Family dining
At Shoreditch park we offer a menu cycle which includes daily vegetarian and halal options, side dishes, and desserts.
All students are seated formally at tables for lunch as part of our Family Dining service, and we expect all students to eat the healthy meal provided by the academy. There are vegetables, salads, and fresh bread accompanying the meal, followed by a dessert or fresh fruit.
Meals will cost £2.90 per day, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals, and will be paid for online using the MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) App.
Students are able to bring in packed lunches, but only if we receive a letter from a GP or medical professional stating the reason for needing a packed lunch. Reasons can relate to medical, emotional, or mental health needs. Please send proof to enquiries@shoreditch.cola.org.uk
A free breakfast is available from 7.45am each day, and a range of snacks are available at break times. Our breakfast provides an opportunity for students to prepare themselves physically for learning and to ensure that they are punctual.
Free School Meals (FSM) allowance expansion
Do you know if you are eligible for Free School Meals? All students get a hot meal every day as part of Family Dining, including those eligible for Free School Meals.
From September 2026, eligibility is expanding significantly to support more families. Please read the details below, along with a quick step required to secure your child’s entitlement:
- Expanded Eligibility for Universal Credit Households: The previous £7,400 income cap has officially been removed. All households receiving Universal Credit are now entitled to free school meals, regardless of overall earnings.
- National Re-checking (Action Required for All Families): Because historic transitional protections are ending nationally, all families must have their eligibility re-verified. To ensure your child receives their meal entitlement seamlessly, please complete this process as soon as possible.
- How to Apply: We strongly encourage all families who receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits to apply or re-verify online via the Hackney Education FSM Application Portal – Apply for free school meals | Hackney Education
- Why Your Application Matters: Even if your child prefers packed lunches, a successful application secures vital extra funding directly for our school. This allows us to provide additional resources, support, and learning opportunities.
Note for eligible families: If your child receives FSM, their main lunch meal is completely covered, and they will not be charged. You only need to top up your MCAS account if you want your child to purchase extra breaktime snacks.
Even if your child does not wish to take school meals, a successful application secures vital extra funding for our school to support your child’s education.
Aspens (our catering team)
Aspens are a nationwide catering contractor that specialises in school food. Throughout the tendering process, we were pleased by their food offer, their strong management approach and their ambition and creativity.
We want to be able to offer our students the best food and service every day, and we believe that Aspens will provide the quality, variety and good value that we all expect.
We will work with Aspens to help them deliver as promised, and we will work with our students and parents in making that happen. That includes ensuring Aspens manage their service to our expectations and that all relevant health and safety (including allergens) guidance is adhered to at all times.
Aspens have dedicated a trust chef to be on hand to discuss specific dietary needs or concerns when required. We have your child’s current allergy or dietary needs information, but if new to the school or any changes then do ensure you communicate that to us.