PARENTS and schools are being called upon to share their views on the roll-out of free school meals across the county.

Dorset County Council has produced an online survey to gather feedback about the service, which has experienced severe problems since the start of term earlier this month.

Several schools supplied by catering firm Chartwells were forced to buy supermarket sandwiches and pizzas for their pupils after hot meals failed to turn up.

The authority said the problems only affected five per cent of all schools involved, but more than 20 of the 106 schools supplied by Chartwells are still relying on packed lunches.

The Government requires free school meals to be provided for all five, six and seven-year-olds. In Dorset this has led to a rise from 4,000 to 12,000 school meals per day.

Last week concerns were expressed that the county’s schools might lose out on free school meals funding from the Department for Education, as due to the ongoing problems they will not meet the 87 per cent take-up rate required.

Kevin Roberts, head of Sherborne Primary School, said: “The quality of the food is acceptable and the Chartwells team from Stalbridge Hub have been really helpful and apologetic for the unexpected change in menu.”

A Dorset council spokesman said: “The county council is keen to hear from schools and parents about the experiences they have had since the introduction of the free school meals for five to seven-year-olds, whether good or bad.”

Visit dorsetforyou.com/free-school-meals and select the appropriate survey for either the Bournemouth and Poole area or wider Dorset area.

  • Pupils at Kinson Primary School are being served cold lunches because an oven has yet to be fitted.

A spokesman told the Daily Echo the oven had not been delivered on time and that the school is considering its options for hot meals.