Schools - reply

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Here's the reply I've received from the headteacher today:

 

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Dear James,

 

I am sorry to hear of your disappointment reagrding the provision of

vegan food at our school.

 

I would like to point ou tthat unbeknown to Mrs Shadbolt when she

discussed the matter with you , our PTA chair person Tracey Armitage had

already used her own time and effort to shop for suitable products to

perchase for Joey to enjoy at the party . as i had requested she do.

Obviously you are more than welcome to examinte these products to check

their suitability.

 

As for other children 'mocking' Joey, Iam shocked to hear of this. I

have discussed this with all aprropriate staff, who assure me they have

not witnessed any of this unacceptable behaviour, and we will make every

effort to ensuret that his does not happen in the future. Indeed, it has

always been my experience that other children have accepted (as they

should), Joe's dietary preferences, and have not questioned his choice.

 

 

 

We are an inclusive school, and do encourage cpmpassion. I appreciate

that Joey's compassion towards food choices is admirable and should be

respected. However, I also believe that lots of our children show

compassion in other ways, for example always being kind to others, and

raising money for charity, etc, ,indeed we celebrate a caring ethos

widely in school.

 

During the time that Joey has been at our school we have respected his

dietary needs, often buying foods at extra cost at snack times, spending

t me shopping carefully for suitable products, and above all

excercising a caring, sensiitve approach so as not to make Joey feel

'different'.

 

we are a healthy school, and I appreciate that products purchased for

the party are not the most nutritional on the market. However, putting

things into perspective, this is an annual party, where the children are

encouraged to have fun and to enjoy a treat. We do not normally

encourage the eating of such snacks, and becasue of this the children

appreciate them more. Also, as snacks are purchased kindly by our PTA

members I do not think it approriate to request that they buy only vegan

products at extra cost for the whole school. I will pass on you

rcomments to the PTA however, in the hope that healthier alternatives

can be found next year.

 

Pleas feel re -assured that we are extrememly aware of Joey's needs, and

will continue to provide snacks for him when appropriate as senisitively

as possible.

 

yours sincerely

 

Tracey Palk

 

Acting Head teacher

 

 

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