Changes to lunchtime at school in Wem sparks anger
A petition has been launched in opposition to a school's decision to put back the start of its lunch hour.
The decision by Thomas Adams School in Wem to change the start of the lunch hour from 12.25pm to 1.15pm this term has sparked anger from parents.
Parents claim it is too late for pupils to wait for lunch and believe hungry children won't be able to concentrate easily.
But a statement on behalf of the school said it made the change in consultation with staff and that a similar change has worked well in other schools.
The petition, which has been created by someone wishing to remain anonymous, has so far been signed by more than 150 people.
One supporter who has signed the petition, Deb Weaver, said: "Why are children finishing their lunch an hour before home time? Its like doing a full days work and your boss saying 'I'm changing your lunch, I know you finish at 5.30pm but now your lunch is 3.30pm until 4.30pm'. Hungry children – no concentration."
Another comment reads: "My daughter has a metabolic disorder and has to eat regular meals. If she doesn't it it's dangerous. Forty-five minutes to feed over 1,000 students is ridiculous. I send my child to that school in good faith that she will be safe and cared for."
But a statement on behalf of the school said: "A large number of secondary schools in Shropshire have adopted this later lunch hour and you will find that what we have done is nothing out of the ordinary.
"All students have access to a full range of food at break time at 11.10am and then the first year group goes into lunch at 1.15pm.
"The rest follow according to a rota which varies daily. Staff and many students have commented on how much better this seems to be in terms of improving concentration and reducing any low level disruption; the impact of this is already evident in our statistics for this term.
"I hope that parents will support this change so that we are able to maximise our students’ academic progress."
To view the petition, visit https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/change-thomas-adams-lunchtime/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=button
