At CFBL, lunchtime is an important part of the school day. Our canteen is designed to be a calm and enjoyable space where pupils can eat well, discover new foods and develop healthy habits, all while respecting individual dietary needs.
Lunchtime organisation for younger pupils (PS to CP)
Lunch is served in several sittings to suit the rhythm of the younger children:
PS & MS: from 11.15
GS: from 11.45
CP: from 12.30
Children are seated at tables of 8 pupils, with staff members moving from table to table to encourage them to eat, try new foods and enjoy their meal in a relaxed environment.
Students are each given their own platter, with crudités, fruit, homemade bread, a hot meal and the dessert of the day). Desserts include yoghurt, compote or jelly, with homemade cake served once a week only.
A dedicated table is reserved for pupils with allergies, intolerances, other dietary requirements or lifestyle choices (vegetarian).
For children with medical dietary needs:
Pupils wear badges indicating allergies or intolerances when they arrive at the canteen.
They are provided with a colour-coded placemat showing their name, class and dietary information.
Their plate is prepared in advance, covered and clearly labelled.
Each meal is checked twice by trained allergy champions before being served.
Lunchtime organisation for older pupils (CE1 to 3ème)
Older pupils enjoy a more autonomous canteen experience, while still being supported by trained staff.
Starters & salad bar
Salad bar with small bowls (or plates if chosen as a main dish – no second servings).
Plain crudités, two composite salads and a range of plant-based proteins.
Homemade hummus, homemade salad dressings and toppings (seeds, etc.).
Pupils are encouraged to check the screens or the canteen entrance to decide whether to choose the daily main dish or a salad option.
Main dishes
One vegetarian and one non-vegetarian option every day, except Mondays which are fully vegetarian for sustainability, as chosen by the students' eco-representatives.
Pupils indicate how much they would like, in order to reduce food waste.
If nothing suits them, pasta is always available (with "popular" vegetables such as peas and carrots mixed in) as a nutritious alternative.
Soup is also offered daily.
Desserts & dairy
Fresh fruit (unlimited).
Yoghurt available every day.
Cheese once a week (one portion per meal, three cheeses rotated: cheddar, Red Leicester, brie).
Homemade cake served twice a week, alongside compote or jelly.
Hydration & bread
Hydration station with flavoured water (mint or fresh fruit - no added sugar).
Homemade bread served daily.
If the buffet is not too busy, pupils may be able to return for a second serving of pasta or buffet items, but they are encouraged to take the right quantity the first time to avoid waste.
Allergies, intolerances and dietary safety
CFBL takes food safety extremely seriously.
The school is nut-free.
Pupils with dietary requirements use colour-coded badges:
Red: allergies
Orange: intolerances
Green: vegetarian
Older pupils collect their tray and badge on arrival and are served only by trained allergy champions.
Two emergency kits containing EpiPens and anti-allergy medication are available: one for younger pupils and one for older pupils (with age-appropriate dosages).
To ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all students, the school requires formal notification of any specific dietary requirements. It is vital that this information is shared with the school nurse and indicated on Eduka prior to the start of the academic year or immediately upon a new diagnosis or lifestyle change.
The school distinguishes between essential dietary needs and personal food preferences. We are committed to accommodating the former to ensure student safety and respect for core values.
Medical Requirements: Includes food allergies (e.g., anaphylaxis to nuts, shellfish), intolerances (e.g., celiac disease, lactose intolerance), or metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes). Even though the school is nut free, it is essential parents/guardians notify any peanut or tree nuts allergy for safety purposes and management of allergic reaction especially during outings or school trips.
Lifestyle Choices: Includes dietary restrictions based on religious beliefs (e.g., Halal, Kosher) or ethical convictions (e.g., Vegetarian). While we do not provide halal, kosher or vegan meals, vegetarian options are always available.
Note on Preferences: General dislikes or "picky eating" habits cannot be accommodated by the school catering team as formal dietary requirements.
Packed lunch: CFBL offers a wide variety of food items and caters for children with specific dietary requirements. Packed lunches brought from home are not allowed, except in exceptional circumstances and after being reviewed and agreed by the school nurse.
Our commitment
All meals are cooked from scratch in our on-site kitchen. We place strong emphasis on:
Nutrition and balanced meals
Food education and discovery
Sustainability and reduced waste
Lunchtime at CFBL is about much more than eating – it’s about learning, wellbeing and enjoyment.