How will my child be supported at nursery if they have a food allergy or intolerance?
Children with medically diagnosed food allergies or intolerances receive personalised support at Fennies. A thorough risk assessment and critical care plan are established, detailing how to create a safe environment and respond to any reactions. Other specific actions that will be implemented include:-
Awareness and Training
Staff members are trained to understand specific allergies and intolerances and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to avoid the allergen. A photo display of children with special dietary requirements is prominently placed in the kitchen and throughout the nursery.
Special plates and placemats
Children with diagnosed conditions are given special red placemats and plates which clearly indicate their dietary needs. These plates are prepared separately in the kitchen and labelled with the child’s name and allergy or intolerance
Mealtime arrangements
Children with specific dietary needs are seated together during mealtimes whenever possible. A qualified member of staff, identified by a red apron, sits with them, ensuring a thorough understanding of each child’s needs and critical care plan.
What should I do if my baby is weaning?
Weaning is a really important time in your baby’s life where new tastes and textures are introduced. For most babies it is best to follow general weaning guidelines from the NHS Your baby’s first solid foods – NHS (www.nhs.uk) which suggests the introduction of common allergenic foods such as cows’ milk, eggs, gluten containing foods, nuts and other foods one at a time and in small amounts.
Once tolerated these foods should continue to be included as part of the baby’s overall diet – this helps to build up a lifelong tolerance to the foods and helps to ensure a healthy and balanced diet.
If a baby already has severe eczema or a known food allergy then it is important to get specialist advice from your GP or organisations such as The Anaphylaxis CampaignInfant-weaning-compressed.pdf (anaphylaxis.org.uk)
If your child is weaning and attending nursery, we will ask you to provide us with lists of foods that your baby has tried at home and tolerated and won’t introduce any new foods at nursery unless we know it is OK with baby.
Conclusion
Navigating food allergies and intolerances in early childhood requires a collaborative effort between parents, healthcare professionals and nursery staff. By understanding the distinction between allergies and intolerances, recognising early signs, and implementing personalised care plans at nursery, we can create a safe and supportive environment whilst providing the healthy and balanced diet that all children need.
More information can be found on the following sites:-
Allergy in Childhood | Allergy UK | National Charity
Food allergy advice for you and your baby – British Nutrition Foundation
Weaning – Start for Life – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Food allergies in babies and young children – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Food intolerances in babies | Baby & toddler, Your baby’s health articles & support | NCT