School Food Offer
In 2022, as part of our School Improvement Plan, we moved away from a contract catering model of providing school food. With the support of the charity Chefs in Schools, we brought catering under direct school management.
Since then, our food offer has been continually improved in line with our agreed food vision, ensuring that children have access to freshly cooked, nutritious, and exciting meals every day.
Children who are attending a maintained primary school in Islington are entitled to free school meals.
You must register for your child to receive a school meal by using the citizens’ portal. Please use the step-by-step guidance provided by Islington to assist you in applying for your child:
Step by step Free School Meals guide
Our Food Vision
Food at both schools is a central and important part of our whole school educational offer. We link food to the curriculum and the topics children are learning wherever possible. Our kitchen staff are a valued part of the school community, working in line with our values and ethos to give children the very best.
Children, staff and parents all have a say in the menu offer, with pupils learning about food and nutrition through a healthy school food culture. Pupils are encouraged to explore new flavours and understand where food comes from in a nurturing environment. All of our food is cooked from scratch, using locally sourced, seasonal and as ethical as possible ingredients. We place a strong emphasis on whole foods, balanced meals, and cooking methods that celebrate natural flavour while supporting children’s health and wellbeing.
We want children in our schools to:
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Enjoy having a school meal every day
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Love the menu – with dishes that reflect what they want to eat, while introducing new foods in a sensitive and engaging way
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Know the kitchen team by name, feel excited to see them, and feel confident to ask for more, less, or adjustments to suit their needs
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Help shape the menu through the School Food Council
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Experience a dining environment where they can talk, share food, and learn what they are eating through clear information and food education
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Benefit from a high-quality breakfast and after-school hot food offer, ensuring children are well-nourished throughout the school day and beyond
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Develop their understanding of food cultures, the journey of food from farm to fork, and the role of nutrition and health in their lives
What We’ve Achieved So Far
Our schools have:
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Established a Food Council, giving children a voice in shaping menus and the dining experience
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Introduced Taste Education lessons across the federation – a unique approach where children explore food using all their senses. By touching, smelling, listening, and observing before tasting, children become more confident and adventurous eaters without pressure
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Launched cooking clubs for pupils, giving them hands-on experiences in the kitchen
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Partnered with Islington Council to run the Family Kitchen, supporting families to cook and eat together
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Started a gardening club, helping children learn about growing food and making the link between garden and plate
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Extended our care to ensure children receive nutritious hot food at Breakfast Club and Afternoon Club, so that every part of their day is supported by healthy, whole-food meals
Current Head chef and Food Educator: Tiago Padilha
Food at Rotherfield and Newington Green is no longer just about lunch – it is a whole-school commitment to giving children the skills, confidence and joy to make healthy food choices for life.