A CONCERNED mum has said that the food her child has been receiving at Robert Burns Academy has been “unacceptable”.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said that her daughter has often come home from school feeling hungry because of what has been on offer as a school lunch.
It is also claimed that it has not been a one-off problem, with other parents citing their concerns to her about what their children have told them.
The mum has been in contact with the school about her concerns.
She said: “She [the daughter] has on a number of occasions spoke about the meals often feeling hungry when she’s home, as a parent sometimes it’s well known for kids to over exaggerate and I did think that because why would I believe that professional people with a duty of care would allow this.
“When I received her message at lunchtime saying she was starving and uploaded a picture to what she had got I was shocked.
“I contacted the academy to express my concern and still waiting to find out who it is who deals with it.
“I have spoken with other parents who are friends with kids at the school who have the same concerns and often hear the same things from their kids about the meal.”
In response Andrew Kennedy, Head of Facilities and Property Management said: “On the evidence of the photographs provided, this clearly does not reflect the standard East Ayrshire Council expects of our school meal service.
“Thank you for raising this issue, which had not been highlighted previously and I would offer a refund or credit to the young person’s account, if details can be shared.
“We have however initiated a full review and will provide further training and support for staff, as a matter of urgency.
“I would reassure parents and carers that our excellent local teams within Catering Services strive to ensure that nutritional standards are met.
“East Ayrshire is the longest-standing Food for Life Served Here Gold Award holder in the UK, serving Food for Life accredited meals every day. Meeting this standard means that school meals are freshly cooked each day with organic, local and seasonal produce, using local suppliers.
“We would always encourage feedback and the opportunity to address any concerns.”
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