Mum fumes as daughter gets ‘banned from school lunch' for not wearing her tie in class

A mum has been left fuming after claiming her daughter was refused school lunch for not wearing her tie.

Joanne Mcclenaghan is one of many parents who's had uniform dramas as their kids start the new school term. The incident unfolded at South Wigston High School in Leicester last Friday, 23 September.

Joanne's daughter, Rio-Anne, was reportedly told 'no tie, no dinner' at the school's canteen during her lunch break.

But unfortunately, the 12-year-old explained to her mum that she was left without the uniform piece after another student grabbed it and threw it in the bin.

The 40-year-old mum-of-four from South Wigston was left shocked by the fact that her daughter was left without food for the entire day.

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She told Leicestershire Live: "Food is not a punishment. You cannot use food as a way to discipline children. Regardless of behaviour I just don't see how they can refuse food.

"She'd gone a whole week without her tie and reported it being taken and put in the bin. It hadn't affected her to begin with as I had made her packed lunch, but on Fridays she likes to have a school dinner.

"She told me that canteen staff had asked her where here tie was, and she explained the situation. But they told her without full uniform she couldn't have her dinner."

When Joanne tried to call the school to rectify the situation, no one replied so she took to social media instead.

She continued: "I don't make a habit of posting on my social media at all but I couldn't speak to anyone and I wanted to know if what Rio was saying had affected anyone else.

"I posted on my Facebook and dozens of parents and even a student came forward. I sent over a complaint [to the school] and received a call from the head of year who apologised profusely about the matter.

"I said I hoped this neglect wouldn't happen to another child."

Another parent who responded to the post said a similar situation unfolded with their child who was reportedly told they wouldn't be served lunched until they put their tie on.

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Principal Stuart Kay has since responded to the claims, stating: "We are aware that a pupil missed lunch after being spoken to by a member of staff about incorrect uniform. This matter has been dealt with.

"It is our policy that uniform should be worn correctly throughout the school, including the restaurant. Our policy does not restrict students from receiving lunch, for any reason.

"We have spoken to all staff to ensure our behaviour and uniform policy are applied consistently. We encourage parents to speak directly to the school if they have any concerns.

"I can confirm that all staff, including dining room staff are instructed to encourage students to wear the correct uniform. However, they are not encouraged to refuse dinners.

"We do not refuse dinners as a result of uniform non-compliance."