Allergies in Schools - Top Tips for Teachers

Children can be, and often are, allergic to other food types in addition to the above list. Make sure you speak with the parent to ensure that you fully understand what triggers an allergic reaction.

Schools should prepare for responding to food allergies and anaphylaxis by developing an allergy and anaphylaxis management policy with information on what staff can do to provide a safer environment for children with food allergies.

• Provide allergy and anaphylaxis first aid training for staff that includes the use of adrenaline auto-injectors. This training should be updated on a regular basis. This training can be supplied by the Allergy Badge (link to site), who offer an accredited training program.
• It’s vitally important to communicate with parents, and ensure that they provide an emergency medical kit for their child that contains any medication required and an allergy action plan which clearly states the steps that should be taken in the event of a reaction.
• Keep an up to date record of children with allergies in the school, and ensure that staff are aware of these children.
• Schools should ensure that auto injectors are available, and are easily accessible. All staff should know where these emergency medical kits are kept, and have access to them.
• Every school should have an emergency response plan that outlines the action to take, and what to do and who to contact in the event that a child has an allergic reaction.