Angry parents have protested after four primary schools vowed to ban packed lunches in a bid to cut down on single-use plastic to 'preserve the planet for the children' and to make them healthier.

Hundreds signed a petition after schools managed by the Heart Education Trust wrote to parents, informing them of the group's decision to implement compulsory hot lunches across four schools in Norwich, Norfolk.

The change will take place after the Christmas break and will include all early years, key stage one and key stage two children.

The trust claims that any packed lunches taken in will be returned uneaten as it tries to cut back on plastic and food waste to 'make a positive difference to preserving the planet for our children.'

Over 500 parents have signed the petition which was created after the Heart Education Group said it would ban packed lunches

Sam Gravener (pictured above) launched the petition and claimed the trust did not consult parents

The change impacts pupils at Heartsease Primary Academy, Valley Primary Academy, Lingwood Primary Academy and Henderson Green Primary Academy.

Bosses want every young pupil to have a nutritious hot lunch because they claim packed lunches are often unhealthy.

More than 500 parents signed an online petition which was set up by mother-of-three Sam Gravener, whose five-year-old son Fred attends Heartsease Primary Academy.

The 28-year-old claims her son's school did not consult parents and guardians on the decision and had sent out an email informing parents of the change three days before the end of term.

Heartsease Primary Academy (pictured above) which is one of the schools which has banned the lunches

She said: 'They have said hot dinners will be compulsory. We do not agree with this and are calling for the change to be reversed.

'Parents have expressed concerns that their children will not eat, that they may go hungry and have an effect on their learning.

'That the food isn't necessarily as nutritious as a home packed lunch may be. But primarily that removing a parent and child's choice on what they eat is wrong.'

On December 16, a letter was sent out to all parents detailing that children will no longer be able to bring in their own packed lunch.

Many parents took to social media to discuss the decision by the schools with some claiming the choice should not be taken away

It stated: 'This decision was taken by the headteachers and the Executive Board in conjunction with Norse Catering. The Board of Trustees discussed this on 11th December at the Strategic Board Meeting and are in favour.

'From 6th January children will have a choice of lunch from the new menu - offering four choices.

'Alternatively, if you really feel your child will not benefit from one of the four nutritious choices on the menu, you may take them home for lunch. From 6th January 2019 children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 will no longer be able to bring a packed lunch from home.'

After it received backlash from parents the school also added that it had been 'disappointed that parents were not supportive of the proposal'.

Children at the schools will no longer be able to bring in their own packed lunches (stock image above)

'It has been agreed to ensure that children have at least one hot meal a day that is nutritionally balanced in line with stringent government guidelines for all maintained, free schools and academies.

'Research shows that only 1 per cent of home packed lunches meet the nutritional standards that apply to school food.

'Healthy food is vital to children's concentration, learning, mood and well-being. We are passionate about our children having the healthiest start to life possible.

'As well as encouraging children to make healthy choices and ensure they have the best chance to learn each day, the second major advantage to this initiative, is that it will help cut down on single use plastic and food waste.'

The letter also claimed that a lot of children don't consume their packed lunches, which often 'end up in the bin or being returned home'.

Under the Universal Free School Meals scheme, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are currently entitled to a free school meal regardless of income.

Ms Gravener added on her petition on change.org: 'We've been told lunches sent from home will be returned uneaten. That choices will be given. That it's 'better' for the children and the school.

'We have been 'reminded' that these meals are funded for early years in a condescending manner suggestive that we should be grateful.

'There was no discussion with parents as to why these changes have been made.

'No consultation of how our children would cope with the change, particularly those who don't eat hot dinners for personal or medical reasons.'

She added that the concerns of parents are being ignored and argued with and that some are concerned their children will come home hungry.

'That their education will be affected because of it due to lack of concentration caused by hunger. That this will also affect their physical and mental well-being.

'Children, as adults, should be allowed the choice on what they eat. They should not have their freedom to choose taken from them.

'We as parents, should not feel constricted by the school and teachers. They are meant to help guide our children, educate and mould them.

'Please sign to show your support and help reverse these unfair, inconsiderate changes which could impact our young children massively.'

But not everyone agreed.

Emily Boden responded: 'Problem is Sam. How many parents will not side with you on this one?

'Some parents will see this as a bonus. It means they don't have to make the effort (which is hardly any) to shop for items and then to produce a packed lunch?

'Hopefully you've got a good bunch of you who see the wrong side to this!'

The school has been approached for comment.