Rākau Nui Food Allergy Information

Dear Parents, Whānau and Caregivers

Food Allergy Management at Paparangi School

RĀKAU NUI - ROOMS 10-13

NO nuts in Rākau Nui

Nuts, items that contain nuts and nut butters are not allowed in Rākau Nui. Please check the contents of muesli bars and do not send anything that contains nuts in lunch boxes. We have children who are highly allergic to them. Examples of food that children may not bring to school include:

• Nutella

• Raw nuts

• Baking WITH nuts

• Muesli bars that may contain nuts

• Peanut butter sandwiches

At times we have children attending our school with food allergies, the most common being peanuts, dairy and eggs. Any exposure to these items, even a tiny amount, could be potentially very serious and life threatening for these children. Allergic reactions can be so severe that prompt emergency treatment is required. At Paparangi School, we work in partnership with families to provide a safe environment for children with food allergies through education and awareness.

We follow the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) researched guidelines for avoiding food anaphylaxis in schools. Parents may view the guidelines by going to www.allergy.org.nz These guidelines have been developed by specialists in NZ and Australia with the child in mind as some of these allergies will be lifelong.

There are some key strategies that minimise the risk of accidental ingestion of food allergens. For school age children with an allergy, an essential step is to develop strategies for avoidance in the wider community as well as at school. We ask our students and families to help make the school environment safer for all students, by following these simple suggestions:

• Clear labelling on lunch boxes, eating utensils and drink bottles.

• Children with food allergies eat lunches and snacks that have been prepared at home and provided by parents.

• Stringent hand washing routines.

• Avoid sending foods such as nuts, peanut butter or nutella sandwiches to school with your child.

• Contact the classroom teacher before sending any food for sharing with the class for special celebrations like birthdays.

• Please remind your child never to share his/her food and drinks with other students.

• Please wash your child’s face and hands thoroughly before they leave home, especially if your child has eaten peanuts or peanut butter prior to coming to school.

We greatly appreciate your support for children with allergies. Together we can make a difference. Please talk to your child’s teacher if you have any queries about our food allergy management plan.

Regards

Tracey Arthurs

Principal/Tumuaki

PAPARANGI SCHOOL FOOD ALLERGY PLAN

UENUKU - ROOMS 6-8

NO nuts in Uenuku

Nuts, items that contain nuts and nut butters are not allowed in Uenuku. Please check the contents of muesli bars and do not send anything that contains nuts in lunch boxes. We have children who are highly allergic to them. Thanks for your support.

POUNAMU - ROOMS 2-5

NO nuts in Pounamu

Nuts, items that contain nuts and nut butters are not allowed in Uenuku. Please check the contents of muesli bars and do not send anything that contains nuts in lunch boxes. We have children who are highly allergic to them.

Thanks for your support.

RĀKAU NUI - ROOMS 10-13

NO nuts in Rākau Nui

Nuts, items that contain nuts and nut butters are not allowed in Rākau Nui. Please check the contents of muesli bars and do not send anything that contains nuts in lunch boxes. We have children who are highly allergic to them. Examples of food that children may not bring to school include:

• Nutella

• Raw nuts

• Baking WITH nuts

• Muesli bars that may contain nuts

• Peanut butter sandwiches

If in doubt, leave it out!

Thank you!