18:36, 04 Oct 2025Updated 18:37, 04 Oct 2025<\/p>\n
![\"Amber](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_PKR_MGA_031025amberwelsh-2.jpg\")
Amber Welsh has hit out at Hardwick Green Primary Academy after she claims her son, Isa Hasan, was fed a ham sandwich (Image: Amber Welsh)<\/p>\n
A mother has criticised a North East primary school, alleging that her Muslim son was served pork for lunch. Amber Welsh claims her six-year-old son, Isa Hasan, ate a ham sandwich at Hardwick Green Primary Academy, in Stockton, last week.<\/p>\n
Amber, a mother of two, also alleges that her son told her he had pasta carbonara, which contains bacon, before the six weeks’ holidays. She understands that the meat has been temporarily removed from the school’s menu following her complaint.<\/p>\n
However, The Enquire Learning Trust, which runs the primary school, would not confirm whether pork has been removed from the menu or if the alleged incidents are being investigated.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson stated: “We’ve had a few questions about sandwich options in our academies, so we just wanted to clear things up. A variety of sandwiches are available every day, although the exact choices might change from time to time due to things like supply issues, seasonal availability and cost.<\/p>\n
“I’ve raised this, it’s in his dietary requirements, a photo of him is up in the school kitchen,” added Amber, who resides in Hardwick. “He is Muslim, he doesn’t eat pork – this is what he follows.”, reports Teesside Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n Amber, who converted to Islam, believes the responsibility shouldn’t fall on her six-year-old, who is in Year 2, and accuses the school of failing to take the necessary steps. The 29-year-old said: “I always give the example, what if he had a nut allergy. I have requested him to not have it and I want them to abide by that.<\/p>\n “It’s quite distressing for my little boy. He’s asking ‘are you going to be mad at me? I didn’t know’. It’s not his fault. Things like bacon, he’s never seen it before so he wouldn’t know.<\/p>\n “They are people in trusted positions. Can I trust them now?”.<\/p>\n A trust spokesperson added: “We’re proud to have a highly regarded, catering operation that serves over 1 million high-quality meals each year across our academies. Our menus are regularly updated to reflect the seasons and to give children a wider range of food options to enjoy.<\/p>\n “Our focus remains on making sure children have access to healthy, balanced food choices every day.”<\/p>\n Hardwick Green Primary School underwent an inspection by education regulator Ofsted in November last year, with the standard of teaching and leadership deemed as “requiring improvement”.<\/p>\n Pupil behaviour and attitudes, personal development and early years provision all received “good” ratings.<\/p>\n