Headteacher says pupils 'more than a penny in debt' won't be fed school meals

Pupils in Gwynedd whose school meal accounts are more than a penny in debt won't be fed, a headteacher has told parents.The warning was issued in a letter sent by Neil Foden, the strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in Penygroes, Gwynedd.The letter said the school cook had been told not to give food to any child "if their debt has not been cleared, or, in the future, to children whose accounts do not have enough money to pay for lunch".A deadline of November 19 has been set for parents to get their children's accounts up to date - as there was a a deficit in the school meals budget at the end of the last half term.

Mr Foden added: "Closer inspection revealed that this was because a handful of pupils had run up debts totalling more than £1,800. Unfortunately, this means that I have had to take the following steps."He said: "All debts over £10 will be transferred to the authority and parents will be invoiced by the council."All debts of over £0.01 will receive a message from the school to clear debts and credit the system by Friday, November 19th."The email then states what further steps will be taken including refusing to serve children at the school which has around 450 pupils aged 11-18.Mr Foden apologised for the approach but said the "scale of the default means that something clearly has to be done".

The email has been shared on social media and attracted criticism from parents.

One parent wrote: "Absolutely shocking. What the hell’s wrong with system, the child might not know mam and dad are struggling to pay, it might be the only food that child eats that day."Another said: "If they would actually let you pay your £1.60 bill Without having to pay a min payment of £10, would be a help. Seriously!"A third said that while parents accept bills need to be paid "imagine a child getting his food then being told you’re not eating today sorry, then having to leave".

Gwynedd Council have told parents who are having issues paying to contact the school and that some may be entitled to free school meals.

The council said in a statement: “In terms of payment of school meals, an online system has been introduced on which parents should ensure that sufficient funds are in place to pay for their child’s school meals."

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Education, Laura Anne Jones MS said the decision was "very troubling and concerning."

She said: “No child should be punished and denied food for being more than a penny in debt to the school canteen and it should be discussed with parents and dealt with through that avenue, not this heavy-handed approach.

“Gwynedd Council should immediately reverse this decision and work with parents to find a solution that keeps children fed whilst ensuring monies are collected.”