It is important that all students have access to nutritious food throughout the day, as this can have a positive impact on their learning and focus during lessons.

The catering team at Retford Oaks is committed to providing meals of the very highest standard whilst maintaining good value. Within our canteen, there is a variety of options for students to choose from, enabling them to make conscious decisions about the type of food they eat.

A hot main meal is provided each lunchtime, comprising main dish, dessert and a drink for £2.15. There is also a dedicated pasta bar, plus a wide selection of baguettes, sandwiches and salads.

To enable students to make easy payment for their food, Retford Oaks Academy uses the sQuid system. Students are given an account, which can be topped up by parents and carers, and use their own fingerprint to make payments. The system also enables parents to keep track of the meals their children are eating.

Retford Oaks Academy holds the government’s Food For Life accreditation at a gold mark standard, which shows that the food served is healthy, ethical, uses lots of local ingredients and is animal and climate friendly.

More information concerning the catering services provided at the academy can be found by visiting the Nottinghamshire County Council website.

Free school meals

We know that having a nutritious meal during the school day is important for children’s health, wellbeing and learning – and we want to ensure that all children who are eligible for free school meals benefit from this scheme.

Your child may be able to receive free school meals if you get any of the following:

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit – your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

If you think that your child(ren) may be entitled to free school meals then you can either apply online or download a form via the Nottinghamshire County Council website here, or phone them on 0300 500 80 80.

Once your application has been approved, the council will inform the academy and we can then start providing free school meals for your child(ren). We treat all recipients with complete discretion.

We are here to help, so contact us if you have any queries or concerns you would like to discuss directly with the academy.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, your local food bank can help. To arrange a food voucher for your family, visit Bassetlaw Food Bank, or for further support contact the academy(opens in new tab) to talk to someone in confidence.