bottle they can be purchased at the school office for £1.50 each.