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Parents of children with dairy allergies are calling for schools to offer milk alternatives, as many young students feel excluded during milk time. Current schemes in England and Wales provide free milk for children under five and subsidised milk for those under 11, with Wales additionally supplying free milk for kids aged five to seven. However, these programmes only cover milk from cows, goats, and sheep, leaving out alternative options and placing the responsibility on individual schools to decide whether other milk types are provided.
Zoe Stokes-Jones, a mother from Llandaff, Cardiff, shared her experience with her eight-year-old son, Jacob, who suffers a severe dairy allergy that triggers anaphylactic reactions. When Jacob began primary school, Zoe was informed that his only choices were “cow’s milk or water,” which made him feel excluded from the social ritual of drinking milk like his peers. Data from Wales revealed that just half of the 22 councils reported how many schools offer milk alternatives; although some councils provide these options upon request—sometimes incurring extra costs—only Torfaen council confirmed that all its primary schools consistently offer alternatives.
A BBC Wales inquiry highlighted that schools generally have the authority to accommodate children’s dietary needs but require parents or guardians to request approval for alternative milk options. The Welsh government has acknowledged the issue and is currently reviewing the School Milk Scheme, while school governing bodies retain the discretion to include plant-based drinks such as soya, rice, or oat milk in their meal plans. Despite these measures, the process lacks uniformity and clarity across the region.
Zoe, who discovered Jacob’s milk allergy when he was six months old, believes that alternatives to cow’s milk should be provided free of charge to ensure inclusivity. Jacob’s allergy is life-threatening, requiring him to carry an EpiPen and take multiple antihistamines. Although oat milk was permitted when he attended nursery, his mainstream school cited storage limitations, leaving the family without suitable options there. “He feels a little bit pushed out and he feels the odd one out because he’s not able to have the same experience as his peers,” Zoe explained. She also highlighted the insufficient awareness about milk allergy risks and the financial burden they face in purchasing safe foods. Cardiff council noted that schools participating in the School Milk subsidy scheme offer milk during break times, and some provide alternatives alongside the subsidised options
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