TEACHERS have been reminded to ban pupils from having school dinners if their parents owe money.

A child can be turned away if their family owes dinner money for more than 15 meals at Newport schools.

Some head teachers have recently been reminded of the rule, which was set in 2002 after growing debts among parents.

Councillor Noel Trigg said staff at Monnow Infants and Junior School, Bettws, were appalled by the policy and he pledged that, as chairman of governors, no child would be denied a meal at the school.

He told councillors: "I cannot believe that the council intends to deny a child a meal when it might be the only good meal they have that day.

"This is one of the most laughable situations that I've ever witnessed in my time as a councillor.

"If parents haven't paid, then it's up to the council and the LEA to collect their debts. School staff are there to teach, not to be bailiffs."

A council spokeswoman said any parent who falls behind paying for school meals is sent a letter stating no meals will be given after the unpaid tenth meal.

A head teacher can authorise another five meals but after 15 meals the council can refuse any food until the debt is cleared.

Councillor Bob Poole, cabinet member for young people's services, said: "If a child or their family is in arrears, then that is a situation that cannot go on indefinitely. But I don't think any needy child will go short."

A council spokeswoman said: "Around £750 is owed across the city. Cases are in the minority.

"However, we have recently referred three cases to debtors which are over £100. These parents would have received the warnings and have been written to. But in reality we would never see a child go without food."

Families qualify for free school meals if they are on income support, income- based Jobseekers Allowance or fall below minimum child tax credit margins.