Nursery World - Against the grain

Gluten intolerance can have serious consequences for a child, but with careful planning, they can enjoy all the nursery's activities, writes Jacqueline Smith Coeliac disease affects one in 300 of the UK population, yet the first time that many childcare professionals hear of the condition is when a coeliac child is placed in their care. Even then they can be unaware of the severity of the condition, and uncertain about how to care for the coeliac child.

Coeliac disease affects one in 300 of the UK population, yet the first time that many childcare professionals hear of the condition is when a coeliac child is placed in their care. Even then they can be unaware of the severity of the condition, and uncertain about how to care for the coeliac child.

Coeliac disease is caused by an inability to digest gluten, a protein found in cereal grains such as wheat, oats, barley and rye. It is a permanent, auto-immune condition that lasts for life and, if incorrectly handled, can cause serious health problems including bowel cancer, bone disease and infertility.

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