A primary school threatened to ‘name and shame’ parents who have not paid for their child’s meals in a Facebook post.
In the post, which uses the ‘feeling hopeful’ emoji, Springhead Primary School says there are 60 people ‘in debt’ for meals despite sending numerous reminders to parents and carers.
It threatened to withdraw meals in September for children whose parents do not settle their accounts in full by Friday morning.
Springhead Primary School threatened to name and shame parents who have not paid for their child’s school meals
The school in Anlaby, Hull added it ‘did not sign up to being debt collectors’ and doesn’t want to be forced into ‘naming and shaming’ the parents who have not paid.
The post, which has since been deleted, reads: ‘Reminder we still have 60 people in debt despite numerous reminders.
‘We are operating a zero tolerance regime and services for lunches, after school/breakfast club will be withdrawn in September for the full half-term for any parent who has not settled their account in full by Friday morning.’
The post goes on to say how they ‘cannot pay the staff’ and thanks those who have settled their bill.
‘Many parents have paid upfront and are in credit. Thank you to those who have done so. (Please don’t make us name and shame you) #wedidn’tsignuptobedebtcollectors #pleasedon’tmakeusnag#can’tpaythestaff.’
The post has been met with mixed reviews.
Colleen Wells said: ‘If people can’t afford school meals, like myself as they are £2.50 a day here, and have more than one child then they should send the child with packed lunches like I do!.
‘You don’t just let them eat the school lunches without paying for it! You wouldn’t take them to a restaurant and not pay so why school? Makes no sense.’
Sarah Todd said: ‘If they are that skint they should apply for free dinners. If they aren’t entitled they must be able to afford dinner or do a packup.
‘School shouldn’t have to feed your child for free. I bet after Friday they get paid or the children go back in Sept with a pack up. I wouldn’t go to Mcdonalds ask for a Happy Meal and walk away without paying because it for my child.’
The school also threatened to withdraw the meals in September if parents don’t pay their debt
Lindsay Smith said: ‘Also, how are they going to feed their kids for the next six weeks if they can’t afford 50p a day??? It’s not I can’t pay it’s choice..I don’t want to pay and how long can I get away with it…’
Allen Preen said: ‘Kids school meals are like any other debt that has to be budgeted for. How about a policy whereby the meals have to be paid upfront.’
Emma Hall said: ‘I think this is absolutely disgusting! I understand the school needs to chase the money they are owed but these families could be genuinely struggling.
‘If they name and shame all they are going to do is fuel bullying between the children and make the parents feel worse than they probably already do!’
Julie Broadbent said: ‘My daughter went to this school and then meals were £2.50 a day and we moved to Hull and the meals were 50p a day, how is such a difference be justified?
‘I know quite a few parents using food banks and living from day to day. I think it’s wrong to threaten to name and shame. In my opinion many staff at the school were snobby and very judgemental shame on the head for allowing this there are other ways.’
Shell Eddy said: ‘At the end of the day it’s the poor children who will suffer in the long run, maybe the school would be better in working with the parents to find out if they are genuinely struggling to pay for the school meals.’
Gina Walker said: This is a disgrace many families are living in poverty look how many families visit food banks and to name and shame is just putting attention on the child to be mocked through no fault of their own shame on you Springhead.’
Kamel Fanee Rokyckyj said: ‘The comment of name and shame is disgusting that would just cause bullying for the children when none of this is their fault at all! I understand the school needs to get the money but taking a child’s meal away or naming parents children is wrong!’
Springhead Primary School declined to comment.