Healthy Snacks Policy

[sleeplessinderbyshire]

My elder daughter has a long history of food refusal/sensory issues. Aged 6 she's under a fab SALT from the feeding clinic and whilst her eating is disordered +++ we can manage to get the appropriate number of calories in and now she will sit with others who are eating without major freakout. She's on ranitidine for reflux which has really helped to and is way best nibbling little and often. She has a packed lunch and is doing OK with marmite sandwiches and orange juice and yoghurt every day (her "safe" foods apart from peanut butter which is banned at school due to allergies in other kids)

New headteacher has decreed a "healthy school" policy which means only raw fruit/veg is permitted at breaktimes. Fine at first glance only she only eats apples. Having been told this is a national initiative I think there must surely be some wiggle room and read the national guidance which says no crisps, sweets chocolate etc. Today's missive from school is that no snacks containing fat or non naturally occurring sugar are allowed so fruit only or a plain oatcake or ricecake. I had been sending breadsticks and babybels last year, lots of other mums were sending philadelphia and breadsticks/oatcakes however now cheese is verboten as "it contains fat". How exactly are children supposed to grow? I fully accept a family bag of monster munch or similar is not sensible but when they are serving chips, stodgy puds, cake, biscuits etc at school dinners this seems bonkers.

I cannot imagine that a small child can really manage from 7am when they have breakfast til 1230 lunch with nothing but fruit inside them (different for KS2/3./4 or adults I agree) especially when her consultant and SALT are saying eat little and often and high calorie if possible - not sure what the children with CF are supposed to do in the light of this.

Can I check if I'm overreacting before I consider a quiet word with a teacher (or a shouty email to the head)?

[Lurkedforever1]

Tbh I think most kids are fine. Especially because even if in a childcare setting rather than at home they can eat closer to 9.
However if your dd has had problems in the past I think you should be allowed some leeway. Assuming a medical professional would back you up if needed, I'd ask if it's possible for your dd to bring something healthy but more substantial, and say you'd be happy for her to eat it away from others if school prefer so everyone doesn't start copying/ thinking you're ignoring the rules.

[catkind]

My two would be fine with fruit/veg (preschool & yr2), but they don't have your lo's medical issues.
You should def go have a chat with them. They are bound (by law I think as well as common sense?) to make reasonable adjustments. I'd start with the teacher, if they're not in a position to arrange an exception then the head.
Do you have anything in writing from the consultant or SALT? If so take a copy along.

[Snossidge]

Most children would be fine without a snack from breakfast to lunch time tbh (I have never done morning snacks at home with my kids) but as your DD has medical issues I would get her doctor or SaLT to write a letter.

[Feenie]

Why can't she just eat an apple?