Catering at Emmanuel College
At Emmanuel College we are passionate about food and committed to prioritising our children’s health and well-being. We have banished lumpy gravy, abolished soggy sprouts and eradicated anything even resembling Turkey Twizzlers from our menus. We are fanatical about finding the freshest and tastiest ingredients and combining them to create delicious, healthy meals.
The meals we provide are an excellent source of nutrition, with an emphasis on homemade, high quality fresh food, sourced locally. In addition, having school lunch as opposed to a packed lunch helps young people develop confidence to make appropriate menu choices and taste a range of different foods. We operate a cashless meal system to avoid singling out students who receive free school meals.
Please click on the link to download the menu of hot meals currently being served in our Restaurants:
Cashless Meal System
Every student has a meal account and a student ID card. Money must be credited to the student’s account before any purchases can be made; this can be done via ParentPay. Where students qualify for free school meals the appropriate amount is credited automatically each day.
At lunchtime, the till operator uses a touch screen terminal, which displays a photo image of each child and records the meal they have chosen that day. Where students have special dietary requirements they can be highlighted and entered confidentially into the system. Students’ meal details are recorded each day, which allows parents the facility to monitor their child’s eating habits, should they wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I pay for my child’s school meal?
School meals are normally paid for using the school’s ParentPay facility.
Do I qualify for Free School Meals?
Your child, or children, may qualify for free school meals if you are able to meet the following criteria:
You or your partner must have a child or children for whom you receive child benefit who is in full time education, under 19 years of age and who attends Emmanuel College.
You and your partner must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA – IB)
- Guarantee Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA Income Related)
- Child Tax Credit – but not Working Tax Credit – and your income for Tax Credit purposes must be less than £16,190.00 (details are shown on your Tax Credit award notice)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- If this applies to you, please complete Gateshead Council’s Free School Meals Application Form and return to the address on the form.
If you satisfy the requirements for your child/children to receive Free School Meals, and submit the information required to Gateshead Council, the school will be informed of this and Free Meals will be available immediately.
Parents can be sure that pupils who receive a free school meal are not singled out in any way.
For further information see the Gateshead Council Website.
How will I keep track of the amount of cash in my child’s account?
Statements can be generated on request, or you can check online using the ParentPay facility. Please contact the Finance Office for more information.
What happens if my child is away from school?
No meal deduction will be made in a child’s absence.
