A NORTH Ayrshire mum has raised concerns that her son will "starve" at school due to new rules regarding food served to pupils.

Tammy Loughran's son has been diagnosed with autism and as a result has "major issues" with foods.

Tammy says that her son will "not even put some foods near his mouth" due to problems with the texture, taste or look of them - and typically will only have beige coloured 'finger foods'.

Last year, when he attended the early years class at St John's in Stevenston, the catering team provided an adapted menu to suits his needs.

However, upon his return for the new school term, Tammy says she has been told that this option is "no longer available".

She commented: "We have been told he has to adapt and learn to eat the same as the nursery menu for lunches and snacks and he can't be treated different from the other kids.

"This is something that has come in to play over the board in all schools and nurseries in North Ayrshire, including additional support needs (ASN) schools in the area.

"It is beyond me how, higher up the chain, this decision has been made and they expects kids with autism and ASN to adapt to this."

Tammy was informed that the decision was made by North Ayrshire Council due to health requirements in relation to healthy eating - which has been guided by the NHS.

She fears that this has actually put the health and wellbeing of some children in jeopardy.

She added: “These kids have a disability and are not able to adapt to these new rules that have come in to play which is all down to nutrition and healthy eating so our kids have to starve.

“They are are allowed a packed lunch but only with healthy foods. It is beyond me how the system is failing our kids.

“I feel this is neglecting our kids needs. From 9am-3pm my son had only ate one snack bar and one brioche roll that I provided as everything else he eats is not accepted as a healthy snack."

And, despite having discussions about the concerns she has raised, Tammy believes there are still numerous concerns which need addressed.

She continued: “I do not understand how they can say they support the needs of ASN children.

“There are three things on my son’s new menu that he will eat, everything else are foods he has issues with either the colour, texture or look of.

“I was given a three-week menu and told to pick what he would eat and what would be best to try him with, which has not been successful at all.

“These are children with a disability and they are trying to force feed them out of hunger, or starve them until they get home - which I know my son is doing because he will not put any these foods to his mouth."

When these concerns were brought to North Ayrshire Council, they attempted to explain the reasoning behind the decision.

A spokesperson said: “We follow NHS nutritional guidance for Early Years, called Setting the Table. This ensures we offer a well-balanced diet and positive food choices for our children in these settings.

“A healthy, balanced diet is based around different food groups and encourages a widening of the palate. All of our menus are analysed to ensure all required food groups are provided in the quantities required.

"They also offer a variety of sensory qualities such as taste, texture, colour and temperature."

They insisted that the dietary needs of ASN children are still being supported at this time.

The spokesperson added: “We will always support the dietary needs of ASN children across all settings and we do so successfully every day.

“However, the food provided in our establishments needs to be in line with the nutritional guidelines.

“As with any child with additional support needs, we work with parents and carers to offer a range of supportive options including sensory plates, shaped food items and other menu options to transition children to the fully-balanced menu on offer.”