No-Nut Policy

This is a No-Nut school.

Nut allergies affect a lot of people in England. For some people, nut allergies may result in anaphylaxis (an acute allergic reaction that can shock the respiratory and/or cardiovascular systems) which can be fatal. Significantly, allergic reactions to nuts and nut products may occur from mere physical contact, as opposed to actual consumption. Because of the serious dangers that these allergies pose to some of our pupils, the Europa School has developed the following no-nut policy;

Neauts and all other nuts (Including tree nuts- Almonds, Brazil nuts, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia, Pecan, Pistachios, Shea nuts and Walnuts), as well as foods containing nuts or nuts by products (like Nutella), are not permitted or consumed at school or in the school grounds. If a product says “may contain nuts”, it is fine. If it says “may contain peanuts (or another specific type of nut)”, please do not bring it in. “Pine nuts” are not actual nuts, but seeds, and are fine.

Birthday cakes or other food products, such as chocolate products, brought into the classroom must be nut-free. 

In developing and implementing this policy, the Europa School does not guarantee that the school will be completely nut-free.

Instead, this policy is intended to educate the Europa School community about the dangers associated with nut allergies, as well as to create a layer of protection for our pupils. We believe this policy will create a safer environment for everyone.

The Europa School calls upon each and every family, pupil, and staff member to adhere to the policy. For its part, the Europa School will take the following precautions and actions:

• The parents or carers of any child who is allergic to nuts must inform the school of this allergy. The Europa School will make sure that each member of staff knows which children suffer from nut or other allergies.

• The parents or carers are responsible to ensure that there is appropriate medication in the school and that it is on date.

• The Europa School will conduct an annual staff training to educate staff about nut allergies and about proper response to an emergency involving an allergic reaction to nuts including administration of an EpiPen.

• Any nut products brought by students or staff to the school will be confiscated and removed from the premises.

• The canteen staff will take precautions when ordering food products that it does not contain nuts.

• Each child identified as having a nut allergy will be required to provide the School with written guidance from their medical doctor about the nature and severity of the allergy, and how to treat the student should he or she suffer a reaction. A child-specific emergency plan will be developed by the staff, in collaboration with each child’s parent, for all children known to have a nut allergy. Moreover, if a doctor prescribes epinephrine to a pupil, the pupil will be required to keep an updated dosage at school, which may be administered by the pupil or staff in the event of an emergency.

• For primary pupils, we ask parents to provide the teachers with a named box with appropriate snacks that can be given to the child whenever there is a special treat.