PROBLEMS with hot school meals have continued into a second week at primary schools across Dorset.

Following chaos last week where head teachers were forced to buy in takeaways after the company failed to deliver, problems remain with meals provider Chartwells.

Yesterday, pupils at 10 Poole schools went without hot meals with packed lunches provided instead.

This was due to a problem with the Poole kitchen hub, which looks likely to last at least a week.

Some Dorset schools were also affected including Burton Primary, Sylvan Infant, Upton Infants, Upton Juniors, Parley First, Sandford, Pamphill First and Sturminster.

Andy Walker, whose daughter attends Hillbourne School in Poole, said they had been emailed by the school to inform them of the situation.

“It’s not the school’s fault at all. In fact, the pupils had hot meals last week and everything was fine.

“We’ve been trying to ring Chartwells but there isn’t any answer.

“Children need routine and this is breaking what children are expecting and what parents are expecting.”

Deb Harris, head of school at Broadstone First said the situation was “very unfortunate”.

“Last week, we were really pleased with the meals and children really enjoyed them.

“There were timing issues but generally it worked well.

“Our children are resilient and will manage but obviously I would like to get the hot meals back as soon as possible.”

Cllr Janet Walton, cabinet portfolio holder for families and young people, Borough of Poole, said: “We are aware of the situation and will be maintaining daily contact with Chartwells until the problems are resolved, for which no date is available at the current time.”

Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for education and communications, Toni Coombs, said: "These schools will be receiving packed lunches rather than hot meals for a short period of time while the issues at the Poole-based hub kitchen are resolved.

“It's more important that we ensure children are guaranteed a lunch rather than take the risk of them going without if there are any problems delivering a hot lunch. We continue to work closely with the contractors Chartwells to ensure the problems are addressed as quickly as possible."

All Bournemouth schools which hold a contract with Chartwells had their meals delivered, the council confirmed.