Dad’s fury as son given jam sandwich for his school dinner
THE SCHOOL HAS STOPPED SERVING HOT MEALS
A HULL dad has spoken of his frustration after his son was served a jam sandwich for his school dinner.
Since reopening to all pupils in September following lockdown, Thorpepark Academy in Orchard Park has stopped providing hot meals, and instead is only serving cold food.
Described by the school as a “grab and go packed lunch”, the dad says the offering contains a sandwich, drink and a pudding.
“I don’t know why they can’t safely provide a hot meal when all the other schools around here are,” said the dad, who did not wish to be named.
“We got a letter emailed before they went back saying they can’t provide a hot dinner so it will be sandwiches, but not about what they would get or anything.
“My eight-year-old said he had a jam sandwich and a jelly. When I asked him why he said there wasn’t any other sandwiches left.
“He tried it but didn’t like it so didn’t eat it. He was hungry, but I fed him when we got home.”
The dad said the school provided a better offering during lockdown.
He said: “Considering during lockdown they got a sandwich, drink, bun, fruit, yogurt and biscuits, I think they can do a lot better.
“I don’t see a reason they can’t provide their normal hot meals when every other school can.
“The school has been great, apart from the dinners.”
The dad said the jam sandwich was the last straw, and he is now sending his son to school with a packed lunch, despite being eligible for free school meals for his son.
He added: “We are eligible for free school meals, but I am sending them with a pack up now.
“Quite a few parents have been complaining about what they are giving them and the lack of hot dinners. I don’t know if any have spoken to school or not.”
A notice on the school’s website says: “Due to current Covid19 changes we will be providing grab and go packed lunches from September 2020.
“This is to be reviewed with children and parents in September 2020.
“Thorpepark is committed to providing its pupils with delicious, well balanced and nutritious meals.
Food is freshly prepared on school site. Through the school council, the children have the opportunity to express choices for menus. These are discussed with the school cooks.
“Every week lunchtime staff give out golden tickets to the pupils who show exemplar behaviour and attitude. These children can choose a friend to eat with at the golden table. This is on a Friday.”
In a statement sent to the Mail, the school said: “A spokesperson for the school has explained all parental complaints are dealt with on an individual basis. The school appreciates this is a difficult time for everyone.”