Why Sending a Child with Coeliac Disease to School Can Be So Worrying for Parents
By Claire Francis | Gluten Free On The Go
For most parents, dropping their child off at school is an act of trust.
You trust that they'll be cared for, supported and kept safe until you return.
As a parent of a child with coeliac disease, that trust can sometimes feel incredibly difficult.
Every day, we place our child's wellbeing in the hands of adults who may have never been taught what coeliac disease actually is. While many teachers and school staff do an amazing job, awareness and training can vary, leaving parents with understandable concerns.
"They said they could cater for my child..."
Recently, I read a post from a worried parent whose child was due to go on a residential trip.
The school said they could cater for coeliac disease.
The menu?
Jacket potatoes for lunch and dinner for three days.
Technically, that may be gluten free—but it isn't nutritionally balanced, inclusive or reassuring. It also highlights a bigger issue: understanding gluten-free ingredients isn't the same as understanding how to safely support a child with coeliac disease.
Cross-contamination is often the biggest risk
For many families, the concern isn't just whether food contains gluten—it's whether it has been prepared safely.
Questions race through our minds:
- Was the food prepared on a clean surface?
- Were separate utensils used?
- Was the same serving spoon used for gluten-containing food?
- Were staff trained to understand cross-contamination?
These aren't minor details. Even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response and damage the small intestine in someone with coeliac disease.
It's about more than food
School life is full of situations where gluten can appear unexpectedly:
- Birthday celebrations
- Cooking lessons
- Craft activities
- School trips
- Packed lunches
- Shared snacks
- Dining halls
- Residential visits
Without awareness, it's easy for children to be accidentally excluded—or accidentally exposed to gluten.
Positive change is coming
From September, new allergy training requirements will come into effect for schools across England following the introduction of Benedict's Law.
The law follows the heartbreaking death of Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old boy who died after suffering a severe allergic reaction to milk given to him at school. His family has campaigned tirelessly for stronger allergy awareness and better staff training so that other families do not experience the same tragedy.
Although Benedict's Law focuses on allergies, the increased emphasis on food safety, communication and staff training is welcome news for all children with medical dietary needs—including those with coeliac disease.
We need better understanding of coeliac disease too
Coeliac disease isn't an allergy, and it isn't a food preference.
It's a serious autoimmune condition that requires lifelong treatment through a strict gluten-free diet.
That means schools need to understand:
- how cross-contamination happens
- why ingredient checks matter every time
- how to support children safely during trips, parties and classroom activities
- how to help children feel included, not different
Parents shouldn't have to worry
No parent wants to send their child on a residential trip wondering if they'll have anything safe to eat.
No child should feel left out because of their medical condition.
Every child deserves to feel safe, included and able to enjoy school alongside their friends.
With better education, clearer guidance and ongoing staff training, we can help schools build that confidence—and give parents greater peace of mind.
Because every child deserves to come home safe.
💚 Final Thoughts
As someone living with coeliac disease and supporting thousands of families through Gluten Free On The Go, I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we have.
The more schools understand coeliac disease, the safer and more inclusive they can become.
Together, we can help ensure that every child with coeliac disease has the support they need to thrive.