School Meals

Our School Meals

Parents/Careers can top up their child’s account through Arbor. Food is purchased using biometrics or their unique number.

Find out more about Arbor pay ‘HERE’ 

Free School Meals 2026

Many Families are eligible for free school meals, Thousands of families who qualify have not yet applied. 

To check your eligibility, please see the below link: 

Apply for free school meals | Shropshire Council

FAQ’s – Free School Meals (FSM)

How much is the free school meal (FSM) allowance?

• Currently there is an allocation of £2.50 per day which is added when food is purchased in the school canteen.

How does Free School Meals (FSM) work?

• If your child is eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) a daily allowance is added to their account when they purchase food from the school canteen. This allowance can be used to purchase food and drinks at break or lunchtime from our school catering facilities. The allowance is only available on the day it is issues and cannot be carried over to the next day if its not used. Any additional items purchased above the allowance value will need to be paid for using available funds on the students catering account. Please ensure you keep an eye on your child’s catering account and top this up accordingly.

What food can my child purchase with their free school meal allowance?

• The schools catering facilities offer a wide range of food which all children have access to purchase. They offer meal deals which include hot meals and a drink or sandwich and drink. The meals are tailored around the allowanced that the children receive from Free School Meals (FSM). Alternatively, students can purchase any items they like but only £2.50 will be covered by the Free School Meals (FSM) allowance.

How will the canteen know that my child receives free school meals?

• Students who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) are identified automatically through the schools cashless catering system. There is no need for your child to tell catering staff that they receive Free School Meals (FSM), as the daily allowance will be added directly to their account. This means that when your child makes a purchase, the system works in the same was as it does for all student, always insuring privacy. Catering staff can distinguish between students paying with Free School Meals (FSM) and those using money allowance as this will show on their systems and will activate the Free School Meal (FSM) allowance automatically.

Will I need to apply for free school meals each academic year?

• In most cases, once your child has been approved for Free School Meals (FSM), you do not need to submit a new application every academic year. Eligibility is usually reviewed by the local authority, and the school will be notified if there are any changes to your child’s entitlement. However, it is important to inform the school/Shropshire council of any significant changes in your circumstances, as these may affect eligibility. If further information or a new application is required, the school or local authority will contact you directly. If you are unsure about your child’s eligibility status or have any questions regarding free school meals, please contact Shropshire Council who are happy to assist further.

Do we still receive the free school meal vouchers during the periods while my child isn’t at school?

• Free School Meals (FSM) vouchers are not provided during short periods of absence from school. Your child’s Free School Meal (FSM) allowance is only available when they are attending school and purchasing food through the school’s canteen services. Arrangements for support during the longer school closures, such as emergency closures or school holidays, are determined by government guidance and local authority policies at the time. Under the current Free School Meal (FSM) guidance, vouchers are no longer provided.