Childcare, pre-school and school activities during celebrations

Tips for managing food allergies during celebrations such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Diwali, Lunar New Year

Food-based activities at childcare, pre-school and school can pose a risk for children with food allergy.

The list below can help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction while allowing children with food allergy to participate:

• Speak with your child’s teacher/educator/carer before times of celebration so that you know what is planned. You can work together on a plan to make the activities safe and inclusive for your child, other children with food allergies and all children in the class/group.
• Offer to help out on the day of the activity.
• Provide allergy safe (and yummy) treats for your child. You can even offer to provide treats for the whole class so your child isn’t getting something different. You will need to speak with the teacher/educator/carer to check if there are other children with food allergy and how their parents manage risk.
• Teach your child not to share food or take food from others unless mum or dad or a trusted carer or teacher has checked the food.
• Craft items which may be a risk include eggshells, egg cartons, milk cartons, peanut butter jars and lids etc.

REMEMBER:  Say ‘thank you’ to staff and parents who go out of their way to increase safety and include your child. We love it when they consider children with food allergy and they need to know their effort is appreciated!