FAQs

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions. Please contact the school office if you require further assistance.

How much is the Free School Meal allowance?

The free school meal allowance for the 2022/2023 academic year is £2.45.

My child has free school meals, why does their account have an overdraft?

Students who are entitled to free school meals have two balances running concurrently; a free school meal balance and a cash balance. If a student spends more than their FSM allowance of £2.45 in a day, they will start accruing a cash overdraft. For example, if they spend £2.75 in a single transaction, the entirety of their £2.45 FSM allowance is applied to the purchase and they will have an overdraft of –30p. We recommend that parents monitor their children's account and top it up regularly to cover any overspending.

How much money should I pay into my child’s meal account?

The cost of a main meal is £2.45. Each student has individual needs but for the majority of students £2.45 to £4.00 a day is sufficient amount for them to spend.

My child has been charged for a purchase he or she didn’t make, how can I get a refund?

Please fill in this online form https://forms.office.com/r/dSmG6uJuRM   We will contact Chartwells on your behalf to request that they look into the transaction. Chartwells will make the final decision as to whether to issue a refund. The school cannot issue refunds for lunch purchases as all money for lunches are paid directly to Chartwells.

My child is spending too much money each day. What can be done to stop this?

For some students, particularly Year 7s, it may be the first time they have had the responsibility of making their own meal choices and may overspend. Please have a discussion with your child regarding your expectations for their spending.   Agree with your child when they can make purchases the canteen, for example at lunchtime only.   Agree on a set amount of money that your child should spend each day.   Discourage them from making purchases for friends.   Encourage them to ask for the price of items from canteen staff to track their spending.   Provide your child with a drink and/or small snack for break time while they adjust to later lunch times. If overspending continues to be an issue with your child, please contact the school to discuss putting a spending cap on your child’s account.

Why has my child been refused a purchase in the Canteen?

The caterers allow students to have a maximum overdraft of £2.45. They have the discretion to refuse service to students who have an overdraft or insufficient funds in their account to complete their purchase. This includes students in receipt of free school meals.   If a child is refused service in the Canteen, we advise them to seek help from a member of duty staff or go to Reception without delay. They should not wait until the end of lunch. Staff will look into their account and contact parents to top up their PlusPay account if needed.   PlusPay sends automatic email notifications to students with low funds. Please look for these emails and top up your child’s account when required.

Why can’t I pay cash for school dinners?

The school’s caterers Chartwells operate a cashless system. All funds paid into students’ lunch accounts are sent directly to Chartwells and the school cannot accept cash on their behalf.