Portsmouth News

Thankful parents praise efforts of schools across region

-

PARENTS across The News area have praised the efforts of schools to provide decent free school meals hampers.

Nationally the hampers, provided in the main by catering contractor­s, have come in for criticism – with one infamous example from a company called Chartwells calculated as being worth £5.22 when it should have contained £15-worth of food.

After seeing the praise that Kylie Butcher gave Arundel Court Primary in our story above, readers on our Facebook page wanted to share their appreciati­on of schools’ help.

Nicola Bone shared a picture of what had been distribute­d by St Anthony’s in Titchfield Common. She said: ‘This is where my eldest goes. Plus a £30 food voucher. I was in tears as I didn't expect this. As a recently single mum of three who had to give up a 20yr+ working career I'm still figuring out what support we can get so didn't even know we were entitled to help in this way. This should keep us going till the end of Feb if we're careful.’

Jo Buckley added that Copnor Primary School has been excellent, and Marge

Gatrell said the same about Cottage Grove Primary.

Charlene Siddall praised Craneswate­r Junior School, saying: ‘Honestly the hampers are great, thanks to the schools and Caterlink. The teacher personally delivered to my door because I was unable to get out and collect.’

Mel Legg commented: ‘Before Christmas Ryan had to isolate because he had been in contact with a child in his class that tested positive. The day Ryan was meant to go back I had Covid... not from him or his school, but from my older son who had been on a course. So Ryan couldn’t go back. His school, Park Community in Leigh Park, sent him a big bag full of goodies... snacks, deodorants etc. It was a lovely surprise.. and meant Ryan didn’t miss out on the Christmas festivitie­s.’

‘So glad there is a positive after so much negative,’ said Sarah O'shea, and Gill Colling wrote: ‘I’m very pleased to see this. It does not mean I am not angered by the minimalist hampers given elsewhere but these children will be well set up for learning.’

 ??  ?? GENEROUS The picture of the food hamper shared on The News’ Facebook page by Nicola Bone
GENEROUS The picture of the food hamper shared on The News’ Facebook page by Nicola Bone

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom