I'm being threatened with social services over my kids' school dinner debts – it's incredibly harsh and I'm stressed out | The Sun

A MUM is outraged after being threatened with social services over her kids' school dinner debts.

She branded the action incredibly "harsh" and said it will just create more stress for parents in an already difficult time.

It comes after a school in Leicestershire sent a letter out to parents informing them legal action could be taken and social services informed if they missed a payment for their children's lunchtime meals.

The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, said people are already worried about paying their bills on time amid the cost of living crisis.

"Nobody wants to think the social services are being called over school dinner being unpaid," she added.

In the letter sent out by Hall Orchard CE Primary School, it said social services might have to be informed because "parents are not carrying out the responsibility of care by not providing food for their children at lunchtime" if they miss a payment.

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The school also claimed if any payments are missed, it's down to the school budget to pay which means "money which should be spent on the children's education is used to pay for debits incurred by parents".

Shared my a few parents online, the letter attracted some attention with one person saying: "This absolutely disgusting threat about social services, over a meal that in my opinion should be free for all kids, that is absolutely ridiculous," reports LeicestershireLive.

Another added: "Threats of social services? Come off it."

Principal Stephen Dunn said the school had a similar policy in 2016 and 2019 before his predecessor re-introduced it in June this year.

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Not set to be reviewed until 2025, Mr Dunn said the threat of legal action and social services would only be acted upon in the most extreme cases where "parents are unwilling to clear a debt – rather than being unable to".

"It is very unlikely that any kind of legal proceedings would be initiated as our open and inclusive approach would seek to offer a more positive solution through support and understanding to families who are struggling financially – especially in these challenging times," the primary school headteacher added.

"That said, at Hall Orchard, we are keen to work with our families and so will respond to any requests for individual help or support.

"We continue to remind parents about Free School Meal availability, the use of Pupil Premium funding to subsidise school trips and events and we have a commitment to supporting local food banks."

The Sun Online has contacted the school for a comment.

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