Food Hygiene for Schools & Childcare
Young children are at higher risk from food poisoning, and they may not be able to explain their symptoms or what they cannot eat.
Recommended courses
A starting point for this kind of work. Your employer decides what your role needs.
Who this is for
- School kitchen staff
- Nursery and childminder teams
- Breakfast and after-school club staff
Relevant topics
- Serving vulnerable groups
- Allergen plans for children
- Safe snack preparation
Typical food safety risks
Vulnerable consumersYoung children are at higher risk from E. coli and other pathogens.
Allergen managementEach child's dietary needs must be identified reliably at every meal.
Food brought from homeLunchboxes and party food may be stored without chilling.
Allergy safety in schoolsIn England, maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units have had to keep an allergy safety policy since 1 September 2026. Responsibility should not be left with a catering manager.
FAQs
Do childminders need food hygiene training?
Anyone who handles food must be supervised and instructed and/or trained for their work. In England, childminders must be confident that they and any assistants are competent to prepare and handle food. Rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with your own regulator.
What about nurseries?
In England, the early years framework for group and school-based providers says all staff who prepare and handle food must receive training in food hygiene. It does not name a specific certificate.
What is Benedict's Law?
It is the common name for new allergy safety duties on schools in England, in force since 1 September 2026. Schools must have and publish an allergy safety policy, and statutory guidance expects allergy awareness training for staff, including catering staff.
Our certificates are private training certificates of completion, not regulated qualifications. UK law does not require one specific food hygiene certificate. It requires food handlers to be supervised and instructed or trained appropriately. Employers decide what training each role needs, and a certificate does not replace practical instruction or supervision.