Food and Mealtimes

At GEM Hereford, we believe that access to food and drink throughout the day is an important part of supporting wellbeing, focus, and learning. Our approach to mealtimes is relaxed, student-centred, and flexible to meet individual needs and preferences.

Breakfast

All students are invited to enjoy a free breakfast when they arrive at 9:15am. Breakfast is supported by Michelle at Trinity and Charlotte at Hildersley, and provides a calm and welcoming start to the day.

Students can choose from a selection of toast, crumpets, cereal, and drinks. This informal breakfast time also gives students the chance to settle in, chat with peers and staff, and prepare for their day.

Lunch

Students have the option to bring a packed lunch from home or prepare their lunch on site. Those making lunch at school are supported to take part in planning and ordering the food they need, which arrives every Monday from Sainsbury’s. This encourages independence and gives students ownership over their choices.

We promote healthy eating wherever possible and offer a termly lunch menu, which provides the option of a set meal for students who prefer routine. Menus are shared in advance via Seesaw so that students and families can see what's available each term.

We fully understand that some students may experience anxiety around food or mealtimes. Our staff are experienced in supporting young people with these challenges and will always adapt our approach to ensure that every student feels comfortable and respected.

Snacks and Drinks

Students are encouraged to listen to their own bodies and recognise when they need food or drink. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day, and students are free to access them whenever they need to, without needing to ask or draw attention to themselves.

We avoid rigid meal and snack schedules, as we know these can create stress or discomfort for some students. Instead, we foster an environment where students can manage their own needs at their own pace, helping them build self-awareness and confidence.

A table with assorted fruits, pastries, and pancakes, with a blackboard reading "Mental Health Matters" in the background.
Assorted fresh fruit platter with grapes, strawberries, blackberries, watermelon, pineapple, and orange slices.
Tray of assorted sandwiches with bread, lettuce, and some with visible fillings like turkey or ham, arranged on a table with a striped tablecloth inside a white tent.
Tray of sausage rolls on the left and skewered chicken with fried chicken strips on the right, served on a striped tablecloth.
Three cardboard boxes filled with assorted small sandwiches on a striped tablecloth.
Two cardboard takeout boxes with clear windows filled with assorted pastries and fried chicken tenders, placed on a wooden surface.
Assortment of baked goods including scones, apple pies, and cupcakes, with a bowl of strawberries and cream on a kitchen counter.
Several pieces of cooked spring rolls on a black tray.
A slice of cheese and ham pizza on a dark gray plate on a speckled countertop.
A salad with lettuce, tomato, onions, bacon bits, cheese and dressing, and a small bowl of fries with cheese and bacon bits on a tray with colorful menus.
Fresh chopped vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and a small piece of onion in a purple container.
A foam tray with leftover salad, cooked chicken, and pasta, with a grey speckled surface in the background.
Omelet with ham and cheese on the left side of a black plate, with a side of sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes topped with crumbled feta cheese on the right side, on a speckled beige countertop.
A bowl of cooked arepas with a golden-brown crust held in a gray dish.
A bowl of rice and chicken curry on a blue speckled surface.