parents have asked me to share healthy, nut-free, seed-free, and dairy-free snack ideas suitable for junior school children to enjoy at playtime. Our school’s policy promotes nutritious snacks and avoiding chocolate, cakes, and crisps:

🍎 Fresh Fruit Options

• Apple slices (sprinkled with a little lemon juice to prevent browning)

• Banana

• Grapes (cut in half for safety)

• Orange segments or easy-peel mandarins

• Pears

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• Melon cubes or watermelon sticks

🥕 Vegetable Snacks

• Carrot sticks

• Cucumber slices

• Cherry tomatoes

• Bell pepper strips

• Sugar snap peas

🍞 Grain-Based Snacks (Dairy/Nut/Seed-Free)

• Plain rice cakes

• Mini pitta bread (wholemeal if possible)

• Breadsticks (check ingredients for dairy)

• Oatcakes (ensure no dairy or seeds)

• Homemade or store-bought dairy-free mini pancakes (e.g., banana oat pancakes)

🍌 Simple Homemade Ideas

• Fruit kebabs: chunks of fruit on a skewer (no sharp ends)

• Dairy-free banana muffins: made with oat flour and fruit puree

• Vegetable wraps: small wraps with hummus (if seed-free) or mashed avocado

✅ Tips for Parents

• Always check packaging for hidden dairy, nuts, or seeds.

• Avoid processed snacks unless clearly labelled as suitable.

• Keep portions small and easy to eat quickly before playtime.