PUPILS at primary schools in Thornbury, Yate and in the area are still going without hot meals at lunchtime because of an on-going staffing crisis, it has been revealed.

Currently six of the 51 schools that South Gloucestershire provides catering services for are receiving an alternative to a full two-course hot meal. 

In November last year, the Gazette first revealed how children at least seven primaries in the area were not being offered hot meals due to staff shortages at provider Integra.

This number has now dropped to six primary schools after five months. 

The schools currently unable to provide hot food are:

Gillingstool and New Siblands in Thornbury and St Paul’s in Yate, Bromley Heath Infant School in Downend and Our Lady of Lourdes in Kingswood, Pathways in Downend.

New Siblands and Pathways have both been without hot food since at least November last year.

Gazette Series: Currently six schools in South Gloucestershire are not receiving hot meals Currently six schools in South Gloucestershire are not receiving hot meals (Image: Google Maps)

Parent Leila Brown - whose son is in reception at St Paul's Primary - told the Gazette: “Since December last year, the children at St Paul’s have been without hot school meals. 

“The only option they are given at lunchtime is a baguette or jacket potato, or packed lunch from home. 

“Given the rising costs in all areas of life at the moment, a lot of parents are relying on their school to provide hot, healthy and nutritious meals but this is not happening! 

“I know St Paul’s is not the only school affected but not enough is being done to fulfil the vacant role of kitchen manager. 

“My child is in reception so he has spent 50 per cent of his time at school without the school meal that should be provided.”

A SGC spokesperson said: “Recruitment for catering and hospitality roles is continuing to prove very difficult. 

“Over the past few months we have been able to offer employment to a number of people, which in addition to some staff returning from long-term sickness, has helped to partially improve the situation for some schools.

“Currently six of the 51 schools that we provide catering services for are receiving an alternative to a full 2-course hot meal. 

“Of these, five are receiving a jacket potato or packed lunch/baguette and one is operating on an amended menu.”

Update - hot food is now being served at St Paul’s Primary