British Summer Time BBQ Day
Fri 27th March
British Summer Time is here – hooray, hooray!
One less hour in bed… but more time outside to run and play!
The days are brighter, the nights are light,
So we’re having a BBQ – what a yummy delight!
London Marathon Theme Day
Friday 24th April
The London Marathon is one of the most incredible and iconic running events of the year! More than 56,000 runners are expected to tackle the 26.2-mile course on Sunday, April 26th, making history as the largest marathon in the world.
Get ready to fuel up like a champion with our energy-packed, London Marathon–themed school lunch menu!
VE Day
Friday 8th May
Victory in Europe Day reminds us of courage, community, and coming together to celebrate! Just like the street parties of 1945, today’s lunch is full of fun, color, and flavors that bring everyone together.
Get ready to join the party with a menu packed with tasty treats and hearty favorites, perfect for celebrating with friends.
Eat The Rainbow Challenge
Monday 11th – Friday 15th May
This week, we’re celebrating all the colors of the rainbow! Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables isn’t just fun—it’s a super way to give your body the vitamins, minerals, and energy it needs to stay strong, healthy, and ready for anything.
How many colours of the rainbow can you eat this week?
Download a copy of our challenge chart as you enjoy your fruits and veggies, at school and at home.
idealschoolmeals.co.uk/EatTheRainbow.pdf
School Meal Extravaganza
Tue 21st May
Join us for a prize-packed lunch full of tasty food and fun rewards!
By choosing a school lunch this School Meal Census Day, you not only get a chance to win an amazing prize but also help bring extra funding to your child’s school.
Children from participating schools could snag a bake-at-home cookie bag—yummy and fun all in one!
Past theme days
National Superhero Day
Tuesday 28th April
Superheroes come in all shapes and sizes, and it isn’t the superpowers they possess that we most admire—but what those abilities can do for the greater good of others. From doctors to nurses, teachers to firefighters, real-life superheroes are all around us, doing amazing things to help people every day.
Celebrate your inner hero with our specially crafted National Superhero Day menu! Packed with energy and colorful flavors, every bite is designed to power you up for a day of heroic adventures.
Early Easter Lunch
Wed 1st April
We’re hopping into holiday fun with an early Easter celebration.
Wishing you lots of smiles, laughter, and happy holidays!
Red Nose Day
Fri 20th March
We’re Red Nose ready and joining people up and down the UK to show that laughter has the power to change lives. Red Nose Day helps children learn about kindness, generosity, and helping those in need, and we’re proud to support this important message while enjoying the fun together.
Mother’s Day
Fri 13th March
Mother’s Day is a special time to celebrate the people who look after us, cheer us on, and make us feel loved.
Today we’re celebrating all our motherly heroes! They might be a mum, dad, grandparent, carer, family member, teacher, or a special friend — anyone who cares for us, male or female.
World Book Day
Thurs 5th March
A celebration of authors, illustrators, books, and the joy of reading!
Our menu is inspired by popular children’s books, bringing the magic of stories into mealtime and extending the learning all day long.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day
Fri 13th Feb
A day to celebrate the people closest to our hearts — our cherished friends and loved ones.
Whether we exchange handmade cards, bake sweet treats, or simply enjoy meaningful time together, Valentine’s Day is all about sharing love in the ways that matter most.
Let’s fill our dining halls with love, laughter, and kindness today!
Early Pancake Day
Tue 10th Feb
Join us for a flipping good time! With the end of term coming up, we didn’t want to miss out on Pancake Day — so we’re celebrating a little early! That means we all get to enjoy two Pancake Days this year. And really… who wouldn’t want double the pancakes?
Time to Talk Day
Thu 5th Feb
Today we’re celebrating the power of talking!
At lunchtime, sit with a friend, share a smile, and tell each other about your day.
There is no better time to talk than over a tasty meal!
Big Garden Birdwatch
Fri 23rd Jan
The world’s largest garden wildlife survey takes place this weekend.
We’re calling all peck-ish budding bird watchers – Fly in today for our bird themed lunch packed with fun, flavour and flappy excitement.
Christmas Lunch
Various Dates
The Tastiest Day of the Year!
Don’t miss your chance to tuck into all your festive favourites. Check your school menu, save the date, and get ready to feast, laugh, and celebrate together!
Elf Day
Wednesday 3rd December
Get ready for a magical feast!
Join us for a merry Elf Day Brunch Lunch—packed with tasty treats to keep little elves buzzing with cheer all afternoon!
Children In Need
Fri 14th November
The annual event that supports local charities and projects dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people across the countryBy choosing a school lunch today, you’re also supporting your local community – now that’s something to feel good about!