Since 2015, all children in primaries one to three are entitled to a free school meal, with primaries four and five also being entitled to a free school meal from January 2022.
This is a great opportunity for children to enjoy the social interaction of eating in an environment where they can try different foods every day and it can also help to increase their concentration for their afternoon classes.
Our meal service offers nutritionally balanced, well-presented food in an environment that is sensitive to the needs of pupils.
There is virtually no processed food used at any stage and we are the only Council to have achieved nine consecutive Gold Soil Association Food Awards since 2008. We also back using valued local suppliers for our fresh ingredients.
School meals provide a good lunchtime experience with an important break in the day away from the classroom, while still being in the safety of the school.
School lunch breaks should be an interesting and enjoyable time and our philosophy is to help children towards a good diet by providing an attractive and interesting range of wholesome, cooked food, made from excellent, fresh, quality ingredients.
Menus
Menus and prices can be found on our school lunch menus and price lists page.
The management of the catering service in your school is provided by our Catering Services team in conjunction with the Head of Establishment.
The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) Act 2007 sets out in detail the national nutritional food standards.
Free school meals/milk
The Nursery Milk Scheme gives children under five free milk. Water can be provided as an alternative if your child do not wish milk, or has a milk allergy.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, or other benefits, your child may be entitled to free school meals.
Some children who attend early childhood centres may also receive a meal – please ask at the centre regarding eligibility and local arrangements as the service may depend on the age of your child and the hours attended.
Online school payments
We have introduced a new school online payment service to schools in East Ayrshire, allowing parents to pay for trips and school meals online. The payment service is being provided by ParentPay. Visit our online school payments page for more information.