Not content with policing conversations around the dinner table or warning Scots not to follow Elon Musk on X, the SNP’s so-called ‘nanny state’ has now turned its attention to childminders, dictating how they should feed children under their care. Those who fail to comply face the prospect of damning inspection reports.
In a bid to promote healthier eating, ministers have unveiled new food guidelines for early learning providers and childminders. Among the controversial measures is a ban on birthday cakes in nurseries, reports the Mail.
The rules, set to take effect this summer, will be enforced by Scotland’s care watchdog. Under the guidelines, childcare workers are prohibited from celebrating special occasions with treat foods.
The official document states:
“Many families like to celebrate their child’s birthday and other special events, often by bringing in a cake or sweets to the childcare setting to share. Unfortunately, this can mean that some children are eating these unhealthy foods several times a week… An alternative way of celebrating the occasion should be adopted and be part of your food and nutrition policy.”
Suggested alternatives include “choosing a special activity or going on a special trip,” with officials noting that these options “do not have to involve expense.”
The measures extend beyond banning birthday cakes. Foods not traditionally associated with poor nutrition, such as fresh orange juice, potato wedges, certain granolas, and some yoghurts, are also prohibited.
Childcare providers will be required to demonstrate compliance with the guidance during routine inspections, with the Care Inspectorate warning that failure to meet these expectations could result in poor performance ratings.
The policy has sparked backlash from nursery workers and childminders, many of whom believe the rules are impractical and undermine their ability to use professional judgment. Critics have argued that forcing childcare providers to adopt specific, state-approved ways of celebrating occasions amounts to a subtle form of compelled expression.
One childminder from the Central Belt who has worked in her role for two decades said: “There are so many childminders who are up in arms about this new guidance. It is just so unrealistic. The feedback I’ve had from parents is that they are totally in agreement.”
Critics have labeled the plans as yet another example of state overreach. Fraser Hudghton, director of the Free Speech Union Scotland, commented:
“Not satisfied with policing what we say to each other over the dinner table or lecturing us not to follow Elon Musk on X, the SNP also wants to hector childminders on how to feed the wee ones in their care – with the threat of dire inspection reports if they fail to implement their bonkers plans.”
Roz McCall, the Scottish Conservative children and young people spokesman, added:
“Everybody wants to promote healthier eating, especially when children are young, but it won’t happen by imposing such draconian rules or blanket prohibitions. These guidelines risk becoming an onerous requirement for childminders and nurseries, and most people will see things like a ban on birthday cake as the worst kind of nanny state overreach.”
The policy raises questions about whether the government is overstepping its bounds, forcing childcare providers to conform to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Full details of the guidance are expected to be closely scrutinized by parents and providers alike in the coming weeks.
There’s more on this story here.
