School Meals

Cucina

Cucina are the caterers at The Eastbourne Academy. They are a proudly chef-led business, and food is in their DNA, meaning they have the skills to make all of our food on-site and from scratch.

They use a range of local and national suppliers from which all fish is MSC certified, all coffee is Fairtrade, all eggs and mayonnaise are free-range, 90% of their fruit and vegetables are grown in the UK and the vast majority of their meat is Red Tractor accredited. Unless it’s responsible, you won’t find it in the kitchen. Their menus are full of goodness and nutrition, and they love educating students that healthy food is delicious, through a wide variety of tasty dishes that students love to eat.

As part of creating a positive social impact, Cucina is committed to looking after our environment. Their vision and values are entirely aligned by working with schools to create a positive food culture and a commitment to brilliant food, genuine partnership, and impassioned service.

Payments

Payment options are via Parentpay, cash when added via our in-house credit machine, and debit card. Accounts are not allowed to go overdrawn.

Refunds

Cashless System Refund Policy

Free School Meal Allowance

We allow £3.00 free school meal allowance per day.

Free School Meals - are you missing out?

There are nearly 63,000 pupils in East Sussex, however, only 8,500 children currently get free school meals. We think that there are many more children who could access these meals.

Who is Entitled?

Your child may be able to get 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 - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

How to Apply

To apply for free school meals for your child, you must fill in this online form.

Free School Meals Application Form

If you need further support or help, please contact tara.ion@swale.at

Tara Ion
The Eastbourne Academy
Brodrick Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN22 9RQ