Darlington's Hummersknott Academy dinners show no changes

Hummersknott Academy was criticised last month after photos of their school dinners were posted to the school's parent Facebook group and were branded "cr**". Parents now report there has still been no change. 

Previous meals fed to children at Hummersknott Academy (Image: contributor) Initially, the school admitted to issues with a supplier and promised improvements. 

James Keating, Executive Principal of Hummersknott Academy, stated the school was committed to maintaining high standards and would be introducing fresh made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and a new hot food offer as part of their catering expansion. 

In an updated statement the school has reassured that after two inspections the school has been awarded a five-star rating for its excellent, clean facilities; accurate and detailed paperwork around Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP); safe working practices; staff knowledge of food safety; and general food practices.

However, as the weeks have passed, many parents report that the situation has not improved as they continue to voice their concerns about the meals being served. 

One mother, who previously spoke to us about the school meals has now made the decision to move her child onto packed lunches because of the lack of change and after seeing the images of the food her child was having. 

She said: "Things haven't changed, children are still going without meals and the majority of children I know now take packed lunches including my son. 

"It's going to cost me nearly double what I pay now, but I would rather pay the extra for him to be properly fed than to pay for him to be hungry. He has never come home hungry since being on a packed lunch.

"It's a shame it has to be this way as children should be provided with a good hot meal for dinner but the photos we've seen are evidence that it is just not a good standard. I wouldn't eat it myself so I can't let my child eat that either."

Image described as not good is it The hot dog skin and bread were both reportedly 'stale and hard' (Image: social media)This is the general feeling shared by numerous families who are unhappy with what they perceive as subpar food options that lack nutritional value. 

In a follow-up discussion on the Facebook group, several parents shared recent images of their children's lunches once again prompting comparisons to pet food. 

Comments ranged from disbelief to anger, one said: "The school is feeding them utter cr**, not fit for an animal, and worst of all we all know they aren't given enough time to eat. The amount of parents saying their kids aren't eating is ridiculous."

Another said: "My daughter has gone without food the past few days, she's come home starving. 

"It has been through not wanting to eat what they have rather than no food, but she's never usually fussy so I'm guessing it's not looked good.

"She also said there was promise of a hot and cold counter with more options and freshly made sandwiches but this was supposed to have been this week (week beginning October 14) and it has not happened."

One other mum voiced her concern over the size of the pasta portions her child received which left her child starving. She said: "The pasta pot wasn't even full, the poor lad was starving."

Image of the pasta pot portion fed to a child at the school (Image: social media)

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James Keating, Executive Principal at Hummersknott Academy, said: “I can confirm that Darlington Borough Council has recently carried out two inspections into our catering department. Both were completely unannounced, and both independently reached extremely positive conclusions.

“The first inspection was in response to an anonymous complaint, and the second was part of an ongoing Environmental Health schedule covering every catering outlet in the borough.

“The result was the school being awarded a five-star rating for its excellent, clean facilities; accurate and detailed paperwork around Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP); safe working practices; staff knowledge of food safety; and general food practices.

“The pasta pot we use is the correct portion size, in line with School Food Standards. However, we have recently increased the size of the container so pupils can add hot sauce or additional toppings to their meal.

“We are in the process of recruiting staff to support our plans for an increased food offering for pupils, including the made-to-order deli-counter. This will be added to the range of options as soon as the recruitment process is complete.

“In addition, we are introducing an enhanced and sustainable drinks provision with 22 flavours.

“However, we are always looking for ways to keep improving, so we are regularly monitoring feedback from parents, carers and pupils, with all queries being addressed.

"We are confident that the food remains of a high quality, and we encourage any parents to contact the school directly if they have concerns about any aspect of school life.”