School Meals Information

Bridgend County Borough Council
Reopening schools – school meals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. My child normally attends breakfast club. Will there be free breakfast
available for them when my child returns to school for Check-in, Catch-
up and Prepare?
There will be no free primary school breakfast provision at this time.

Q2. My child is eligible for free school meals (eFSM). Will they get both a
weekly food parcel as well as a free school meal on the days that they
attend school for Check-in, Catch-up and Prepare?
Yes, free school meals will be available on the days your child attends school
and a weekly food parcel will also be provided.

Q3. Will school meals be available to purchase when my child returns to
school for Check-in, Catch-up and Prepare?
Yes. Although hot meal provision is the preferred option, some schools have
determined that only a packed lunch will be available.

Q4. If my school is providing hot lunches, will the menu be the same one
that was available prior to schools closing in March?
The local authority will be endeavouring to comply with the advertised menu
but there may be reduced options available on a daily basis.

Q5. Can I provide my child with a home produced packed lunch for Check-
in, Catch-up and Prepare?
This is a decision that will be made by individual schools and you are
therefore advised to contact your child’s school directly.

Q6. My child normally has a medical specialist diet. Will this be available on
the days my child attends school for Check-in, Catch-up and Prepare?
Medical specialist diets will be available for your child, but parents would be
expected to update the school on any changes to a previously provided
medical specialist diet, to ensure that the catering service can be informed
prior to your child attending.

Q7. Where will my child eat lunch?
Individual schools will determine the suitability of pupils eating in dining halls
or at their designated desks.

Q8. Will the cashless catering system be functioning?
Yes, however, parents/carers will need to ensure there is sufficient balance on
their child’s account. If you have not received a recent email with your child’s
account balance, you can contact the school administrator to ask for this
information.

It is unlikely that the cash revaluation machines in secondary schools will be
accessible at this time and parents/carers are therefore advised of the need to
credit accounts via the ‘Pay it’ function on the Bridgend County Borough
Council website.