Only cold food to be provided to limited number of infants

[AfolMummy]

Hi all just wondering if anyone else's school is only providing cold food to a limited number of infant children at school (the years that would normally get free school meals)? We have been told we are to provide them with a packed lunch and they will only provide (a cold) lunch if we are really unable to. The thing is other schools locally are providing a packed hot lunch for their infants. I'm just wondering what they are doing with all the funding the Government gives to provide free school meals to those year groups. It also appears to be against the Government advise online www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools . Many of the children don't eat cold food like sandwiches (mine included), many parents did not expect the extra expense, many working parents have limited time in the mornings and we've just been informed with a few days to go until school opens. Is this the case with your school too?

If you contact the head about school meals he/she should pass it onto the Governors as the governors are responsible for school meals. If there were to be changes to school meals governors would need to be involved and authorise.

Going to the governing body about something they are directly responsible for is not a problem. As the head is an automatic member of the governing body nothing is being hidden from them.

Anything about teaching and learning related should go to the head first (assuming the class teacher hasn’t resolved things)

In this case I think it’s entirely appropriate to get in touch with Governors.

I think it’s important that the role of governors is understood. They are strategic leaders so are responsible for ensuring that children are receiving their entitlement for school dinners. How this is done is operational and is up to the senior leadership team. So, if children who are entitled to a free meal are not receiving this, governors should be aware. If, however, you are unhappy about how it’s organised such as cold food instead of hot, eating in the classroom, that is for the head to sort. Operational complaints to the governors would be passed straight back to the head. In any case, I would always chat to the school first, before going to governors.

I work in an infant school. We are providing food for all who want them.

However it's cold options only. That's because the kitchen is in a neighbouring school and there is the transmission and crossover risk.

So sandwich grab bags only but they've added an extra filling option. Or children can bring packed lunches.

It's not ideal but hopefully it's only temporary.

Not good if they can't provide food for all those eligible though.

Our grab bags - it's the same providers across the Lea mostly here - include a sandwich made with two slices of bread (choice if tuna, egg, ham or cheese), a small bag of carrots (or similar), a piece of fruit and either a bun, slice of cake/flapjack or biscuit (all fairly bland though due to the 'healthy eating' type restrictions.) no drink provided so all need to have their own water bottle.

They're not particular great and not as nice as a home packed lunch, but they're okay.