A primary school dinner lady who served pork to a 7-year-old Muslim pupil was sacked because the incident was “not a one-off”, a headteacher has claimed.
Alison Waldock claimed giving Khadija Darr gammon at Queen Edith Primary School in Godwin Way had been an accident which happened after the youngster pointed to the dish on the lunch menu.
But last night the school’s headteacher claimed the incident was “not a one-off” and had been treated seriously “due to the significant number of children involved”.
In Khadija’s case, it is understood the error was spotted by headteacher Caroline Peet who swept the plate away from the youngster before she had a chance to eat it.
Following the incident, the girl’s parents were informed and they complained to the school’s catering firm, Lunchtime UK.
Ms Waldock, 51, was suspended while an investigation was carried out and she was dismissed a month later, following an appeal, for gross misconduct due to “negligence, carelessness or idleness”.
Mrs Peet told the News: “We understand from Lunchtime UK that this was not a one-off event and due to the significant number of children involved the company treated the issue with the seriousness it deserved.
“As her employer it was wholly up to Lunchtime UK to decide what appropriate action to take.
“The school reflects and celebrates the diverse cultures that make up the community it serves and respects the beliefs and values of our children and parents.”
Khadija’s parents Rumana, 33, and Zahid, 36, said the school told them Ms Waldock wasn’t concerned about the error.
Mrs Darr said: “The person there said the dinner lady didn’t care or wasn’t that bothered.”
But Ms Waldock, who lives in Cambridge, said this was untrue – claiming it was impossible to keep track of the 40 different pupils who had various dietary requirements.
The mum-of-two said: “I feel the school and catering company made me a scapegoat so they can’t be seen as politically incorrect. I was really upset when I found out what I’d done. I’d never have done something like this on purpose. It was a simple mistake – I was so gutted with the school’s reaction.”
Ms Waldock, who had been a dinner lady for 11 years, added: “It was a normal day. The children came in and were waiting in line. I said to the child ‘Do you want gammon?’ and she said yes so I gave it to her.
“It’s so hard to remember every child that has dietary requirements.”
The case has sparked debate around the country, with UKIP leader Nigel Farage among those wading in.
He said: “I feel desperately sorry for her. If she’d served gammon to a vegetarian would she have been fired? I think not.”
A spokesman for Lunchtime UK said: “Following an incident involving Alison Waldock at one of our schools a full investigation was carried out prior to suspending her on full pay. A standard disciplinary procedure ensued which resulted in Alison Waldock being dismissed for gross misconduct.”
The company continued: “Obviously we cannot provide all of the details surrounding the dismissal. However, as a general note, Lunchtime UK would not seek to dismiss any employee due to just one honest mistake.”