In a heartfelt apology, Jason Ashley, the head of Redbridge Community School in Southampton, has expressed dissatisfaction over the quality of school dinners served to pupils.
The headteacher criticized catering company Chartwell’s, the school’s contracted caterer, and shared images of meals, including chips and beans and a tuna jacket potato, served to staff.
Concerns About Food Quality and Portion Sizes
In a letter addressed to parents, Mr. Ashley highlighted concerns about the diminishing quality of meals and shrinking portion sizes provided by Chartwell’s.
He emphasized that if the same food were served to his own children, he would be “exceptionally unhappy.”
The former Ofsted inspector pointed out instances like British ‘pie week,’ where the pie served fell significantly short in quality compared to partner schools.
Headteacher’s Frustration with Lack of Progress
Expressing frustration with the lack of progress in addressing the issue, Mr. Ashley explained that Redbridge Community School has no control over Chartwell’s, the private company responsible for catering.
He expressed his discontent with the inability of Chartwell’s to “bake a potato” correctly and conveyed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation in numerous meetings.
Appeal to Parents for Feedback and Apology
Mr. Ashley appealed to parents for their comments on the food quality and shared photos of the meals served to staff.
He acknowledged the importance of school meals for many students but expressed his inability to tolerate, provide reasons, or justify the unacceptable nature of the food.
Apologizing to parents who pay for meals, he emphasized his frustration in trying to make a difference, leaving parents to decide based on the evidence presented.
Chartwell’s Response and Previous Incidents
Chartwell’s, the catering company in question, has been contacted for comment. Previously, there have been instances where parents criticized the quality of meals at other schools, such as Bulwell Academy in Nottingham and Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland, Carmarthenshire.
The company’s website states that Chartwell’s is proud to be the leading provider of catering and support services to educational institutions in the UK.
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