Nutrition at School
To manage nutrition well at school, particularly in your child’s younger years, it may be important to discuss your child’s individual needs with their school. The school may need additional education about how best to support your child.
Lunchboxes
Some children with CF may be advised by their CF dietitian to follow a high energy diet. This helps provide the extra fuel their body needs to grow, recover, and fight infection.
It is important for schools to understand that “healthy eating” can look different for every child. For students with CF, recess and lunch might look different to their peers. Sharing information about your child’s dietary needs with school staff is important, especially if the school has guidelines or monitoring around lunchbox foods.
Our My ABCF at School book and resource pack is a great way for classrooms to discuss CF and how everyone is different.
Enzymes
If your child needs enzymes at school, it is important to consider:
- How will enzymes be administered? Is your child swallowing capsules or still using puree? Will they need support?
- Once they can swallow capsules, it is highly encouraged they keep enzymes in their lunchbox with dosage calculated by you at home (with teacher assistance to ensure they are taken where required). This helps foster independence.
- Extra enzymes may be kept at school in case of spills, or if enzymes are misplaced. Also consider birthdays, class parties and other occasions where there may be extra food.
- At times, your child may need quick/ frequent access to the toilet. Teachers should be made aware so they can support your child’s needs.
Dehydration
To manage hydration at school it is important that relevant school staff understand the risks of dehydration associated with CF. Things to consider:
- Ensure teachers are aware of the symptoms of dehydration.
- For younger children, you may wish to ask teachers to remind your child to drink throughout the day, particularly in hot weather.
- Ensure your child always has access to their water bottle at school.
- Discuss any need for salt solution/tablets or sports drinks at school.
CFSmart Program
The CFSmart program can provide further information about managing CF at school. Go to www.cfsmart.org.au for more information including CF Student Action Plans and eLearning for teachers.