Council reviews guidance after school ban on homemade festive treats

Stunned parents slammed Sheffield’s Gleadless Primary School for the decision after a letter was sent home warning that food could only be accepted if they had a food hygiene certificate.

One father, who was collecting his seven-year-old son, said: “It is absolutely bonkers, it’s another classic example of health and safety gone mad.”

A mother at school to collect her six-year-old son said: “I know children’s safety at school is important but I’m not aware that anyone has ever been hurt by eating home made cakes and buns.”

Sheffield Council education chiefs said that the guidance was supposed to apply to large outside contractors. Steve Clark, council service manager said “We issued this in good faith but in the light of feedback from schools we will be reviewing the guidance and reassuring schools that it is fine for them to continue to use common sense when inviting parents to contribute food to events.”

Headteacher Valerie Fowles said: “The last thing we wanted to do was to ban anyone from bringing home made cakes to the Christmas fair so I am delighted that the local authority policy is being reviewed.”