This School Has Officially Banned Birthday Cakes, Deeming Them Too Dangerous for Kids
An elementary school in Lancashire, England, has banned birthday cake, citing the risk of accidentally giving children something to which they might be allergic.
In a newsletter sent to parents at Norbreck primary academy last week, principal Karen McCarter said there are many reasons for the decision, chief among them the fact that the school cannot account for the ingredients in cakes. Even so, a list of ingredients wouldn't help much, McCarter elaborated:
...in a busy school day, it is too much to expect teachers to read ingredient lists and then decide who can and who cannot eat the product.
McCarter acknowledged that, while the ban is sad, it's necessary in the "modern society in which we are held accountable," adding,"we cannot take the risk." Ten of the school's nearly 610 students have allergies, McCarter said, and it's impossible to know how sanitary kitchens at home are.
Cakes also cut into educational time, as teachers have to serve the cakes and clean up afterward, and sugary desserts go against the school's "healthy eating initiatives." Any birthday treats sent to school will return home uneaten, the announcement concluded.
Parents and other school officials have already spoken out against the ban. Chris McGovern, Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, believes kids can still enjoy their birthdays without the looming fear of allergies.
The allergies thing is very important. But children who have allergies do not want their class mates to miss out anyway and would probably bring an allergy free alternative. Schools need to show a bit of common sense. Let's not spoil the party.
Is it only a matter of time before this no-cake sentiment makes its way across the big pond?
[via The Guardian]
