Special diets on field class
Published: 6 April 2023
We ask all students in a registration form whether they have medical needs or dietary requirements, so we are operating in a safe and supportive working environment.
We ask all students in a registration form whether they have medical needs or dietary requirements, so we are operating in a safe and supportive working environment. Many students tell us about vegan, veggie and Halal food needs, and some have specific allergies. Most students know how to manage their own allergies, but sometimes we arrange re-fresher training with EpiPens if the allergy is severe and the student alerts us.
One student disclosed a severe gluten allergy that would exacerbate another medical condition. The allergy was so severe, we discussed relocating the student to a ‘gluten-free hotel’ in another part of Palma, but the student decided to stay in the main hotel, take her own food and choose carefully from the buffet menu.
We contacted the hotel and asked for detailed information about the gluten-free menu choices and scanned gluten-free hotels in Palma. We held meetings with the student to fully understand their condition and preferences. Just two days in the allergy flared up from traces of gluten from unknown sources on the menu. The student experienced issues because of this, but could manage the effects by working together. After much discussion on the island, the student decided to fly home early. We supported her choices and made sure she had an alternative project that would enable her research training.
It is never good when a student has to leave a field class for health reasons, but if many holistic and supportive conversations have been had, then sometimes this is the best way forward for some individuals. In this case, student and staff went in knowing the risks, knowing how to manage the risks and they all accepted the outcome. Thinking further about how to include and involve students with severe allergies would be beneficial to the school.
First published: 6 April 2023