School Meals
"The weekly picnic lunches on the field enable all staff, governors, and children to come together. These are served by the school’s chef, who takes care to provide locally grown, restaurant quality food. This adds to a feeling of community, forges relationships and demonstrates care by all."
(SIAMS Report 2023)
Cranham Primary School is very fortunate to have our lunches cooked by The Great Plate (see below for this term's menu). We ask that meals are booked in advance through ParentPay. Meals should be booked by Tuesday for the following week. Please contact the school office if you are having any difficulties with this.
Packed lunches
Some parents choose to send their child with a packed lunch. In the same way that the Great Plate spends time designing the correct meals for us, it is equally as important that your child's packed lunch is a balanced meal which provides the vital energy, vitamins and nutrients they need to stay focused, learn and play throughout the school day. The government has recently provided schools with guidelines that cut back on fatty foods, sugar and salt. Parents must also think carefully about what goes in the lunchbox: please avoid foods like crisps and chocolate, always include veg and swap fruit bars (which are notoriously bad for teeth) with fresh fruit. Try to opt for wholegrain where you can. How we learn to eat as a child shapes us for the rest of our lives and so it is vital to encourage healthy eating habits from a young age. Click below for some great packed-lunch ideas, and remember that variety is important in order to provide a range of nutrients as well as exposure to different flavours and textures.
In the summer months, our whole school gathers for a picnic on the field every Wednesday lunchtime. The Great Plate provide filled baguettes / hotdogs, vegetable and fruit kebabs, cake and homemade lemonade. What a special time for our children!
They also organise an annual taster session for parents. Make sure you don't miss out this year.
Our Census day menu on 01 October 2026
Universal Free School Meals:
Universal Free School Meals are available to all children in Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2). There is no need to apply for this, but meals still need to be booked in the usual way through ParentPay.
Meals are available to Key Stage 2 children at a cost.
If you believe your family circumstances may entitle your child to free school meals, please apply via the Gloucestershire County Council portal, even if eligible for Universal Free School Meals.
https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schoolsnet/your-pupils/free-school-meals/
What do parents say about our school meals?
We are really very happy with the healthier food options; Mr Black is outstanding in both cooking and relating to the children.
My daughter came home today saying lunch was the greatest thing she had ever tasted! She said it was 'amazing' and 'delicious', even the sweetcorn which she doesn't usually like. And Mr Black's homemade yoghurt was 'the best ever'!
Super healthy varied menu which has encouraged my daughter to try more than she would have.
We are really impressed with the meals!
I brag about this all the time at work to clients! People are so envious that the children are offered such fantastic meals.
Brilliant meals; credit to the chef!
This is really excellent - high quality, whole, non-processed foods are so important both physically and mentally, and help with learning.
I am so happy with this change. Thank you!