Dear Parents and Carers,
Important Update: School Allergy Policy, Nut-Free Guidelines, and Birthday Celebrations
We have an increasing number of pupils in our school with food allergies. Due to the severity of these allergies, we wish to remind you that we are a Nut Free School. Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) can occur as a result of digestion, inhalation, or any other contact with nut-based products.
Please avoid any nut-based products for packed lunches or any snacks – this includes products that may contain traces of nuts.
Potential allergens could include the following:
- Spreads (e.g. chocolate spread, peanut butter)
- Cereal bars
- Some types of biscuits/cookies containing nuts
- Condiments (e.g. satay sauce)
- Cakes containing nuts
- Some snack pots containing nuts
This list is not exhaustive; therefore, it is important that you check the packaging of food products before sending your child to school with them. We understand that this can be difficult; therefore, we may return food items in lunchboxes if we are made aware that they contain nuts.
Please only send fruit into school for children to enjoy as snacks during break times.
Benedict’s Law
Benedict’s Law is statutory guidance requiring schools to maintain a dedicated allergy safety policy, train all staff on anaphylaxis response, and keep emergency adrenaline auto-injectors on site. Named in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, it creates consistent, life-saving standards to protect pupils with severe allergies throughout the school day. The changes mentioned in this letter form part of the guidance in Benedict’s Law.
Birthday Treats
In addition, due to recent allergy legislation changes (Benedict’s Law) and for religious reasons, we are unable to allow children to bring cakes or sweets into school for birthdays or special occasions. While we love celebrating special moments with our pupils, food items brought from home make it challenging to verify ingredients and guarantee safety for children with severe allergies.
How We Will Celebrate Birthdays
To make a child’s birthday extra special, they can wear their own clothes to school so we can see it is their special day, so we can all celebrate together. If their birthday falls on a weekend or during the holidays, they can come in in their own clothes on the Monday we return to school.
Useful Information Sources
For further advice on managing allergies, you may find these resources helpful:
Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and continued support in keeping all of our pupils safe.
Warm regards,
Mr. S Longley
Head of School
