Allergy Awareness in Schools

Around 7% of children in the UK live with a food allergy, and most school classrooms will have at least one allergic pupil. These young people are at risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction which requires an immediate emergency response. 20% of severe allergic reactions to food happen whilst a child is at school, and these reactions can occur in children with no prior history of food allergy.

To help keep children safe, it is vitally important that staff recognise the signs of an allergic reaction and are able to manage it safely and effectively. Together with the Allergy Badge, we’re on a mission to create safer school communities for those living with food allergies. The Allergy Badge is an accredited training centre that was set up by Natalie after her daughter Ella experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction at a young age.

With the support of the Allergy Badge, we pledge to train over 120 teachers in how to use an auto injector. It’s so important to be confident in knowing when and how to use AAIs – the importance of the correct use of these ‘injector pens’ can never be underestimated. We will be visiting schools throughout the U.K. to deliver accredited allergy awareness training courses, and helping to educate teachers on how to effectively respond to food allergies.

If your child has a severe allergy, it is essential to provide the school with two Adrenaline-Auto Injectors (AAIs) as well as any other allergy medication your child may need. Medication should be kept with your child at school and not locked away where it is not easily accessible. In an anaphylactic reaction, seconds count.