School Lunches
We are excited to share some important news regarding our school catering services. From 1st September 2025, our in-school catering will be provided by Innovate.
The Xavier Trust has undertaken a thorough and careful selection process to identify a new provider who can deliver high-quality, nutritious meals with a much larger range of choices each day for both our children and staff. We are confident that Innovate will bring a fresh and positive dining experience to our school community.
What does this mean for you?
Personalised Ordering App:
You will receive direct communication from Innovate with a personalised link to their meal ordering app. This exciting change allows parents to:· Order meals directly with the provider.
· Submit allergy information, which goes straight to the Chef Manager in the kitchen.
· Reduce the risk of errors, as the school office will no longer act as an intermediary.
New Ordering System:
Look out for the email from Innovate and get set up on the new app.Important: We cannot provide a school meal unless it has been ordered via this app.
· Meals must be ordered at least 1 week in advance. Orders will need to placed by Sunday evening for the week ahead.
· This is a change for us at The Marist School, but it will significantly improve the quality of food provided each day and prevent wastage.
Support Available:
If you need help setting up the app, Innovate's Customer Care Team will be happy to assist.Free School Meals:
· If your child receives Universal Free School Meals (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) or Means-Tested Free School Meals, this will be updated automatically in the app.
· If you are required to pay, you must have a positive balance to place orders.
Free School Meal Eligibility & Pupil Premium Application Form
Your completion of this form enables the school to check for Free School Meal Eligibility and also if additional money (Pupil Premium) can be claimed from the Government. Free School Meals can be provided to pupils if parents/guardians meet the eligibility CRITERIA 1. We urge you to complete this form even if your child does not take a school meal.
Healthy Packed Lunch Guidelines
Fruit and Vegetables - Please include at least one portion of fruit and/or vegetables.
Proteins and Whole Grains - We encourage healthy proteins (such as chicken, lean meats, eggs, or plant-based options) and wholegrain bread, wraps, or pasta.
Sandwiches - Sandwiches are welcome, but we ask that families are mindful of the fillings. Please avoid high-fat, high-sugar, or heavily processed fillings. Healthier options include lean meats, cheese in moderation, salad, or plant-based spreads.
Drinks - Water is encouraged. Still juice or milk is acceptable in your child’s packed lunch, but fizzy drinks and energy drinks are not permitted.
Treats in Moderation - A small treat is allowed (e.g., a small biscuit or yogurt), but we kindly ask that high-sugar or high-fat foods such as sweets, chocolate bars, and crisps are kept to a minimum
STRICTLY NO NUTS POLICY
To protect children with serious nut allergies, The Marist is a strictly no nuts school. This includes:
- No peanut butter or other nut butters
- No cereal bars or snacks containing nuts
- No chocolate spreads with nuts (such as Nutella)
- No loose nuts or nut-based products
Please always check food labels carefully before packing your child’s lunch.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Packed lunches should be brought to school in a named lunchbox or bag.
- We are unable to refrigerate or heat lunches, so please pack appropriate items.
- Water is always available at school.
By following this policy, we can work together to promote healthy eating habits and keep all children safe at school.
Thank you for your cooperation and support
Healthy Snack at School
Children are allowed to bring one small piece of fruit or vegetable to enjoy during their morning break. This policy helps promote healthy eating while keeping snack time simple and manageable. Thank you for supporting our efforts to encourage nutritious choices amongst our pupils.