School lunches

If your child needs a special diet at school or nursery for medical, cultural or religious reasons, we can help. We work with parents, carers, schools and catering staff to provide safe, suitable meals for children and young people.

Who can apply?

You should request an adapted diet if your child:

• has a medical condition that affects what they can eat
• has a medically confirmed food allergy
• follows a cultural or religious diet, such as halal or vegan

We use the information you provide to make sure your child receives appropriate meals.

How to apply

To request an adapted diet:

1. Complete the Adapted diet request form.
2. Provide a letter or note from a doctor or dietitian confirming your child's diagnosis if the request is for a medical diet. This is not needed for cultural or religious diets.
3. Tell your child's school or nursery about their dietary requirements.
4. Give your child's school or nursery a recent photo so catering staff can identify them. Do not send the photo to the Menu Development Team.

If your child already has an adapted diet in nursery, you do not need to submit a new form when they move to primary school.

What happens next?

We will review your application as quickly as possible. During busy periods, such as the start of the school year, it may take longer to process requests.

For medical diets, we will send the proposed menu to you for approval before it is introduced. You may need to provide a packed lunch until the menu is agreed.

For cultural or religious diets, we will send you a link to the relevant menu. Schools and catering staff will also receive the information they need to support your child.

In primary schools, children with an adapted diet receive a purple tray and lunch ordering band for their pre-ordered meal. In secondary schools, pupils should order their lunch each morning with catering staff.

Keep us updated

Please tell us if any of the following changes:

• your child's dietary needs
• medical advice or diagnosis
• school or nursery details
• your contact information

Keeping your details up to date helps us provide the correct meals and keep your child safe.

Contact us

For help or further information, contact your child’s school office or email the Menu Development Team.