Teachers horrified after primary school kids are sent to class with cold McDONALD’s meals as packed lunches
Teachers have now told parents of infant school children they will have to eat free school meals
TEACHERS have described their shock after children as young as four were sent to school with COLD McDONALD’S in their packed lunchbox.
Staff were so taken aback to see kids being sent to school with the junk food that they have now decided to enforce a ‘school meals only’ rule.
Some pupils were even being sent to school with a packet of biscuits for lunch, but under new rules every child up to the age of seven will qualify for a free hot meal.
Headteacher of Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School in Greenleys, Bucks, explained that her school would be taking part in the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme after her staff made the shocking discoveries.
Writing to parents, she said: “Many children bring unacceptable packed lunches, for example two chocolate bars and a yoghurt or cold chips and sausage or a packet of biscuits and crisps.
"We've even seen children with a cold McDonald's meal in their lunchbox. How can this be healthy?
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"We have done this for very positive reasons because it is better for the children's health to have a nutritious meal.
"And, of course, it is free, saving parents £485 a year."
Astonishingly, the move has prompted anger from some parents, who feel their children are being deprived of a choice over what they eat.
One, who did not wish to be named, said: "My child won't eat anything if they can't have their packed lunch from home. This rule is unfair."
The school, which was rated outstanding by Ofsted, uses nationwide catering company Chartwells to supply cook and chill meals, which are ordered online a week in advance by parents.
Mrs Jones added: "We have a range of hot meals but if children don't like them they can order a packed lunch through Chartwells.
"This will be balanced and nutritious and consist of a sandwich or wrap, yoghurt, a piece of fruit and a drink."
The lunchbox ban only applies to children in Reception to Year Two. Children in Years Three to Six will be allowed to bring lunches from home as usual.
School lunches have famously proved a battleground for teachers and parents in the past.
Some parents tried to defy celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s healthy school meals drive back in 2005 by passing junk food through the school gates to their children.
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