At Park Road Academy Primary School, we recognise the importance of providing children with healthy, nutritious and balanced meals to support their growth, development, wellbeing and readiness to learn.

Our school catering services are provided by Trafford Council, with menus carefully planned and thoroughly reviewed against national nutritional guidance to ensure they meet the Department for Education's School Food Standards. These standards help ensure that children enjoy a varied, balanced diet, with appropriate portions of fruit, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients.

We also recognise that our youngest children have different nutritional needs. Therefore, a separate menu is provided for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), taking account of the Department for Education's Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance. This guidance supports the provision of age-appropriate meals, suitable portion sizes, balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits from an early age.

Food Allergies, Intolerances and Dietary Requirements

The safety, health and wellbeing of every child are at the heart of our school catering arrangements. Our catering team is made aware of children's individual food allergies, intolerances, dietary preferences and relevant medical information to ensure that their needs are understood and appropriately accommodated.

We work closely with parents, carers, Trafford Catering and school staff to ensure that dietary information is accurately recorded, communicated and regularly reviewed. Where necessary, individual dietary arrangements and adapted menus are put in place to support children with specific medical, nutritional, cultural or religious requirements.

Our catering team follows established food safety and allergen management procedures, including careful food preparation, ingredient checks and measures to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. We recognise that food allergies and intolerances can have serious implications, and we take our responsibility to safeguard children extremely seriously.

Parents and carers are encouraged to keep the school informed of any changes to their child's dietary or medical needs so that appropriate arrangements can be maintained.

Through our partnership with Trafford Council, we are committed to providing nutritious, enjoyable and inclusive school meals that promote positive attitudes towards food and support lifelong healthy eating habits.

Autumn & Winter Lunch Menu for EYFS (Nursery & Reception):

 

 

 

Autumn & Winter Lunch Menu for Years 1 to 6:

 

 

Promoting Healthy Eating and a Balanced Approach to Treats

We are committed to promoting healthy eating habits and helping children develop a positive, balanced relationship with food. We encourage children to make healthy choices, understand the importance of good nutrition and recognise how the food we eat contributes to our physical health, wellbeing and development. However, we also believe that a healthy, balanced lifestyle can include an occasional treat!

From time to time, as part of a special celebration, event or memorable school experience, children may be offered a small sweet treat. These occasions are carefully considered and are not part of our everyday practice. Whenever treats are provided by school, we follow our established procedures relating to food allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements and relevant medical conditions, ensuring that individual needs are considered and suitable alternatives are provided where appropriate.

We fully respect that families may have different preferences regarding sweet treats. Parents and carers who would prefer their child not to receive any additional sweet treats provided by school can request that their child is opted out by contacting the school office or sending a message to their child's class teacher through Tapestry. We will respect these wishes and ensure that relevant staff are informed.

Birthday Treats and Celebrations

Birthdays are special occasions, and we love celebrating these milestones with our children! However, we would like to reassure families that there is absolutely no expectation or requirement to bring treats or gifts into school for classmates on a child's birthday. Celebrating a birthday or festivity should never create additional financial pressure for families.

We recognise that some parents and carers enjoy continuing the tradition of sending in a small token for their child's classmates. With food allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements and individual preferences becoming increasingly varied across our school community, we kindly encourage families who wish to do so to consider a non-food alternative rather than sweets or chocolates.

A simple sticker, pencil, eraser or inexpensive single party bag favour can be a lovely way to mark the occasion and is often more affordable than purchasing edible treats for an entire class. There is certainly no need to spend a significant amount of money, and the gesture is entirely optional.

Where families do choose to provide food treats, we ask that they contact school in advance and ensure that any items comply with our food safety and allergen procedures. The school may be unable to distribute items that are unsuitable for children's individual dietary or medical needs.

Our approach is about finding a sensible balance: promoting healthy choices, respecting family preferences, keeping children safe and ensuring that everyone feels included. Above all, we want celebrations to remain enjoyable, thoughtful and accessible to every child and family in our school community.