Healthy Living & Healthy Minds
Healthy Snacks and Food Allergy Safety
At Brockley Primary School, the health, wellbeing and safety of all our children are very important to us. We recognise the importance of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, and understand that establishing good eating habits in childhood supports learning, wellbeing and lifelong positive food choices.
Some children in school have food allergies or intolerances which can cause serious illness if they come into contact with certain foods. In some cases, even very small amounts can trigger a reaction. To help keep all children safe, schools are required to follow clear food safety and allergy guidance, and we ask families to work with us to reduce risks.
Common Food Allergens
There are 14 foods recognised by UK law as the most common allergens. These include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat and other foods containing gluten
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Sesame
- Soya
- Fish and shellfish
- Mustard, celery and lupin
- Sulphites found in some dried or processed foods
Children can be allergic to one or more of these foods, and allergies can vary in severity.
Healthy Morning Break Snacks
In line with School Food Standards and to support children’s health, we encourage families to provide a healthy snack for morning break.
Suitable snack ideas include:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Plain rice cakes
- Malt loaf
- Cheese and plain crackers
- Unsalted popcorn
- Low‑sugar granola or cereal bars
All children also have access to a choice of fresh fruit provided by school at break times.
To support healthy eating and reduce risks to children’s health, chocolate bars, sweets, sugary snacks and crisps should not be brought into school for snack time but are permitted as a treat as part of a healthy diet for lunchtime.
What the School Does
To protect children with allergies and medical dietary needs, Brockley Primary School:
- Follows national school food and allergy guidance
- Shares allergen information for food provided by school
- Has clear procedures for managing allergies and medical needs
- Ensures staff are trained to recognise and respond to allergic reactions
- Works closely with families to support children with individual dietary needs
How Parents Can Help
We ask families to support us by:
- Providing nut‑free snacks, including avoiding foods that may contain nuts
- Sending snacks that are safe, healthy and suitable for school
- Not sending foods containing chocolate, sweets or crisps
- Talking to your child about not sharing food
- Informing school immediately of any new or changing allergies
Important Safety Information
- Snacks should be nut‑free for allergy safety
- Snacks should be easy to eat and not pose a choking risk
- Children should only eat their own food and not share snacks with others
Children should only eat food provided by school or food brought from home with parental knowledge. Sharing food puts children with allergies at risk and is not allowed.
Working Together
By working together and following this guidance, we can reduce risks and help ensure that Brockley Primary School is a safe place for every child.
If your child has a food allergy or medical dietary need and you would like to discuss this further, please contact the school office.
Scan, Swipe and Swap for Better Health!
The free NHS Food Scanner app is a useful tool for families. It helps identify foods that are high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, and suggests healthier alternatives.
The app is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Links to Further Information and Guidance
Healthier snacks - Food facts - Healthier Families - NHS
NHS Food Scanner App - App Store
NHS Food Scanner – Apps on Google Play
Emotional health and mental wellbeing affect all aspects of our lives and health choices.
Mental well-being is about feeling good and functioning well, as individuals and as communities. It is also about our ability to cope with life’s challenges and making the most of life’s opportunities.
The website has been designed collaboratively by professionals who work across Derby & Derbyshire to help plan and deliver care & support for people who are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, or just want to feel happier.
Please take the time to watch the video and listen to the important messages delivered by the children on Brockley!
This signposting service is aimed at professionals, members of the public and children and young people who wish to access local services or just require further information on the services that are available to them both locally and nationally.
The four elements of the website focus on Children and Young People, Adults, Suicide Prevention and Neurodiversity.