Special dietary needs for school children

We recognise the importance of supporting special diets and promoting a broader understanding of allergies and medical conditions. Rather than focusing on a single allergen or implementing blanket bans on specific foods, we advocate for a more inclusive and effective approach by being allergy aware. This means prioritising education, clear communication, and appropriate procedures to manage dietary needs safely and responsibly.

Special diets are tailored to individual needs and may be required for a variety of reasons, including:

• Medical conditions, for example food allergies, coeliac disease, diabetes.
• Cultural or religious beliefs.
• Ethical or lifestyle choices, for example vegetarian or vegan diets.
• Sensory or behavioural needs.

We aim to support all pupils to access school meals. Special diets are managed and implemented by our nutrition team who works closely with schools and catering staff and allied health professionals.

Medical diets

If your child requires a medically prescribed diet to manage conditions such as allergies and food intolerance, you can request this by completing the ‘PURPLE: Special Diet and Allergen’, which includes the following conditions:

• Food Allergy - Single Allergens
• Food Allergy - Double Allergens
• Nut - Double Allergens
• Food Allergy and Lifestyle
• Food Allergy and Religious
• Food Intolerances
• Food Intolerance and Religious
• Food Intolerance and Lifestyle
• Restrictive Diet

Parent/carers will also be required to submit proof of condition to specialdiet@northlan.gov.uk

Please note - if supporting evidence is not provided, the request will NOT be processed.

If your child requires a medically prescribed diet to manage more complex conditions, as listed below, you can request this by completing a ‘RED: Medically Prescribed Diet Form’: 

• Diabetes
• Diabetes and Coeliac
• Coeliac
• PKU
• Multiple Food Allergies
• Oral Textured Diets
• Blended Diets for PEG feeds
• Restrictive diets and other conditions such as food allergies

This form must be completed and signed by a health professional and sent to specialdiet@northlan.gov.uk

Special diets

Special diets such as vegan, ethnic or religious diets, can be requested by completing the 'YELLOW: Religious and Lifestyle Diet'.

Further information on the medical and special diet process can be found in the 'Special Diets Procedure' document below.

For further information on the medical and special diets please contact specialdiet@northlan.gov.uk