Ravensdale Junior School in Mickleover, Derbyshire, faced backlash after enforcing a dinner-debt policy that led to children being served bread and butter for lunch. Head teacher Katrina Dakin’s sons were affected, receiving this meager meal due to an outstanding debt of £17.60 ($23 USD). Katrina, who works night shifts, missed debt notifications and her sons suffered consequences. Despite clearing the debt later, the boys were traumatized by the experience.
She was asleep when the debt notifications came in
Katrina, a mother of six, works at The New Lodge Care Home and was asleep when the school contacted her about the debt. Despite her prompt payment, her sons were served bread and butter for lunch, akin to a scene from “Oliver Twist.” The boys were left hungry and emotionally shaken, vowing to avoid school dinners in the future to prevent similar incidents.
Parents online weigh in on the matter
Public opinion on the school’s actions was divided, with a majority supporting the school’s decision. While some criticized Katrina’s negligence towards the debt, others defended the school’s policy of withholding standard lunch if debts are not settled. The school justified its stance, emphasizing fairness to all parents and financial constraints faced in providing meals.
The school speaks out
In response, the school clarified its stance, citing the need to uphold fairness and financial sustainability in providing school meals. The spokesperson highlighted the challenges faced in managing meal expenses and the importance of adhering to policy guidelines for all families.
Sources
- Duell, Mark. Mother hits out her sons’ ‘Dickensian’ school after boys were only allowed bread and butter for lunch because she owed £17 for school dinners. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6980167/Children-allowed-bread-butter-lunch-school.html. 05-01-2019.
- Whittaker, Anna. Mum fuming after children fed bread and butter over school dinner debt. Derbyshire Live. https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/mum-fuming-after-children-fed-2815755. 05-01-2019
- Staff. The New Lodge Nursing Home. https://www.carehome.co.uk/carehome.cfm/searchazref/20003006OAKA.