(33183) What Does the EYFS Say?

The Early Years Foundation Stage Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements place a duty on providers to keep children safe, including children with allergies and medical needs.

The EYFS Safer Eating guidance which came into effect in September 2025 includes specific requirements relating to allergies, food safety, and dietary needs. This guidance should inform your setting's policies, procedures, and day-to-day practice.

Before a child is admitted to the setting, providers and childminders must obtain information about:

• special dietary requirements,
• food allergies and intolerances,
• food preferences, and
• any relevant health needs.

This information must be shared with staff involved in preparing, handling, and serving food.

At each mealtime and snack time, providers and childminders must be clear about who is responsible for checking that the food provided is suitable for each child and meets their dietary requirements.

Providers and childminders should also ensure that:

• staff understand the difference between allergies and intolerances,
• staff can recognise the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis,
• staff understand that allergies can develop at any time, particularly during weaning and the introduction of solid foods,
• children are appropriately supervised during meals and snacks,
• food sharing between children is discouraged, and
• food is prepared and served in a way that reduces the risk of allergen exposure and cross-contamination.

The EYFS also highlights the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers and, where appropriate, healthcare professionals. Settings should have ongoing discussions to develop and maintain allergy action plans and ensure allergy information remains accurate and up to date.

By following the Safer Eating guidance, settings can help create a safer environment for children with allergies and ensure staff are prepared to respond appropriately if a reaction occurs.