School catering services
Eat well, live well. Nutritious, inclusive school catering for Oxfordshire’s children.
Oxfordshire County Council Catering Services provide hot and nutritious lunches to school children every year.
We focus on creative school meals that bring children together and encourage healthy eating habits, ensuring they leave school with a positive view of food.
What we do:
- Provide over 1 million lunches every year
- Deliver to 60 schools
- Employ 150 staff
- Have 70 years of experience
Eating well and together is the cornerstone in building strong health and social skills for children. Our hands-on approach in schools, working with teachers, pupils and parents mean that food is at the heart of the school experience and extends well beyond the dining room.
"Your passion for food was obvious and your samples delicious"
Our customer-centric approach
We’re dedicated to quality service. Whether a new customer or existing, we quickly build a great understanding of the requirements of the children and the expectations of parents and the school.
Regular updates online about menu changes or initiatives mean parents can access what they need.
Primary schools
Our team is passionate about making healthy eating fun. In our primary schools, we offer a three weekly menu cycle, working with our customers to provide nutritious, exciting food which will appeal to the children. We get involved with:
- Year group assemblies
- Parent evening taster events
- Theme days
We can provide practical learning about food and by supporting the curriculum in this way, we encourage children to develop positive eating habits from an early age.
"Debbie's preparation was faultless and the energy she and her team put into the day was outstanding" - Headteacher
Secondary schools
Our secondary school offer incorporates innovative and exciting menu items which have been designed to appeal to our young customers. Acknowledging current market trends, creating high street style brands and with a strong focus on plant based foods, our team works closely with schools, pupils and parents to ensure that we have captured the needs of the students, whilst remaining school food compliant and catering for differing tastes and dietary requirements.
"Thank you so much for the food samples you shared on family parent open evening this week…..they were delicious" - Parent
High standards
Meals are produced in accordance with detailed recipes which specify the portion sizes and are in accordance with government school food guidelines and recommendations from the Department for Education and Public Health England.
Each is analysed by an independent dietician to ensure they comply with the current nutrient-based standards and food-based standards.
Our current menu for our primary school portfolio has been independently accredited by LACA (Lead Association for Catering in Education) demonstrating compliance with the School Food Standards. It is also in the process of being accredited for the Soil Association Bronze Food for Life Award.
Meat is farm assured and carries the red tractor mark and all eggs are free-range. We do not serve fish from the Marine Conservation Society (MSC) 'fish to avoid' list.
Get in touch / want to know more?
Get in touch to find out more about our bespoke primary school service.