Waltham Forest Catering is the largest provider of school meals in Waltham Forest. We produce approximately 12,000 meals a day in over 70 different sites.
We work closely with the Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust and the healthy schools team to ensure that our meals meet the highest standards. Our highly qualified and experienced team of managers, cooks and catering assistants work together to provide a high quality service.
At Waltham Forest Catering we recognise the link between the food that children eat and the effect on their behaviour and performance. Therefore, we are keen to ensure children are provided with meals that are made with fresh and high quality ingredients that they will enjoy eating.
We are committed to healthy eating and do this by providing a balanced choice of meals daily. Our menu planning takes careful consideration of current nutritional advice, popular dishes and the diversity of our community.
» For more information about healthy eating in schools visit www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk
» Download a Eat Well Do Well leaflet
Daily menu choice
Each day children can choose from:
- 2/3 main meal choices including a vegetarian dish
- 3 fresh salads
- Choice of potatoes or rice
- 2 hot vegetables
- 2 dessert dishes
- Seasonal fresh fruit platter
- Fresh baked bread
We review our menus regularly developing, new ideas and encouraging children and parents to become involved via school councils or school nutrition groups. Our aim is to make the food appealing to pupils and students and therefore make lunchtime fun.
Multi-cultural choices
Our menus reflect the diversity of the residents in Waltham Forest.
Careful cooking
The food that our staff prepare is carefully sourced with limited use of processed ingredients. We ensure that wherever possible we:
- use natural ingredients
- use free range eggs
- use Fairtrade ingredients
- grill or bake food to reduce fat
- prepare freshly cooked or raw vegetables
- adjust recipes so that they contain less sugar, salt and fat
Meal prices
Waltham Forest Catering offers varied balanced nutritious meals to pupils and school-based staff. To continue doing so and to carry on meeting the requirements of the School Food Trust we charge £1.70 for a primary school meal and £1.75 for a secondary school meal.
This price continues to reflect value for money, and compares favourably with prices charged in other boroughs.
Your child may also qualify for free School meals. Click here to find out about free school meals.
Why not visit us?
If you are still in any doubt, why not visit the dining room during lunchtime with your child (by prior arrangement with the school) so you can see for yourself the quality of the meals provided.
To book a school meal, please see your school office or for more information, please contact our catering manager.
We look forward to seeing you.
For more information
For more information about the contents of these pages, please contact us:
If you would like to write to us then please use the address below:
Waltham Forest Catering Service
Children and Young People's Service
Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane E17 5SD
tel 020 8496 3000
