Birthday cake could soon be off the menu at nurseries and primary schools across England under new Labour-backed health guidance aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among children.
The Department for Education’s updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nutrition guidance, which came into effect this term, advises schools to discourage parents from bringing cakes or sweets to celebrate birthdays. Instead, parents are encouraged to provide fruit platters, small toys, or non-edible items such as bubbles, stickers, or books.
The guidance states that “Many families like to celebrate their child’s birthday by bringing in a cake or sweets to share. This can mean that some children are eating these unhealthy foods several times a week.”
Schools have been told to communicate the policy clearly to parents to ensure support for healthy eating habits from an early age.
The move has triggered a wave of criticism from parents and opposition politicians who argue it goes too far.
Shadow Health Secretary, Stuart Andrew accused the government of focusing on “performative, petty policies,” calling the measure “a distraction from the real challenges facing the NHS.”
Several schools have already implemented the guidance. Roxbourne Primary in Harrow banned cake to promote healthy eating and avoid allergy risks, while Springfield Primary in Rowley Regis cited religious, medical and dietary requirements.
Other schools now ask parents to donate books or stationery instead of cake.Critics say the policy symbolizes Britain’s growing “nanny state.”
