Catering
At the Nottingham Girls' Academy we provide a high quality catering service to pupils and staff, offering a balanced and healthy choice of food.
For many pupils, lunch is the principal meal of their day. Meal times should be relaxed and fun whilst also providing all the ingredients necessary to assist with pupils' concentration and learning.
At the Academy, we prefer to manage the catering provision ourselves, giving us more control and choice over the food we offer. We operate a rolling three week menu, to ensure a wide variety. Sample menus are attached on the right hand side of this page.
*** Price of a meal deal from 1 September 2024 will be £2.80***
The Nottingham Girls' Academy Food Policy
Food and drink provision throughout the Academy day
Breakfast
The Academy operates a breakfast club that provides a nutritious meal for pupils before the beginning of the school day. The breakfast menu includes toast (choice of wholemeal or white bread), yoghurts, fresh fruit and no added sugar fruit juices. Lower fat versions of milk and milk products are offered. When meat, for example bacon, is served, lower fat cooking methods are used. Spreading fats are used sparingly and breakfast cereals high in sugar are not provided.
National nutritional standards for school lunches
Food prepared by the Academy Catering Team meets the national standards for school lunches (www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk) and our SNAG (School Nutrition Action Group) is involved in suggesting changes in the menu.
Break time
At break time our pupils are offered a range of healthy snacks and sandwiches, containing fresh fillings prepared by the Academy Catering team. A selection of fresh fruit is also available every day.
Drinks on offer: As part of our commitment to reducing the use of plastic, we no longer sell drinks at break or lunch time. Water fountains are freely available inside and outside the academy so that pupils can fill up their own drinks containers and access fresh water at all times.
Drinking water
The Academy provides a free supply of drinking water in the dining room and courtyard at breakfast, break and lunch times.
Food and drink brought into the Academy
Snacking
The Academy discourages the consumption of snacks that are both high in fat and sugar at break time. We offer a variety of snacks to our girls, for example yoghurts, fresh fruit, pasta salads, toasted teacakes, English muffins, toast and crumpets.
Packed lunches brought to the Academy by pupils
We encourage parents and carers to provide their children with packed lunches that adhere to national standards. This is achieved by promoting healthy packed lunch options using the principles of the Balance of Good Health.
Special Dietary Requirements
Special diets for religious and ethnic groups
The Academy provides food in accordance with pupils' religious beliefs and cultural practices.
Vegetarians and vegans
The Academy caterers offer a vegetarian option for lunch every day. When necessary the Academy will also offer a vegan option.
Food allergy and food intolerance
Individual care plans are created for pupils with food allergies. These document symptoms and adverse reactions, actions to be taken in an emergency, and emergency contact details. The Academy caterers are made aware of any food allergies or food intolerance and requests for special diets are submitted through an agreed process.
Food safety
Appropriate food safety precautions are taken when food is prepared and stored. These vary depending on the food on offer and include:
- Ensuring adequate storage and washing facilities are available
- Making sure that refrigerators are used when necessary
- Ensuring that food handlers undergo appropriate food hygiene training
- Ensuring suitable equipment and protective clothing are available
Any food hazards are identified and controlled. We consult our local Environmental Health Department about legal requirements where necessary.
Free School Meals
Pupils eligible for free school meals at Nottingham Girls’ Academy will receive a daily meal deal comprising a hot meal or sandwich, and a desert at lunchtime. They will also be offered a breakfast before the start of the school day as well. In order to access free school meals, parents or carers must apply by completing the following form on the Nottingham City Council website, this can be accessed by clicking the link on this page.
The following criteria will help you decide if you might be eligible to apply:
