ParentPay FAQs
Meal Bookings
How do I book school meals?
School meals should be booked through ParentPay. Log in to your ParentPay account and select your child's meal choices for the dates required.
When can I book meals?
Meals can be booked up to 10 weeks in advance through ParentPay. We encourage families to book as far ahead as possible to help our catering teams plan meals and ensure pupils receive their preferred meal choices.
Is there a deadline for booking meals?
Yes. School meal bookings operate to set deadlines throughout the school year. Full details of current booking deadlines are published on this page.
What happens if I do not book a meal?
A meal will always be available for pupils requiring one. However, meals are prepared based on the bookings received and pupils without a booking may have a more limited choice depending on what has been prepared.
Why is it important to book meals in advance?
Advance bookings help to:
- Ensure pupils receive their preferred meal choice
- Allow kitchens to prepare the right quantities of food
- Reduce unnecessary food waste
My child receives Free School Meals. Do I still need to book meals?
Yes. Meals should still be booked through ParentPay. Advance bookings help our catering teams plan and prepare the correct number of meals each day.
My child is bringing a packed lunch. Do I need to do anything?
If your child will be bringing a packed lunch for the full term, please let us know so we can update our records and avoid unnecessary reminders being issued.
If your child has a mix of school meals and packed lunches, meals should still be booked through ParentPay when required.
I can only see three weeks of bookings on my phone. How do I view additional weeks?
If you are using a mobile device, you may only see up to three weeks of bookings at a time. To access additional weeks, select the last available Friday to unlock the following week's bookings.
Can I download a list of the meals I have booked?
Yes. ParentPay allows you to download or print a summary of your child's meal bookings.
To access this feature:
- Log in to ParentPay.
- Select your child.
- Open the meal booking section.
- Download or print your booking summary.
Can I change a meal booking after it has been made?
Yes, bookings can be amended on ParentPay up to the published booking deadline. If you require a change after the published booking deadline, you can contact us at SICParentPay@shetland.gov.uk to make an amendment or contact your school office directly.
School Meals
How much do school meals cost?
Current meal prices are available on our School Meals webpages:
https://www.shetland.gov.uk/schools/school-meals
Where can I find school menus?
School menus are available on our School Meals webpages:
https://www.shetland.gov.uk/schools/school-meals
Free School Meals
Who receives free school meals automatically?
Children attending eligible Early Learning and Childcare settings and pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 5 receive free school meals.
My child is in Primary 6 or above. Can they receive Free School Meals?
You may be eligible to apply for Free School Meals depending on your circumstances. Further information about eligibility and how to apply is available on our Financial Support webpages:
https://www.shetland.gov.uk/support-pupils/ema-bursaries-financial-support/4
My child receives Universal Free School Meals in Primary 1 to Primary 5. Do I still need to apply for Free School Meals?
Yes. Even if your child receives Universal Free School Meals, you should still apply for Free School Meals if you think you may be eligible.
Successfully applying for Free School Meals may also entitle your child to additional support, including:
- A School Clothing Grant
- Holiday Free School Meal payments
- Winter support payments (where applicable)
Further information about eligibility and how to apply is available on our Financial Support webpages:
https://www.shetland.gov.uk/support-pupils/ema-bursaries-financial-support/4
Do I need to apply for Free School Meals every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted for each school year, even if your child received Free School Meals previously.
I have submitted a Free School Meal application but have not received a decision.
This may be because we are waiting for additional information to complete the assessment of your application. We will contact you if anything further is required.
ParentPay Accounts
My child requires a special or adapted diet. What should I do?
If your child requires an adapted diet for medical, cultural, religious or additional support needs, a Special Diet Request Form must be completed before arrangements can be put in place.
Further information and the request form are available on our School Meals webpages:
https://www.shetland.gov.uk/schools/school-meals
My child previously had an adapted diet. Do I need to complete another form?
If your child’s dietary requirements have changed, or if you are unsure whether their existing arrangements remain in place, please contact the Catering Service for advice.
I have forgotten my ParentPay password.
Please use the password reset function on the ParentPay website. If you continue to experience difficulties, contact SICParentPay@shetland.gov.uk.
I do not have my ParentPay activation details.
Please contact your school, who will be able to provide your activation information.
I already have a ParentPay account. Can I add another child?
Yes. You only need one ParentPay account for all of your children.
If you have another child starting school or nursery, you can add them to your existing account using the "Add a Child" function and the activation details provided by the school.
- If you are using a desktop computer, select the "Add a Child" icon from your ParentPay home screen.
- If you are using a mobile device, open the menu, select "Payer Dashboard", then choose "Add a Child".
Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the activation username and password provided by the school.
This allows you to manage all meal bookings and payments through a single ParentPay login.
My child has moved school or has started secondary school. What do I need to do?
If your child has moved to a different school, including moving from primary to secondary school, you will need to add them to your ParentPay account using the new activation details provided by their new school.
To do this:
- Log in to your existing ParentPay account.
- Select "Add a Child".
- Enter the new activation username and password provided.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
You do not need to create a new ParentPay account. The new school account can be linked to your existing ParentPay login.
Please note: Activation details from a previous school cannot be reused. Your child's new school will provide replacement activation details for use with ParentPay.
Contact Us
Who do I contact for help with ParentPay?
Email: SICParentPay@shetland.gov.uk
Telephone: 01595 743844
Who do I contact about school meals or adapted diets?
Email: catering@shetland.gov.uk
Telephone: 01595 744924