Lunchtime

About Aspens

Aspens provides the meal service for our children. They are experts in school catering and have years of experience when it comes to school food. All dishes are prepared every day using quality, fresh ingredients. Dishes are created from favourite dishes from home and around the world. Aspens caters for all children, including allergies to provide appropriate meals. 

View the Menu Here

Lunch Time  

The current cost of school lunches is £2.30 per day. (Payment should be made in advance via ParentPay) 

Additional information about Aspens click here

 During lunchtime dining, children are encouraged to be independent by self-clearing at the end of their lunchtimes. Children relish this responsibility an enjoy supporting those who are younger. 

Sustainability is important to Darlinghurst and Aspens. We encourage children to recycle any plastics used in the dinner hall or those brought in from home. We recognise that our actions can improve the environment. 

PALS (Play and Learning Sessions) 

During lunchtime play, children are engaged in environments that meet their developmental needs. Zones are demarcated on the playgrounds to create a blend of active and quiet spaces. Children engage in these spaces, developing personal development skills. 

Free School Meals 

All children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 are entitled to receive universal infant school meals  school meals. It’s a fantastic idea please make sure you support this initiative. Not only will it help to save money but you will also be giving your child a nutritionally balanced meal to fuel their bodies for the rest of their learning day. 

(Please note this is not to be confused with free school meals which is an entitlement that some children can receive due to their parents/carers circumstances.) 

If you are applying for free school meals for the first time, please use the online application process at www.southend.gov.uk/fsm  if you are able. For free school meal renewals, please complete a “Registration for Free School Meals and Pupil Premium” form (see Downloads to the right). 

Packed lunches 

We encourage children to bring healthy packed lunches to the academy. 

Packed lunches should not contain glass bottles, cans of fizzy drinks or sweets 

– we are a healthy school.        

Foods containing nuts are prohibited for the health and safety of children with serious nut allergies. Packed lunches should be brought in a suitable lunchbox clearly marked with the child’s name and class. Healthy lunchbox advice can be found here Lunchbox ideas and recipes – Healthier Families – NHS (www.nhs.uk)