Busy Otters Pre-school has sparked outrage after banning white bread as part of its new 'health and safety' lunch box rules. The pre-school has also demanded that raisins be cut in half.
Issuing a strict set of guidelines called the 'Safer Eating Policy', the school said it wants 'safe, healthy' meals brought in. Also banned by the pre-school are crisps, chocolate, chocolate brioche, biscuits, cake bars, sausages and cheese strings. While it's okay if toasted, white bread has been banned over it being a choking hazard for children.
Guidance for parents
In a message to parents, the pre-school wrote: "Please remember larger and harder fruits: Apples, pears and melons should be cut into thin slices. Small fruits: Grapes, cherries, berries, strawberries and cherry tomatoes should be cut lengthways into quarters.
"Oranges: Must be peeled, segmented and checked for pips. Vegetables: Carrots, cucumber, peppers and celery should be cut into narrow batons or sticks. Cheese: Should be cut into thin strips or grated. Please avoid cheese strings.
"Bread: White bread should not be included in lunch boxes, as it can form a dough-like ball in the throat and pose a choking risk if not chewed properly. Brown bread or toasted white bread are alternatives. Bread, chapatis, naan and other breads should be cut into narrow strips."
It added: "It is equally important that food is prepared appropriately before being placed in your child's lunch box, helping to reduce the risk of choking."
School's response to parents
The Devon school noted that the rules are in line with the government's healthy eating guidance, Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements and a recent Ofsted inspection.
It told parents in a post: "Over the coming days, you may notice slips coming home in your child's lunch box. These slips will inform you if any items have been included that are not permitted under our Safer Eating Policy, or if food has not been prepared safely.
"They help us promote healthy eating, support children's wellbeing and reduce the risk of choking. We understand that these reminders may require a little extra preparation, and we genuinely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
"The slips are not intended to cause concern or embarrassment. They are simply a way of communicating with families and ensuring we work together to follow our policy and keep every child safe. Thank you for supporting Busy Otters Preschool in promoting healthy eating and safe mealtimes for all our little otters!"
With parents in the replies of the school's Facebook post highlighting their issues with being told what to feed their children, the school is asking for public opinion via a poll.
