A BOROUGH-based education trust says it will be reviewing changes made to its catering service for pupils after a flurry of complaints from parents following the introduction of a new meals provider.

Complaints centred around East Tilbury Primary School, one of a number of schools operated by the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, though Thurrock Nub News is aware of issues at other schools.

Following the withdrawal of support by Thurrock Council's Catering Service as part of its cost-saving programme, many schools across the borough have had to source their own meals provision. The council gave notice in November last year that it would no longer offer a service, because it was not a statutory obligation.

The Osborne Trust has switched to STIR Food Limited to provide food for children at its schools, but initial reaction from pupils and parents has been critical and last week a number took to social media to vent their disappointment after 'a special menu' was tried out at East Tilbury.

East Tilbury Primary School

Challenges to Osborne were that they were not taking parents' concerns seriously and the food offer to children was 'simply not good enough'.

Osborne CEO Paul Griffiths has spoken to Thurrock Nub News in the wake of complaints and says: "As part of our new contract, we have been working hard with our pupils, caterers, and parents to create a healthy food offer that meets all national school food guidelines.

"As with any new offer, we understand that there will be elements which will need to be reviewed and refined as we learn more about what works and what can be evolved.

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"We're very keen to ensure that we are doing what we can to make our food as healthy as possible, to support the growth and development of our pupils.

"As part of this, we are also working closely with parents and pupils to gather as much feedback as possible, and will be meeting with people who've made contact ahead of the new school term in September."

Deborah Batchelor, Managing Director of STIR Food Limited, also spoke to Nub News, saying: "As part of our new contract, we have recently introduced a range of healthier, higher-fibre menu options.

"As with any new menu, some dishes will naturally prove more popular than others, so we are continuing to gather feedback from pupils to help us achieve the right balance between nutrition and enjoyment.

"We work closely with schools, pupils and parents to review our menus on an ongoing basis, ensuring they not only meet the latest school food standards but are also meals that children enjoy eating.

"Mealtimes are an important part of the school day, and we welcome feedback from parents as we continue to develop menus that are both nutritious and appealing to pupils. Listening to those who use our service is an important part of ensuring we continue to provide the best possible experience for children."

Meanwhile East Tilbury headteacher Claire Dawson has written to parents and carers offering them the opportunity to meet her if they have any concerns around the catering at the school and to sign up to come into the school in the Autumn Term and share a meal with their child.