Dear Parents,

I am writing to ask for your support regarding birthday cakes in school. Although we like to acknowledge children's birthdays, we have had some problems with sharing of cakes in school. When cakes are brought in from a commercial pastry shop (pastane), it is difficult to be sure they are free of nuts, even if nuts are not immediately visible, which presents a risk to any child who has nut allergy or intolerance.

As we have a number of children with nut and other food allergies in both Key Stage One and Two, a decision has been made that no food containing nuts will be allowed for sharing among children. In addition, large creamy cakes are found to result in a lot of mess in the classroom.

In Key Stage One (infants), it has been decided that children may share food as a birthday celebration but we would prefer you to send only home made cup (individual) cakes or biscuits which you can personally guarantee to be free of nuts. Of course you may prefer to send in another nut free finger food instead if you wish, like a small individual fruit item such as tangerine etc.

Here there are some other food alternatives:

• Fruit kabobs - simply take a variety of fresh, firm fruit and alternately skewer them (trim pointed end when you finish). Fruit suggestion: pineapple, grapes, strawberries, melon, peaches, apples…
• Fruit tray - display a variety of fresh fruit finger size pieces, on an eye catching display.
• English Muffin Pizza - Halve an English muffin, spread tomato sauce on top, sprinkle with cheese, then bake at about 175 C until cheese melts.
• Bread sticks / pretzel dipped in chocolate.
• Pop corn.

Non food alternatives:

Pencils, erasers, crayons, stickers, bookmarks, bracelets, small toys.

In key Stage 2 (Juniors) it has been decided that celebrations with birthday cakes during lesson time will no longer take place. However, please be assured that your child’s birthday will be acknowledged in another way.

Juan Ramirez
School Nurse