Medically prescribed diets
Allergy Information
You'll find detailed allergen information for every dish on our website, via our menu pages.
West Dunbartonshire comply with legislative requirements in conjunction to providing every child with a meal in accordance to their individual circumstances.
Medically Referred Diet Provision
The Council has a statutory duty to provide school meals and free school meals to eligible pupils. Where children require medically prescribed diets, we will take all reasonable steps to accommodate these within required nutritional standards, food safety requirements and practical constraints.
West Dunbartonshire Council, as far as is reasonably possible, can cater for a wide range of medical diets such as:
- Nut free
- Egg free
- Milk free
- Additive free
- Gluten free
- Managing diabetes
All requests for a medically prescribed diet are considered alongside information gathered from parents and carers, head teachers, GPs, dietitians, health visitors, speech and language therapists and the school's catering manager. This ensures we can provide a suitable alternative meal.
When a medically prescribed diet is agreed
- All foods are screened for suitability.
- Diet sheets and meal plans are prepared for the Facilities Coordinator and Senior Catering Operative's use.
- The dietary requirements of each child are regularly updated and reviewed by the medical authorities.
How to apply
If your child requires a medically prescribed diet, you should make your school's head teacher aware and the following process will begin:
- The head teacher provides a medically prescribed diets form to the parent or carer for completion by a clinician or dietitian.
- The head teacher shares the returned form with the catering team to consider menu adjustments alongside nutritional requirements.
- The parent or carer is advised of a suitable alternative menu.
- A meeting is arranged with the head teacher and catering team if required.
- The menu is implemented and shared with the catering team and school office.
Please note: Once a medically referred diet is processed, the facility to preselect meal options on Parent Pay will be removed. The meal provision will be managed directly by the catering team.
Adapted Menus
Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal menus are available upon request only.
- A vegetarian dish will be available in all schools every day as one of the choices
- All main course can be adapted to accommodate any special diets
Please note: To ensure your child receives the correct menu, you must register their specific dietary needs with the school.