No hot food allowed in school lunch boxes?

[Bayleaf25]

Just wondered whether your schools have a policy on this? Our head has sent a letter saying we are not allowed to bring in hot food due to health & safety. I have several issues with this;

1. It often gives a healthy & varied alternative (soup, pasta, baked beans).
2. Can't imagine those thermos flasks keep them really hot 4+ hours after being made.
3. If the school doesn't offer hot school lunches as an alternative then I don't see why parents can't give hot food of their own.
4. For working parents it is a good option for the child to have a hot meal at lunch time (sometimes).
5. Surely there are other risks at school - using scissors, outdoor play equipment. So don't see why this risk is any different?

Anyway, basically I am cross about this & wondered what your view are and whether your schools have a similar policy? Thanksx

When my daughter had gob orthodontic surgery the only thing she could 'eat' was soup for about a week. (She lost half a stone!) If I hadn't sent her to school with flask of tomato soup she'd have had nothing.

There was no 'food poisoning outbreak' risk.

LineRunner, do you really think your child's school would have objected in the case of medical necessity?

If your child's school has a rule that you cannot follow, then talk to them and make an arragement to avoid a problem. Just ignoring the rule "because you're entitled to" is a terrible message to send to your children.

That's such a mumsnet thing to do!

" I think it's a good idea that children use pencils to write with in KS1- pens are too messy for little ones."

"But my child can only use a pen because he has a pencil phobia- we've got a letter from his Consultant. If we had that rule he would never be able to write another word"

Not all school have a no flask rule.

My DD's school just doesn't have a problem with flasks, and I was glad of that, is what I meant.

"My DD's school just doesn't have a problem with flasks, and I was glad of that, is what I meant."

Apologies, I got the wrong end of the stick there ^^

If it is being claimed as part of 'Health & Safety' then ask for direction to the relevant legislation. If the school cannot show this then they cannot enforce it. Most H&S in schools is from over zealous Council H&S departments. The H&SE are very cross about the way they are interpreting legislation. You may wish to draw their attention to this school policy...

didn't read all of the thread, but the thermos flasks referenced at GLTC were in home bargains/B&M bargains (can't quite remember) for well less than a fiver! something like, £1.99 if i remember correctly!

just fyi