School lunches —
what parents told us

Survey results · June 2026

Families responded

Children covered

95%

Use school lunches

59%

Often come home hungry

Children by year group

Reception

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 4 has no respondents yet.

The two biggest concerns

59%

say their child often or almost always comes home hungry

48%

reported concerns about children being served food they didn't want

What parents said about food quality

Looks unappealing

43%

Unfamiliar foods

27%

Too spicy

14%

Texture problems

14%

No plain option

13%

What parents are asking for

Components separate on plate Plain option always available Friday menu preview Regular feedback survey Taster portions Open feedback channel SEN-aware serving staff

What's working

95% use school lunches in some form Taster sessions well received Many parents broadly positive

"I think we are lucky to get free school meals in London. They are doing well with the money they have."

"The taster day was lovely. We continue to be perfectly happy with the lunch situation at the school."

Suggested next steps for the school

Plain option — no negotiationEnsure plain pasta or rice is always available without children having to ask repeatedly

Separate components by defaultServe food deconstructed where possible — children can mix themselves

Address cooking consistencyMultiple reports of undercooked pasta and rice — a straightforward quality fix

SEN staff awarenessServing staff to be briefed on needs including ARFID and sensory sensitivities

Friday menu previewShare the following week's menu every Friday so families can prepare children

Clear feedback channelA visible, publicised way for parents to raise concerns — currently 3% don't know how

Haven't filled in the survey yet?

More responses help us build a stronger picture — especially from Year 3 families.
Contact: kimberly@moxie89.com

School lunches —what parents told us

School lunches —
what parents told us