Frequently Asked Questions
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This section contains frequently asked questions and their answers about school meals.
If you have a question that hasn't been answered here, please email us at schoolfoodservice@sheffield.gov.uk or contact us on 0114 2735817 or 0114 2734767 and we will try to help you. Our FAQ's are regularly reviewed and updated.
Do school meals contain additives which may cause behaviour problems in children?
We ensure that there is a minimum use of colourings, additives and preservatives in line with government guidelines.
How do I know the meals are prepared hygienically?
All kitchen staff are trained in food hygiene up to an appropriate level. Kitchens are inspected by Environmental Health Officers on a rolling programme and are awarded certificates for food hygiene. Chartwells management team make regular visits to each site to ensure standards are maintained. In addition inspections are made by our staff on all aspects of the catering contract including all areas of Food Safety and Health and Safety legislation.
Are all kitchen staff police checked?
Kitchen staff are subject to police criminal record bureau checks in line with other school employees.
My child is a fussy eater, what if they won't eat anything?
We welcome a 'whole school approach' to food in schools. Catering staff are trained to encourage children to take all the components of a balanced healthy meal. School staff are also there to encourage every child to eat something and to try new or unfamiliar food. A child will never be forced to eat but if your child is having problems then the Headteacher will contact you to discuss a way forward.
My child is a vegetarian; will they get a healthy meal?
Our new menus have been designed to incorporate a healthy vegetarian option, freshly prepared to order.
Why couldn't my child get the meal they wanted?
Our new menus offer a choice of two main courses and a vegetarian option. Some Sheffield schools now have a "Single Choice" menu which offers one "favourite" main course and a vegetarian option. Please check with your school what is on offer. The cook will aim to produce enough of each to meet popular demand. There will always be a hot meal available for every child through to the end of service.
My child doesn't stop for school meals because they like to sit with friends who have sandwiches, why does this have to be so?
In some schools children bringing their own sandwiches sit together with children using the School Meals Service - individual schools decide how lunchtimes are managed.
Can my child have school meals for a trial period to see if they like them?
Yes this is possible; please contact your school office for details.
Can you give parents assurance on the quality of ingredients used in school meals?
All ingredients used in the school meals contract are approved by us to conform to a high specification of quality as agreed with the Health Protection Service. The contractor Chartwells, will reject items which do not meet quality control standards.
Will my child get a lunch if they go on a school trip?
Yes, if this is ordered in advance. A packed lunch is available on request for all children entitled to a free meal and is available on request for paid meals. A typical packed lunch consists of a sandwich, a cold drink with a piece of fruit and cake.
Are Fairtrade Products used in Sheffield’s Schools?
We have a policy of actively supporting the Fairtrade initiative in any appropriate way and cross party members have supported this objective. It is, however, not mandatory to provide Fairtrade products in all areas. We have recognised that in some areas, including school meals catering, any mandatory inclusion of specific products would need careful consideration and incorporate Best Value considerations.
We therefore explore and build in wherever possible ethical and sustainable supply chains. There has also been a response by the market that supplies goods and services to schools and local authorities that acknowledge customers’ requirements for more ethical choices to be available.
For example, our catering contractor Chartwells who is responsible for the catering provision in the majority of Sheffield schools, use Fairtrade bananas in the service, and there are plans to extend the product range.
However, any development needs to take into account that increased prices for such choices, including organic produce, will be passed on to customers. A balance therefore has to be struck by developing a financially viable school meals service whilst moving forward with its customers.
If you wish to find out more about school meals provided in Sheffield Schools please Contact Us for further information.