Disadvantaged children in Bradford could face health risks because they are too embarrassed to claim free school meals, a survey has revealed.

A child welfare charity today criticised schools which stigmatised youngsters by making them hand over tokens or stand in separate queues.

Its stance was backed by a Bradford North Labour MP Terry Rooney who said the divisive practice had serious implications.

He said: "From personal experience, segregating children on the basis of whether they receive free school meals can be psychologically damaging."

The Bradford Child Poverty Action Group said tokens and queuing discouraged youngsters from claiming what for many was their only hot meal of the day.

Its study of Bradford schools revealed only 74 per cent of entitled children took up the offer - compared to a national average of 80 per cent. Last year, 6,175 Bradford children missed their free meal.

The survey showed the problem became worse as children grew older. In upper schools the take-up figure fell to just 60 per cent. Bottom of the list was Eccleshill School where, according to last January's survey, only one in three entitled children claimed.

Head teacher, Neil Donkin, said it "simply wasn't true" that its system stigmatised youngsters.

"If there is a school where there is a lot of wealth and only a few have free meals, this might happen. Around 70 per cent of our children have had experience of free meals and in the four years I have been here I have not heard of a case of victimisation."

Mr Donkin blamed the low take-up on competition from shops and cafs in the area saying children liked to leave the school premises during their break. He added: "We have a lovely atmosphere in the dining room. The people from CPAG are welcome to have a meal and observe."

CPAG's survey showed that the highest take up of meals was Belle Vue Girls School at 86 per cent while the largest number of children missing meals (as opposed to percentage) was at the Carlton Bolling College with 354.

CPAG secretary Ben Taylor said at Nab Wood Middle School, children had to queue for their free meal ticket before queuing for their food. However, 52 out of 58 children claimed their meal.

But at Grange First School, where the majority of children received free meals, those handing over cash could be stigmatised, he said.

Mr Taylor said it would be good practice to use 'swipe cards' to pay for meals.

Bradford CPAG chairman Julie Prykes said: "It is important that all children get a good quality lunchtime meal to help them through their busy school day and protect their long-term health. For the one in four children who depend on the school dinner for the only hot meal in their day, it is absolutely vital."

lTerry Rooney will join CPAG's campaign stall in Bradford's Centenary Square on Saturday.

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