A headteacher has hit out at parents after he was shocked by what many students were bringing to school in the form of a packed lunch.

 

The headteacher at Byron Primary School in Kent, England was forced to send a letter home to parents after he came across the ‘unacceptable lunches’ many of his pupils were bringing to school.

 

One pupil was found to unpack a chocolate cake, chocolate bar and chocolate spread sandwich from their lunch box, while another tucked into two bags of crisps and a crisp sandwich.

 

Another student was sent to school with four yoghurts and a packet of Smarties, and another with a cold McDonald’s Happy Meal which was bought the day before.

 

 

Headteacher Jon Carthy sent a scolding letter to parents to address the “extreme” packed lunches he witnessed.

 

“In the past few weeks there have been a number of worrying packed lunches brought into school,” read the letter.

 

“Whilst extreme and funny to read on paper, I must make this clear, these are not acceptable examples of a balanced packed lunch.

 

“Children work very hard at school and a balanced meal at lunch time helps provide concentration for the afternoon.”

 

 

The letter went on to remind parents of their responsibility according to UK Government guidelines for packed lunches, which recommends one portion of fruit and vegetables, or a salad each day; meat, fish or a source of non-dairy protein, as well as other healthy items.

 

“If we feel as though any child is not getting a regularly balanced meal, we will contact you and offer you advice,” the letter continued.

 

Parents have had mixed reactions to the letter, however many were shocked and shared their feelings online.

 

“I found the letter shocking more than anything, that some parents think that’s acceptable and it is clearly a reflection of their diet too,” said one parent.

 

 

The letter comes as UK MPs continue to push for more action from the government to tackle childhood obesity.

 

In a new report, the Commons Health Committee (CHC) said that the childhood obesity strategy which was published last August did not do enough to tackle the issue and is calling for more stringent guidelines.

 

"We are extremely disappointed that the Government has rejected a number of our recommendations,” said CHC Chairwoman and Tory MP, Dr Sarah Wollaston.

 

"These omissions mean that the current plan misses important opportunities to tackle childhood obesity.

 

"Vague statements about seeing how the current plan turns out are inadequate to the seriousness and urgency of this major public health challenge."

 

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