Our Little Thinkers Nursery (9 months - 2 years) is now open. Click HERE for more details.
At Kings Ash Academy, we partner with a catering specialist called Innovate, a member of Impact Food Group, who offer quality food choice, flexibility, and speed at the heart of everything they do.
Impact Food Group believes that it's important to treat students with more respect and to help them make more sophisticated decisions about the food they eat.
Their message focuses on their ability to be more than a school canteen, and continually look at ways to provide restaurant-style school food that's well cooked, presented, and helps to build a better knowledge of food.
Our kitchens will use the best technology to serve students quickly, ensuring they have time to enjoy their meal to keep them ready to learn.
Innovate, make all meals from scratch in our kitchen daily. School lunches have changed enormously over the years and are now really delicious!
If your child has a specific dietary requirement, Impact Food Group will be able prepare meals to meet their needs.
All children from Reception to Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal, however, if you prefer, your child may bring a packed lunch to school. Packed lunches should be healthy and balanced with no more than one small piece of chocolate or cake. No fizzy drinks or sweets packed with e-numbers please.
While we cannot guarantee that our site is completely free from nuts, we kindly ask families to avoid sending food that contains nuts in packed lunches or snacks. This helps to minimise the risk to students with allergies.
Booking Lunch Through Arbor
At Kings Ash Academy, all school lunches are booked and paid for through Arbor. This system makes it simple and secure for families to choose meals in advance and manage payments.
How to book a lunch
1. Log in to the Arbor App or website using your parent account.
2. Select your child’s profile and click on the three lines (which is the main menu).
3. Go to Meals and choose the date.
4. Pick from the menu options available for that day.
5. Confirm your booking.
You can book meals for the week ahead or for the whole term - whichever works best for your family.
Payments
• If your child is entitled to Free School Meals or Universal Infant Free School Meals (EYFS–Year 2), no payment is required, but you still need to book the meal choice.
• For all other children, payment is made directly through Arbor at the time of booking. Our caterer has a no debt policy so you will need to ensure you have money in your account in order to pre-book your child’s meal.
Why pre-book?
• Helps ensure all children gets their preferred meal choice.
• Helps our kitchen staff prepare accurate numbers, reducing waste.
• Gives you control and visibility over what your child will be eating each day.
If you have any difficulties booking lunches, please contact the school office and we will be happy to support you.
What are Free School Meals (FSM)?
Free School Meals provide eligible pupils with a free school lunch during the school day. Eligibility is set by the government and schools/local authorities manage applications.
What has changed about Free School Meals?
From September 2026, eligibility rules are changing so that more families may qualify. Families receiving Universal Credit may now be eligible under the updated arrangements.
We encourage all families to check eligibility, even if you have not qualified before.
Who can apply for Free School Meals?
You may be able to apply if you receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits.
Because eligibility rules can change and individual circumstances vary, we encourage all families who think they might qualify to apply.
My child already gets free meals in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 – do I still need to apply?
Yes, children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive Universal Infant Free School Meals automatically. However, registering for Free School Meals may provide access to additional funding and support for the school and your child.
Please note that even if your child currently receives free school meals, parents and carers will need to reapply each academic year 26/27 . Once approved, entitlement will be awarded for the full academic year, regardless of any changes in circumstances.
My child brings packed lunches – should I still apply?
Yes, even if your child usually brings lunch from home, registering may still unlock additional support and funding for school resources and pupil support.
I applied before and was refused. Should I try again?
Yes. Eligibility rules change and family circumstances change too. We encourage families to reapply if circumstances have changed or if you are unsure.
Will other children know my child receives Free School Meals?
No, applications are confidential and schools work hard to ensure children are not identified because they receive Free School Meals.
Will staff know my financial circumstances?
Only staff who need access to eligibility information for administrative purposes will usually see this information. Applications are treated confidentially
How do I apply?
Applications are completed through our local authority system. Apply here: Application for free school meals with Torbay Council
How long does an application take?
Most applications are quick to complete and only take a few minutes. Processing times may vary depending on the local authority.
What information will I need to apply?
You may be asked for information such as:
If I receive Universal Credit, does that automatically mean my child gets Free School Meals?
Families receiving Universal Credit are encouraged to apply because eligibility arrangements are changing from September 2026. Submitting an application is the best way to confirm entitlement.
Does registering help the school?
Yes, when families register for Free School Meals, schools may receive additional funding to support pupils through extra resources, interventions and wider support.
Can my child still have school meals if they have allergies or dietary requirements?
Yes, please contact the school office to discuss allergies, medical needs or dietary requirements so suitable arrangements can be made.
