Council promises action over ‘grim’ school meals

AN apology has been issued after ‘grim and absolutely inedible’ school meals were provided to pupils at school in Exeter.

Cllr Rob Hannaford told Thursday’s full Devon County Council meeting that concerned parents and carers in Exwick and St Thomas had contacted him about the very poor quality of school meals and snacks offered to their children.

Photos were provided to the meeting from a parent at West Exe School who said that they ‘wouldn’t even serve this to a dog let alone a child’, with them adding that it was a ‘complete insult to children’.

Cllr James McInnes, cabinet member for schools, told the meeting that the provider responsible for the school concerned had apologised for the quality of the meals on one day that had been sent, and that they put a plan together which includes further training in regard to quality and portion control.

Asking for a report on the issue, Cllr Hannaford said: “I understand that a number of schools have recently changed their contractors and suppliers, so can the cabinet member please report to council on these specific matters, and more generally across the county, including any current issues around substandard cuisine, unhealthy ingredients and inadequate portion sizes.”

He added: “We have had the grim pictures. I do acknowledge that it was rectified but we want to make sure children are being looked after and eating properly.”

One of the pictures provided from West Exe appeared to show a chicken leg and wing served up in what appears to be a paper cup.

A second picture appears to show tortilla chips with melted cheese on top, but it is difficult to tell.

On the specific issue at West Exe School, he read out a letter from a parent which said: “My daughter is currently in year 10 at West Exe School and has recently sent me pictures of the absolutely inedible and horrendous meals/snacks they are offering and serving to their students, our children.

“As a parent I want my child to be offered nutritional food and food that looks appetising and edible. As you can see from the photos I have provided these are neither of those things. I wouldn’t even serve this to a dog let alone a child.

“I appreciate they have to stick to a budget however this is unacceptable and in my opinion a complete insult to our children. They shouldn’t have to suffer as a consequence of the supply change.”

In response, Cllr McInnes added: “School governing bodies and academy trusts are responsible for the provision of school meals and it is for them to choose their catering provider and ensure that the lunches, and other food or drink served, meets the standards for school food in England. We will only discuss the issue with the school if there seems to be a wider concern regarding quality or provision.”

He said where a school contracted with Devon Norse to provide their meals Devon County Council had more control as it was a joint venture with the council.

On the West Exe School issue, he added: “The provider has apologised to the school concerned and has put a plan together which includes further training in regard to quality and portion control. The schools working with the new provider will continue to monitor the standard of meals.”