It's not fair.

[vwvic]

Got back from school a while ago after having a discussion with one of DD1 teachers. The school are having a "fruit day" next tuesday, and as dd1 has anaphylactic reactions to kiwi fruit I was rather worried. The end result is that the school have said they cannot maintain a safe environment for her, as there will be kiwi fruits present. Therefore, they feel unable to have her in school on that day as they are reluctant to take responsibility for her safety.

She's 5, and quite able to say no to kiwi fruit if it's a distinct ingredient, IYSWIM. She just can't be totally relied upon to think of it if presented with a "mixture", such fruit salad, or fruit juice.

I know that rationally this is the best solution, and no way would I want to put her at risk... I just feel so sad that she has to be excluded from this. Allergies are just so unfair.

Thanks for listening to me rant.

gluten is an important component of the diet that is difficult and expensive to omit. Kiwi fruit isn't! vwvic I would telephone the head of governors and any parent governor you feel would be useful. The school have to give you the head of governors details and if they are difficult phoning round a few people may turn up the parent governors numbers. I'd also write to the head recording your meeting and saying you are going to talk to the local paper (the supermarket won't welcome the bad publicity), the supermarket (if you know which one), the head of governors and the LEA.

Do you mind saying which LEA it is? I, for one, would be happy to write to them telling them that other LEAs can be more helpful

Teachers can not be compleed to administer epipens (a disgrace IMO) but schools are able to include a requirment to do so in the conditions of new support staff. This is in the meeting medical needs in schools guides - you can order a free copy or download it from the Dept Health website. I have never yet found a school where some staff are not prepared to volunteer.

Did you type the recent programme about allergy on, I think, Channel 4? If not the anaphylaxis campaign video is a useful one to show to schools. Don't just leave it - we all need to fight for the kids that come after. I've recently done the head of governors/ parent governor thing at our primary - although my most allergic one is leaving this year.

QZebra there is a very easy compromise - send the kiwi fruit home with the children. How would you feel if it was your child being excluded or if the head said to a child in a wheelchair sorry you have to stay home?

compelled and tape - sorry I'm too angry about this to type properly, not that I ever do....

vwvic..it looks like you have our support!! Keep us informed how you get on and remember we are here for you to let off steam!!

the school should allow every child access to the curriculum. Keep kicking some ass vwic, the Head's reaction is so wrong

vwvic allergy to kiwi isn't that uncommon. Anaphylactic allergies are more uncommon but the anaphylaxis campaign has quite a few people with kiwi allergy. Its becoming more common too.

We've just added kiwi to our list of things to avoid although for intolerance not allergy

Message withdrawn

What a joke! Would any of the other children notice or care if kiwi fruit wasn't put in anything? I don't think so! Do not allow them to exclude her because they can't find a compromise!

vwic - definitely take this further. Your dd is entitled to access to the full curriculum (as they themselves would put it) - she is being discriminated against because of her medical condition. Give 'em hell!

Since your child has a legal right to attend school and can they "suggest she not attend". It is a school, what is with all the food events. It drives me mad! I send my child to learn not eat. As already been said, "outrageous". I would at least write a letter of complaint to someone over their heads.