A primary school has been forced to apologise after parents were banned from including pork in their child’s lunchbox for a trip to London.
A post circulated on social media showed a message from a teacher at Mere Green Primary School in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, with a reminder to parents ahead of the trip last week.
It said “no nuts, coconut or pork” should be included in packed lunches.
The school has since said the message was an “unfortunate human error” and apologised for “any confusion or upset caused” to families.
The message to parents read: “Dear parents/carers, we’re very excited for our trip to London this Wednesday! Please read these quick reminders to help the day run smoothly.”
It listed timings for the trip to the Science Museum and Royal Albert Hall, followed by a list of what children should bring.
Under the “what to bring” section, it said: “Small backpack with a packed lunch, drinks, and light snacks.
“No nuts, coconut or pork in lunches please. No money or electronics.
“Any inhalers/Epipens/medication (labelled and handed to class teacher).”
Conservative Councillor Meirion Jenkins, who serves the Sutton Mere Green ward, said “a number of concerns” had been raised by residents over the message.
He told GB News: “Obviously it is entirely a matter for parents as to the contents of their child’s lunchbox.
“I have asked for a meeting with the headmistress to better understand the school’s position and express a number of concerns that residents have raised with me.”
The memo was sent to parents ahead of a school trip to London’s Royal Albert Hall and Science Museum
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Mere Green Primary School said the message was a “genuine error” and that all meat products can be brought on school trips.
A spokeswoman for the school stated: “A message shared with parents and carers on a private platform earlier this week incorrectly stated that packed lunches should not contain pork.
“This was simply an unfortunate human error.
“At Mere Green Primary School and all schools within The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), all meat products – including pork – are among the wide range of foods available as part of our daily school menu and can also be brought on school trips and visits.
“This was a genuine error and we would like to apologise for any confusion or upset that this may have caused to the families of our children.
“Our schools are diverse, inclusive and committed to supporting the needs of all children and families.”
The school is attended by around 448 pupils, according to an Ofsted report published in June.
Upon its last full inspection in 2015, the education watchdog found it to be “Outstanding”.