A Devon pre-school has provoked a backlash after introducing a 'health and safety' lunch box policy that bans white bread and requires fruit and vegetables to be cut in specific ways.
Busy Otters pre-school in Ottery St Mary has told parents that only "safe, healthy" meals can be brought in, issuing strict guidelines called a 'safer eating policy'. The rules have left mums and dads confused and annoyed.
Strict guidelines for packed lunches
All treats are banned, with crisps, chocolate, brioche buns, biscuits, cake bars, sausages and cheese strings all off-limits. Raisins are only allowed if they are cut in half. White bread must not be on the menu unless it is toasted because it is a choking hazard.
In a message to parents, the nursery 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 adds: "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 defends policy
The school says the rules are in line with the government's healthy eating guidance, Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements and a recent Ofsted.
Busy Otters Pre-school said in its 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."
But parents were far from impressed by the policy, with one venting: "Unless a place is providing food for your child, this includes schools. I don't feel they have a right to tell you what your child is allowed to eat.
"I'm paying for the stuff in my kids lunch so Il send what they are going to eat not what is begin dictated."
Committee responds to backlash
Chair of the Busy Otters Preschool committee, Thomas Prideaux, said: "Busy Otters Pre-School is a charity-run setting, and our decisions regarding lunchbox guidance are based on our responsibility to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, relevant safer eating guidance and advice from our local authority.
"These decisions have not been made to inconvenience families, but to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care.
"We want to reassure parents that no child will be left hungry. We recognise that every child is different, with individual needs, preferences and circumstances.
"Children who may struggle with the guidance, including those with specific dietary needs or who are particularly selective eaters, will be supported on a case-by-case basis, working in partnership with their families to find appropriate solutions.
"We understand that parents may have concerns, and we remain committed to working constructively with our families and community.
"However, we also ask people to remember that there are real people behind Busy Otters. Our dedicated staff and voluntary committee work incredibly hard to support local children and families, alongside full-time jobs and family commitments.
"The backlash surrounding this issue has had a genuine impact on our team's wellbeing, and nobody should have to face hostility or threatening messages for carrying out their responsibilities and following the guidance expected of early years settings."
