Lunches

We try to encourage children to lead healthy lifestyles and to help them to understand the importance of a balanced diet and sufficient exercise. 

School Meals

School meals cost £2.60 per day.  Please see below for our Spring 2024 menu and a list of allergens.

Acorn Catering provide tasty healthy meals for 6 local schools. Ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible and meals are made freshly each day at the  Catering Kitchen at Axminster Primary Academy.

All meat including sausages, meatballs and burgers are supplied by Complete Meats of Axminster

All fish products are supplied by Davy's Locker in Bridport

Fresh fruit and vegetables are supplied by Cain's Farm in Chideock

Dairy produce including free-range eggs and West Country cheese are supplied by R. T. Parris of Chardstock

Universal Infant Free School Meals

From September 2014 all children in Reception and KS1 are entitled to a Free School Meal. We are delighted that 90% of eligible children at Mrs Ethelston's are taking up the option of having a healthy fresh school meal each day. Children can change from school dinner to sandwiches, or sandwiches to school dinner at each half term. We may be able to accommodate special dietary requirements which are covered by a medical letter - please ask at the school office for more details.

Free School Meals/Pupil Premium

We encourage all parents who are eligible for the following benefits to apply for Free School Meals even if they are in Reception or KS1. This is because the school receives extra income, currently £1300 per year, which we use to provide additional support for your child. Please ring Devon County Council Free School Meals on 0345 1551019 if you think you may be eligible - you will usually be given an immediate decision and the school will be notified on your behalf.

You can register for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium if you get any of these benefits:

• Income-based & Contribution-based JSA or ESA on an equal basis
• Income Support (IS)
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
• Income-related employment and support allowance (IRESA)
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, that does not exceed £16,190
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
• Where a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit run-on (the payment someone receives for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Please see the Pupil Premium Page for more information on the benefits of receiving Free School Meals.

You can also apply on line by visiting Free School Meals - register online or phone 0345 1551019

Packed Lunches

There is a wealth of evidence now about the effect of food on children's behaviour and concentration. We therefore ask you to please consider carefully what you provide for your child each day if they bring a packed lunch. Sweets are not allowed, but we also discourage chocolate bars and an over-reliance on processed snacks. Sandwiches and fresh fruit are ideal, providing the right kind of energy for your child to make the most of their afternoon in school.

Water

Children are expected to bring a water bottle to use in school and we encourage them to drink water regularly. Drinking water is known to promote healthy bodies and alert minds.

Snacks/Fruit

Children in Foundation and Key Stage One are provided with a piece of fruit each day, funded by the National Health Service. Older children are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit or vegetable (carrot, celery etc) to eat during morning play (NOT biscuits, crisps or chocolate) Please support us in these efforts to develop healthy eating habits