Toddler groups & biscuits cont.

[Shannaratiger]

Can't remember where the old thread was about parents bringing biscuits to toddler groups. We had a visit from Health and Safety and was told that children are not allowed to walk around with food and if caught the group will be closed down.

whhat? tell us more please

interesting. I go to 2 groups - 1 where all kids sit at table for snack, the other where kids do wander around whilst eating.

blooody hell, that is madness!! HOW are you going to stop a toddler from walking around with a biscuit and drink? I would have thought it the mums responsibility.

I have to say, i do worry about some of the groups i have been to, run by doddery old dears, handing round a tray of tea, over the heads of the children - i think its better if the mums help themselves from the hatch to be honest, but im never brave enough to say.

lol, another edict from the ivory towers

At both groups I go to the kids have juice and biscuit time and we line up tables and chairs at one group and at another we put out a wipeable tablecloth mat on the floor and they sit there and eat.

why did H & S visit a toddler group? somewhat puzzled.

Sorry my internet connection died as soon as I posted this thread. Basically we changed the leaders in our toddler group, the new ones are going for a grant for new tables etc. and we are getting an outside play area so we decided to invite a health and safety officer in to check what the rules are.

The arguements on them not walking round with biscuits are:
1.food allergies
2.Bicuits dropped on the floor being picked up by smaller children and them chocking
3.Worms i.e. eating food off dirty floors.

I know it sounds a little bit OTT but we were havign problems with some parents bringing in chocolate biscuits and some parents not wanting their dc's eating them adn so were other people on MN.
Just thought I would warn you and maybe your leaders might want to check what all the rules are with regards to insurance etc.

That was the rule at the drop-in centre I used to take DD1 to, I was told it was in case of allergies amongst the other children.

these are the guidelines the Preschool learning alliance give about setting up a M&T group

When setting out your room always think of safety:

• No access to the kitchen for children
• Secure the outside door
• Babies need a separate space
• Different activities in different areas
• No hot drinks in the room
• Use of signs gives clear reminders

You may want to serve refreshments. This is your decision but please note:

• No hot drinks near the children
• Be aware of allergies
• Healthy options may be preferred

Clearing away is a good time to introduce singing or a short story, enabling carers to help with the tidying up. Tidying away can be made fun and children soon get to know the phrase "tidy up time".
Group guidelines

You may wish to use the following guideline:

We encourage children to be kind to each other at all times and ask for your help to ensure that your child?s behaviour does not affect other children?s enjoyment of the group. Members are expected to show respect for everyone attending the group and treat everything that is said or overheard in confidence.

And remember... No Smoking - No Shouting - No Swearing - No Smacking

The toddler group I went to over 10 years ago had this rule. Every child sat down to have a drink and a biscuit. If they were too young to do it by themselves then they sat on their mum's lap. It was considered good manners to not run around whilst eating also there was the choking thing. It also meant the toys were safe from soggy biscuits!
I could never understand why all groups didn't have this rule

Thanks Jingely for the full list. They seem to make good sense to me and is nice that parent's can't argue over the rules now.