Petition · past parliament
Make it illegal for school children to be punished for dinner money arrears
Closed
2,394 signatures
What the petition asks
A recent incident of a school child being excluded and given bread and water instead of a hot meal or full lunch with friends has highlighted treatment which appears "Dickensian" when small arrears build up for school dinners.
This must stop.
This must stop.
Children are vulnerable people, who by default cannot consent to or take control of actions revolving around the organisation of their lunch arrangements.
Schools must not be allowed to punish children for what is the responsibility of adults.
There are many legitimate reasons why a payment may be missed or packed lunch misplaced.
Children excluded in this way are liable to long term emotional suffering.
Denying proper food choice is not allowed in prisons.
It must not be allowed in schools.
Schools must not be allowed to punish children for what is the responsibility of adults.
There are many legitimate reasons why a payment may be missed or packed lunch misplaced.
Children excluded in this way are liable to long term emotional suffering.
Denying proper food choice is not allowed in prisons.
It must not be allowed in schools.
Timeline
| 17 May 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 17 Nov 2018 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
2,394
Status
Closed
Opened
17 May 2018
Closed
17 Nov 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.