A child with PKU keeps their condition well controlled at childcare with careful planning and attention to their diet. Regular communication between you, the childcare centre and the metabolic team will help ensure the experience of the early learning years is positive.

Childcare centres and pre-schools are all managed differently. However, each will have a supervisor you can inform on the specifics of your child’s dietary needs. It is also advisable to inform the child-care centre’s cook and any out of hours supervisor of these needs. They will help to inform you of the centre’s meal-time arrangements and food related routines so you can work with them to devise the best plan for your child.

Most early learning centres are familiar with caring for young children with specific dietary needs and so they have practices in place that ensure any food given by them to your child, is safe for them to eat. Organise to meet with the centre staff and take the time to explain the importance of the diet and what it involves. Regular communication between you and your child’s carers is essential.

Some components of your child’s diet may be provided by the centre, such as free fruits and vegetables, whilst you may need to provide low protein products such as, low protein breads, pasta, rice, and snack food options. Some centres, and you, may prefer a packed lunch is provided for your child. You will need to provide the centre with your child’s protein substitute.

See the “About Me” summary which completed, is a record of your child’s dietary details that the centre may like to record of. This should be updated on a regular basis to ensure it is up to date with your child’s needs and food preferences.

The childcare supervisor may provide suggestions, or you may like to provide each formula in a different coloured bottle, clearly labelled, so they are aware of which formula is the protein substitute and which is the standard formula. This will also help you to monitor how much of each your child is taking.

Child-care staff require clear instruction on preparing the protein substitute and offering it to your child. It is also important the staff treat it like a medicine; are positive and consistent when offering. Ensure the centre keeps a plentiful supply of in-date, protein substitute, along with any accessories required to prepare the formula.

Most child-care centres provide information to parents regarding the child’s daily attendance at care. This will include - what and how much has been eaten/drank, sleep routines, toileting, play and more. It is important the staff understand the detail concerning your child’s diet you require. This information enables you to plan for the remainder of the day and provides a tool for consideration alongside phe blood level monitoring. Staff should notify you as soon as possible if protein substitute has not been consumed.

Make sure the centre informs you of any events involving food, in advance, so that arrangements for your child’s intake on the day can be made. Some child-care centres may offer to make something for your child and freeze any leftovers for future occasions. Alternatively, they may allow you to provide some appropriate foods that they store (in a freezer or pantry) so they will have on hand and use as needed.

Good communication is key. Make sure you keep in touch with the child-care to find out how your child is getting on. This allows the opportunity for staff to ask you questions about your child’s diet.