No Irony from DfE

NO IRONY FROM DfE ON DINNERS
Head Teachers are “fuming” at an “unbelievable” letter from the Department for Education reminding them to provide pupils with nutritious food, just two days after the government voted against extending the provision of free school meals over the holidays.
This week MPs including education secretary Gavin Williamson, schools minister Nick Gibb and children’s minister Vicky Ford rejected a campaign started by footballer Marcus Rashford to provide food to those in need while schools are closed. AA Labour motion calling for the free school means scheme to be extended over the holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated by 261 votes to 322 on Wednesday – a majority of 61.
Sharing the letter to social media, headteacher Andy Byers said: “Without a hint of irony, Headteachers have received a letter today from the children’s minister reminding us about food standards and our responsibilities to provide students with…nutritious food and hot meals. Honestly!”
The letter states: “Dear Headteacher, As the Minister responsible for school food I wanted to write to you all to thank you and your catering teams for all the efforts you’ve undertaken to get your kitchens up and running again. The government encourages all schools to promote healthy eating and provide healthy, tasty and nutritious food and drink and to support children to develop healthy eating habits.”