Son ‘penalised’ for coeliac disease over school meals – mum

A MUM says her son is being “penalised for having coeliac disease” at school – being served just chips and beans at lunch times.

Bridget Beecham, 31, said her nineyear-old son Mason is sometimes being offered a bare minimum for lunch at St Francis RC Primary School in Ely, Cardiff, because of his intolerance to gluten.

But with the weather getting colder, Ms Beecham is concerned that Nathan is being denied a proper meal because of his medical condition.

She said: “Most days he’s served chips and beans and is never offered anything other than a yogurt for dessert.

“Yesterday he was given peas, potatoes and carrots because there was no meat available.

“Coeliac disease these days is well heard of. He’s being penalised because he has coeliac disease.

“There’s plenty of gluten-free food, so it’s probably just to do with cost.”

Ms Beecham also claims he’s being served the minimal lunches because canteen staff have run out of food by the time he gets to the canteen.

“They should know how many children they’re catering for. It’s not fair for the children at the back of the queue.”

Mason was diagnosed with coeliac disease when he was four, and his mum claims he has had problems with food at the school since he started aged five.

She says she has been told by the school that if she buys gluten-free food – such as pasta and bread – the school will be able to serve it. But she will have to buy the items herself.

“With the cold weather, I want him to have a hot meal. I just don’t think it’s fair. He deserves a warm meal like any other child,” said Ms Beecham.

Michael Williams, headteacher of St Francis Primary School, said: “Although it wouldn’t be appropriate for the school to speak publicly about individual cases, what I can say is that, when one of our children has special dietary requirements, the school works very closely with the family to plan how best to meet those needs.

“Our kitchen manager has had regular meetings with parents over the years, making sure we are getting things right, and providing meals that respect dietary requirements in a way that is inclusive and ensures that the children continue to feel a part of our happy school family.

“The school follows the education catering daily menus, and in the main those meals on offer can cater for individual needs, such as providing gluten-free ingredients. However, sometimes the meals do need to be adjusted, but the kitchen manager works closely with families to ensure those alternatives are appropriate.

“The kitchen manager and I are always available to meet with parents if they have any concerns that they wish to discuss with us.”