Food Allergies 

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of paramount importance. We have a number of children in school with severe food allergies, some of which may result in anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Reactions can occur through eating certain foods and, in some cases, through inhalation or skin contact.  

To safeguard pupils with severe allergies, we ask that no nut-based products are brought onto the school site, as promoted by Anaphylaxis UK. Any item found to contain nuts will be removed immediately, and parents/carers will be informed. Whilst we cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment, we expect all families to support our efforts to minimise risk and help keep vulnerable children safe. 

We are committed to ensuring that staff are appropriately trained to recognise and respond to allergic reactions. Please click here to view our Allergy & Anaphylaxis Procedure. 

 

Benedict's Law 

We fully support the principles of Benedict's Law, which was introduced to strengthen awareness of severe allergies and improve safety for children and young people with life-threatening allergic conditions. 

At St John's & St Francis, this commitment includes: 

-Maintaining robust allergy management procedures. 
-Ensuring staff receive regular allergy and anaphylaxis awareness training. 
-Creating and reviewing Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for pupils with identified allergies. 
-Working closely with parents, carers and healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate support is in place. 
-Promoting a culture of understanding, vigilance and inclusion so that all children can participate safely in school life. 

Our aim is to ensure that every child with an allergy can learn, play and thrive safely within our school community. 

Dietary Requirements 

We follow Department for Education guidance in relation to allergens, dietary requirements and food provision. We collect dietary information for all pupils and work closely with our catering provider to ensure that children are served food that is safe and appropriate for their individual needs. 

Parents and carers should notify the school of any food allergies or dietary requirements and ensure that details are kept up to date with our catering provider via the SchoolGrid system. For information on how to submit or amend allergy information, please click here. 

Dove Club Wraparound Care 

Our Dove Club wraparound provision offers both breakfast and after-school care, where a range of foods, drinks and snacks are served daily. 

The safety of children with allergies remains a priority within Dove Club. We: 

-Collect and maintain up-to-date allergy and dietary information for all registered children. 
-Ensure relevant information is shared with staff responsible for preparing and serving food. 
-Carefully consider allergens when planning menus and snack options. 
-Follow appropriate food handling and storage procedures. 
-Ensure members of the Dove Club team hold relevant food hygiene qualifications and receive allergy awareness training. 

Parents and carers must inform the school immediately of any changes to a child's allergy status or dietary requirements so that records can be updated promptly.  

Natasha's Law 

Since October 2021, Natasha's Law has required all pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) foods to carry a full ingredients list with allergens clearly identified. 

Whilst schools are not food outlets in the traditional sense, we recognise the importance of providing clear allergen information whenever food is offered during organised school events, curriculum activities or enrichment experiences. 

Where food is provided: 

-Ingredient information will be available for wrapped food items. 
-Staff will consider allergies when planning cooking and food-related curriculum activities. 
-Parents and carers will be informed of ingredients in advance where appropriate. 
-Any external providers operating on site will also be expected to make allergen information available. 

OSCAR (PTFA) Events and Food Provision 

OSCAR, our Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA), organises a range of events throughout the year where food and refreshments may be available. To support the safety of those with food allergies, allergen and ingredient information will be provided for food offered at OSCAR events, enabling families to make informed choices and helping to ensure that events remain inclusive and enjoyable for all. 

Other Food Items in School 

Children often bring in and share birthday treats. We therefore ask Class Teachers to arrange for children to distribute any birthday treats outside the class door, and parents/carers are welcome to help with this. This allows parents collecting children to see the distribution and check the item. For those in Y5 and Y6 who walk home alone, Class Teachers will always remind those children to take treats home and check with parents first.  

Some children add treats to items such as cards, gifts from holidays, etc given in school to friends. We always distribute these items at the end of the day and ask children to open them after school, in order that parents/carers can check these too.