A Sheffield school accused of serving students ‘uncooked’ food has defended itself saying its burgers were a ‘safe temperature to serve’.

Dozens of angry parents called for Outwood Academy City to close after a photo emerged of ‘raw’ burgers which were allegedly being served to pupils at lunchtime yesterday, November 27.

But, the secondary school in Richmond, has hit back at the claims stating that all food that is cooked on site is safety checked before being dished out.

School focus: Nether Edge Primary School

The alleged 'uncooked' burgers at Outwood Academy City, in Richmond (Photo: Amber Coulson)

placeholder image — The alleged 'uncooked' burgers at Outwood Academy City, in Richmond (Photo: Amber Coulson)

In a statement, the school said: “We have been made aware of the photo that is allegedly from our academy and have looked into the matter. At Outwood we put students first and our responsibility of care to our students is of paramount importance, this is why we take numerous steps to ensure all food served to our students is done so safely.

“We are lucky to have an experienced cook at the academy and today, like always, numerous checks were made during the lunch period and the burgers were found to be of sufficient and safe temperature to serve.”

Some parents have now refused to allow their children to eat hot dinners at the school.

Outwood Academy City is based on Stradbroke Road and was rated ‘good’ during its last inspection by the education watchdog Ofsted in which the school was found to have made significant progress.

The report said the effectiveness of leadership and management at the school was ‘outstanding’ and had resulted in improved standards across the school.