We have a contract with a company called Alliance in Partnership (AiP) to provide school meals and snacks to our pupils.

AiP have written to the school today to inform us of a change in their policy regarding non-payment of school meals.

Unfortunately, over time a small minority of parents / carers have built up debts with AiP after allowing their accounts to go into arrears and continuing to order meals..

In their letter to us today AiP have stated that:

As the cost-of-living increases which includes the cost of food at an average 15% we cannot sustain providing meals with no payment.

AiP have informed us that any debt built up by parents / carers will now be charged to the school.

The change in policy therefore means that as a school we must insist that any parent / carer ordering a school meal or snack from the school kitchen MUST ensure that their account is in credit before placing their order.

We will always work to avoid any child going hungry and not being fed at lunchtime, but we cannot allow debts to be built up, and we may have to ask that a packed lunch is provided by parents / carers if accounts are not in credit and school meal orders are made.

Remember that all pupils in Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and those eligible for Free School Meals do not need to pay for school meals.

It is always worth checking if you are eligible for free school meals by visiting https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Education/Educational-awards-benefits/FreeSchoolMeals/Apply-online.aspx