Are schools allowed to inspect / search pupils’ packed lunches and to confiscate items?
As far as searching packed lunches are concerned, looking in a lunch box could constitute searching a pupil’s possessions, but not searching the pupil. In which case, there is no statute which explicitly bans school staff from looking in a lunch box. It is good practice to discuss items against the school rules with the pupil and parents rather than confiscate them immediately. However, if the school intends on confiscating food items it would be advisable for the school to inform parents of this beforehand. It would also be good practice for the pupil to be present during the search and if staff were expecting to find and confiscate items that were against the school rules, for a second member of staff to be present. If authorities and schools are concerned about their legal position, they should seek their own legal advice.
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