§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what advice he has issued to schools, nurseries and playgroups about catering provision for children with nut allergies; and if he will make a statement; [131009]
81W(2) if he will make a statement on the impact of nut allergies on children's access to places in nurseries, playcentres and summer play schemes; [131010]
(3) what advice he has issued to school nurses, schools, nurseries and playgroups on how to deal with children with nut allergies; and if he will make a statement. [131059]
§ Jacqui SmithMy Department has issued joint good practice guidance, with the Department of Health, for schools on "Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs" which contains advice on anaphylaxis. It recommends drawing up individual health care plans to enable children to take as full a part as possible in school activities. I commend the guidance to other bodies having children in their care. Advice is also available on the joint DfEE and Department of Health "Wired For Health" website (www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk). The guidance that we will be publishing this autumn for school caterers to support our new nutritional standards for school lunches will include advice on catering for those children who stay for a school lunch but who have particular medical needs, including nut allergies.