Busy Otters Preschool in Devon has banned white bread and uncut raisins from lunchboxes under a set of strict guidelines it calls a 'Safer Eating Policy'. The preschool says it wants “safe, healthy” meals brought in by families.
The rules also prohibit crisps, chocolate, chocolate brioche, biscuits, cake bars, sausages, cheese strings and raisins, unless the raisins are sliced in half. White bread is banned as a choking hazard, while toasted white bread is allowed.
Guidance issued to parents
In a message to parents, the preschool advised that larger and harder fruits such as apples, pears and melons should be cut into thin slices. Small fruits including grapes, cherries, berries, strawberries and cherry tomatoes should be cut lengthways into quarters.
Oranges must be peeled, segmented and checked for pips. Vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, peppers and celery should be cut into narrow batons or sticks. Cheese should be cut into thin strips or grated, with cheese strings to be avoided.
On bread, the guidance states: “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 listed as alternatives, and breads such as chapatis and naan should be cut into narrow strips.
Reaction to the policy
Comedian Simon Harris called the rules 'potty'. He said: “Is it really Ofsted pressuring EYFS settings to ban white bread as the doughy texture after chewing can be a choking hazard as well as the rule about cutting raisins in half, amongst other requests mentioned. To be honest, this would drive me a bit potty if I had still had kids at that age.”
Busy Otters Preschool said in a post that slips may be sent home in children's lunch boxes over the coming days. These slips will inform families if items are not permitted under the policy or if food has not been prepared safely. The preschool said the slips help promote healthy eating, support children's wellbeing and reduce the risk of choking.
The post added: “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.”
Preschool defends its decision
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 (EYFS) framework, relevant safer eating guidance and advice from our local authority.”
He said the decisions were made to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, and reassured parents that no child will be left hungry. 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.
Prideaux added: “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.”
