Canteen

At the Academy we use an automated biometric recognition system which measures a student’s thumbprint from which they can access school based accounts.

This is used for students to access printers, photocopiers and the ‘cashless’ catering system.  You can either top up your child's account online or they can bring money in to top it up themselves using the machine in the canteen. If your child is in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) then the allocated amount is in their account each day. This won't show on you ParentPay account when you login.  You can find out more about ParentPay by clicking on this link.

The value of a free school meal for 2023- 2024 is £2.53.  To find out if you are eligible to apply for FSM, please refer to the IOW Council website here.

Year 7 Hints and Tips For the Canteen 

• There are 2 breaktime sessions when you can buy food from the canteen.

Mid Morning Break : 10.25am - 10.40am

Lunch: Two Sessions Either - 12.20pm - 12.50pm or 12.50pm - 1.20pm

• There are a number of Tariffs (price lists) on display around the canteen, as well as individual tickets with the item and prices at the counter. If you are not sure please ask a member of the team.

• You need to pay for each item individually, as you would in a shop or other food outlet. 

• The £2.50 ‘2 Piece Meal Deal’ is your best value for money choice 

Offer 1 - Main Meal with either a Water or Cake/Cookie

Offer 2 - Pasta with a Topping with either a Water or Cake/Cookie

Offer 3 - Jacket Potato & Filling with either a Water or Cake/Cookie

Offer 4 - Boxed Salad with either a Water or Cake/Cookie

Offer 5 - Just Sandwich Range with either a Water or Cake/Cookie

• You will need to regularly check your account. If you need to top up, it is always best to do this the night before, this ensures the money is available for you the next day.  To top up your account you need to go online. 

• Aspens staff will let you know when your account is getting low at the till and remind you to get this topped up. If this has not been done we will allow you to eat but you might be limited to what you can have. 

• If you were eligible for Free School Meals in your primary school, you will need to re-register with the council for the secondary school. Please see the information provided by the school. 

• Here is the link for information on Free School Meals and to claim if you are eligible. 

https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/free-school-meals-pupil-premium

• The daily Free School Meal allowance is set at a value of £2.50. This is automatically loaded onto your account each day. You can also add additional funds to your account should you wish to do so.

• Please make sure the school is aware of any food allergies or intolerances, as this information will be added to your account so that the catering team are aware

. 

• Please talk to the catering team if you have any questions. We are always happy to help. 

5 Point Checklist

1. Check you have money on your account.

2. Think about your choices

3. Make sure you leave enough time to queue up, buy your food and eat

4. Don't buy for other people

5. Keep within your budget