Nut Aware  

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common. At our nursery, we have members of our school community with severe allergies to nuts which may include sesame products.  Persons are at a higher risk of having a sesame allergy due to potential cross-reactivity, especially if allergic to both peanuts and tree nuts. While they are different food families, cross-reactivity can occur, and sesame allergies can be severe. Even a tiny amount of these foods can cause a very serious and potentially life-threatening reaction.

All staff are working hard to put measures in place to keep every child safe. However, we also need your support. We kindly ask all families to help us make the school environment as safe as possible by following these nut aware guidelines:

• Please do not send any foods containing nuts and sesame products to school with your child. This includes items such as peanut butter sandwiches, Nutella, hummus, muesli bars, or health bars containing nuts. (A more detailed list is provided below.)
• Please contact your child’s key person before sending in any food to share for celebrations.
• Remind your child not to share food or drinks with other children.
• Wash your child’s hands and face thoroughly before they leave home if they have eaten nuts or sesame products.

• Hummus (sesame-based dip)

• Halvah

• Tahini (ground sesame paste)

• Gomashio (a seasoning made from roasted sesame seeds and salt)

• Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes

• Breadsticks and bakery products

• Stir-fry vegetables

• Health or granola bars

• Curry sauces

• Salad dressings

• Pesto

• Marzipan

We sincerely appreciate your co-operation in helping us maintain a nut and sesame free environment.