School lunches

If your child needs an adapted diet for medical reasons, we can help. We support children with medical dietary needs and cultural or religious requirements so they can enjoy safe, suitable school meals.

To get started, you need to apply through your child’s school.

Who this is for

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 this information to plan meals that meet your child’s needs safely.

Why adapted diet plans are important

Adapted diet plans help schools and nurseries provide safe, inclusive, and appropriate meals.

They are important for:

• health and safety – reducing the risk of allergic reactions or illness
• inclusion – ensuring all pupils can take part in mealtimes
• cultural and religious respect – supporting dietary requirements such as halal or vegan diets
• wellbeing – helping children feel confident and included

What parents and carers need to do

You should:

• tell the school or nursery about your child’s dietary needs
• complete an Adapted Diet Request Form
• provide medical confirmation from a doctor or dietitian for medical diets (this is not required for cultural or religious diets)
• provide a photo of your child to the school or nursery (for catering staff)

You do not need to submit a new form when your child moves from nursery to primary school. The Menu Development Team will update this.

What the school or nursery will do

The school or nursery will:

• provide you with an Adapted Diet Request Form
• support you with the application process if needed
• share approved information with catering staff

What the Menu Development Team will do

• Process applications as soon as possible (this may take longer during busy periods, such as the start of term)
• Medical diets:
  • send a proposed menu to parents/carers for approval
  • share the confirmed menu with the school
  • review and update menus each year
• Cultural or religious diets:
  • email menu information to parents/carers and the school
  • update menus regularly
• share approved information with catering staff

After approval

In primary schools, children with an adapted diet will receive a purple tray and lunch ordering band to help staff identify their meals.

Keeping information up to date

You must tell the school or council if anything changes, including:

• your child’s dietary needs
• medical advice
• school details
• your contact information

This helps us keep your child safe and provide the correct meals.

Get help

Contact your child’s school office to request an Adapted Diet Request Form or for support with your application.