We would like to take this opportunity to answer some ‘Frequently Asked Questions’. If these answers do not fully cover your enquiries and concerns please contact us.

What Vegetarian Options are available on the menu?
Monmouthshire County Council does not encourage pupils to become vegetarians as we believe in a healthy balanced diet for growing children. However children who wish to consume a vegetarian dish for whatever reason, be it moral, ethical or religious beliefs, at least one vegetarian option is always available each day on the menu. 

What are the legal Nutritional Standards for Welsh school lunches?
School lunches must contain at least one item from each of the following groups.
Fruit and vegetables in all forms.
Starch food such as potatoes, rice and pasta must be available daily.
Fat or oil (polyunsaturated or monounsaturated variety) should not be used in cooking procedures more than 2 times a week.
Meat, fish or alternative sources of protein must be available everyday.
Milk and dairy must be available daily.

Does Wales have the same Nutritional Standards as England?
No.  The nutritional standards in England are require all schools, by law to meet minimum standards.  Wales do not currently have compulsory standards but in Monmouthshire we are working towards the standards in the Appetite for Life Action Plan.

How much is a school meal?
A 2 course meal for infants costs £1.60 and £1.75 for juniors.

Do you cater for special diets?
Yes we will work closely with both your child’s doctor and the Community Dietician to ensure we meet your child’s dietary needs wherever possible.
 
My child is a fussy eater: I’m worried she/he won’t eat anything.
The catering staff are extremely vigilant and will gently encourage pupils on their choice but will never force a child to eat. If a pupil is not settling into school lunch, our staff will have a discreet word with a teacher who will inform the parent/ guardian.

Can my child try school meals for a little while?
Yes, your child may only wish to take the school dinner for a short while and this can be easily arranged. Contact the school secretary.

Why couldn’t my child get the school meal they wanted near the end of the lunch service?
The school kitchens try to keep a choice of foods through to the end of service each day. However, it is not always possible to gauge accurately what each child will choose but there will always be a hot meal for every child at the end of service.

I think we might qualify for free school meals but don’t know who to ask?

http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/info/4/free_school_meals/345/free_school_meals

Or phone the School & Student Access Unit on 01633 644508

Are kitchens inspected regularly?
Yes- The following four inspections are undertaken annually
Internal Audit
Health & Safety Audit
Lunch service check
Environmental Health Officers

Why are you still serving pizza and chips?
The Appetite for Life recommended standards for school meals permit two deep-fried foods per week, however we are removing all fryers from kitchens we do not fry any product, all food is ovenbaked including chips and potato wedges when they are on the menu.

Cheese & Tomato Pizza is also included on the menu and is served just once every three weeks. Our pizzas have a 25% wholemeal base and the topping, which is freshly made in the school kitchen. It is served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates and a variety of freshly prepared salads ensuring that children receive a balance of protein, carbohydrate, dairy, fibre, essential vitamins and minerals and at least two of their "five-a-day" vegetables.
When they are prepared appropriately and form part of an overall balanced fortnightly menu we believe that these foods are a healthy and enjoyable treat for the children.

Why don't you change the menus more often?
Regarding the frequency of menu changes: a rigorous and lengthy procedure of consultation, planning and sourcing of produce is undertaken before each new menu is launched.  This makes it impossible for us to change the menus more frequently than twice a year.  However, each menu is a full three-week rotation to ensure variety.