Schools ban pupils sharing birthday sweets because of growing fears about childhood obesity 

Head teachers are banning pupils from handing out sweets because of the growing fears about childhood obesity 

By Stephen Adams, Health Correspondent For The Mail On Sunday-23 October 2016

• Schools across the UK are banning pupils from handing out birthday cake
• They are also preventing children from dishing out treats including sweets
• It comes because teachers are worried about the rise of childhood obesity

It has become a favourite playground tradition – children taking a bag of sweets or some cake to school to share with friends on their birthday.

But now head teachers around the country are banning pupils from dishing out such treats because of the growing fears about childhood obesity.

Some are also increasingly worried that cakes may contain nuts, risking serious allergic reactions in some pupils.

One of dozens of schools that have imposed the ban is Dawnay Infant School in Leatherhead, Surrey. Its latest newsletter for parents says: 'In the past it has been traditional for children to bring sweets into school to share with their class. This year, however, we are aiming for a healthier school and will no longer be accepting them. We shall, of course, celebrate your child's day with a song and make them feel very special.'

Hillborough Infant and Nursery School in Luton, Bedfordshire, said: 'As part of our wish to promote healthy eating, we have decided not to give out birthday sweets.

'Your child always receives a birthday card, and the class wish him or her a happy birthday. There is no need for parents to provide sweets or any other items for birthdays.' Grayshott Church of England Primary in Hindhead, Surrey, said it was focusing on healthy eating, adding: 'Children will no longer be able to hand out sweets, cakes or treats on their birthday.'

But former school governor Margaret Morrissey, of pressure group Parents Outloud, said: 'Schools are going over the top and it is starting to impinge on children's pleasure.'

Schools are increasingly worried that cakes may contain nuts, risking serious allergic reactions in some pupils