Frequently Asked Questions

 

This section contains frequently asked questions and their answers.

 

If you have a question that isn't answered here, please ask us by emailing cypcs@sheffield.gov.uk or contact us on 0114 2735817 and we will answer it.  If we feel that everyone else can benefit from the answer as well, we will add it to the questions below.

 

 

 

 

For information on meals prices go to the School Meal Prices Page.

  

 

 

To find out please go to the Free School Meals Page.

 

 

Yes this is possible.  For contact details visit the special diet page

 

 

We ensure that there is a minimum use of colourings, additives and preservatives in line with government guidelines.

  

 

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.  The contractors management team make regular visits to each site to ensure standards are maintained.  In addition inspections are made by City Council staff on all aspects of the catering contract including all areas of Food Safety and Health and Safety legislation.

 

 

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?

 

Sheffield City Council welcomes 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.

 

 

Our new menus have been designed to incorporate a healthy vegetarian option, freshly prepared to order.

 

 

Our new menus offer a choice of healthy main course with a filled jacket potato alternative.  The cook will aim to produce enough of each to meet demand.  There will always be a hot meal available for every child to the end of service.

 

 

In some schools children bringing their own sandwiches sit together with children using the School Meals Service - individual schools decide how lunchtimes are managed.

 

 

Yes this is possible; please contact your school office for details.

  

 

Feedback from the school meals questionnaire indicated that this was an issue for some children.  At present the price for a Primary meal is the same regardless of the age of the child.  This is an area, which we may investigate in the future.

 

 

All ingredients used in the school meals contract are approved by the local authority to conform to a high specification of quality as agreed with the Health Protection Service.  The contractor will reject items which do not meet quality control standards.

 

 

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 with a piece of cake and fruit.

 

 

For more information on Scolarest, our new school meals provider please see their Question and Answer sheet on our home page.