Getting ready for Pre-School and Primary School

You will be glad to know by working with the school, the metabolic team and any others involved in your child’s care (such as, grandparents), the process will be smooth. Remember, it is likely there will be other children with specific dietary needs and most schools are familiar with managing special diets. There is no reason why your child’s phe levels won’t remain well controlled during school time. Here’s things you can do to prepare: 

Dietitian school visit  

Your child’s dietitian may be able to visit their new school to explain about PKU and your child’s specific dietary management to schoolteachers and catering staff. 

Lunch and snack planning  

You might prefer it if your child takes a packed lunch so that you can provide appropriate choices (See ‘School Lunch Planning’ section for more information). Although, it’s also useful to discuss alternative options and your dietitian might have some practical tips that will help you. 

Questions 

Your child may get asked about PKU at school. You and your child’s dietitian can prepare some answers to these questions in advance. This will help them feel much more confident about anything they get asked.

An Introduction to PKU  

This is a good way for school staff to gain a better understanding of PKU.

Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association (MDDA)

The MDDA provide sample letters for teachers which can be downloaded outlining the diet and care that is required plus other helpful resources. See mdda.org.au/school-starters/ for details.

‘About Me’  

The About Me document provides a summary of what PKU is and information about your child’s protein substitute. It also allows you to give contact details for family members if teachers have any concerns about your child during the school day.  

Information for Caregivers  

This document provides basic information about PKU and your child’s protein substitute. It is designed to supplement the information provided by you and your dietitian about PKU.

• Recapping on foods which are permitted to include throughout the day and foods which should be avoided. 
• Remind your child to leave uneaten foods/drinks in their lunch box to help keep a record of their daily protein intake. 
• Explain why it is important not to swap foods/drinks with friends. 
• Plan when and where to take their protein substitutes. 
• How to explain PKU and their low protein diet to other children if they are asked. 
• Give them positive messages that their diet is special to keep them happy and healthy. 

Protein substitute 

If your child takes their protein substitute to school with them, pack it with their lunch so they remember to take it during their lunchbreak.  

Keep cool!  

If your child prefers, use an ice pack or cool pack to keep the protein substitute chilled in their lunchbox until lunch time.  

ASIEM PKU Handbook 

The handbook lists foods that contain small amount of protein and guides to how much of a particular food contains 1g protein. Get familiar with this list to work out ways to incorporate protein to meet your child’s allowance into their lunchbox for both morning tea and lunch. Ideas include fruit, dried fruit, crackers, vegetable sticks and other vegetables ( ie 35g sweetcorn provides 1 g of protein), dairy free yoghurt ie coconut, foods made with low protein flour, low protein pasta or rice with sauce/vegetables. Remember to keep it simple, involve your child in what you put in the lunchbox taking into consideration what foods they are familiar and comfortable with. Remember to always refer to labels for allergen and other product information.

Lunchbox and snacks ideas  

We have provided a week’s low protein lunchbox ideas.  

^{* Please refer to labels for allergen and other product information.}

Canteen

If your school has a canteen book a time to meet with the canteen manager to explain your childs’ diet. They will most likely want some information about your child and their dietary requirements to share with other canteen workers who are often volunteers. Spend time looking at the menu, products used and read labels to familiarize yourself with what is on offer and to work out what your child can and can’t order. Some schools will sell drinks, slushie’s and ice blocks which could be options should your child wish to purchase something from the canteen. 

Discuss PKU with the afterschool activity co-ordinator

It is helpful to tell them in advance that your child may need to take their protein substitute before or after the activity session You could use the resource-An Introduction to PKU to explain PKU to them.

Staying after school

It may be useful to pack extra permitted snacks and drinks for your child, depending on the length of time and physical demands of their activity session.

What if my child is exceptionally active?

If your child does lots of intense activity then it is important that they get enough energy (calories) from their low protein diet, to support their activity. Your dietitian will be able to discuss this with you in detail if needed.

If your child attends before or after school care discuss your child’s PKU and their diet with the appropriate people to ensure the foods they provide cater for your child’s special diet. They may require you to supply any special low protein products or protein substitute.

Request notice

Explain to the teachers that it is helpful to be told in advance of any class celebrations or cooking sessions, so you can provide permitted ingredients or low protein foods and drinks for your child.

Keep a supply of low protein foods

Keep a batch of low protein cupcakes or treats in the freezer so your child can take them in at short notice or provide the school with a batch for spur-of-the-moment class celebrations.

Sharing food

Remind your child and the teacher that your child cannot swap or share foods. You may suggest putting in place a class policy about not swapping food and drinks.