Managing Allergies in School

Start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn from it. 

Proverbs 22 Verse 6

CERNE ABBAS CE VC FIRST SCHOOL  

Managing Allergies in School

This template policy is designed to be incorporated into/annexed to the schools wider  medical conditions policy as required by the Supporting Pupils in schools with medical  conditions statutory guidance

The named staff members (at least 2) responsible for co-ordinating staff anaphylaxis  training and the upkeep of the school’s anaphylaxis policy are:- 

         Andrea Schafer -  First Aider at Work

         Heather Stephens - EYFS lead - Paediatric First Aid 

         Angela Brown - SENCO - Paediatric First Aid 

Contents 

1. Introduction  

2. Roles and responsibilities 

3. Allergy action plans 

4. Emergency treatment and management of anaphylaxis 

5. Supply, storage and care of medication 

6. ‘Spare’ adrenaline auto-injectors in school 

7. Staff training 

8. Inclusion and safeguarding 

9. Catering 

10. School trips  

11. Allergy awareness and nut bans 

12. Risk assessment 

13. Useful links

1. Introduction 

An allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system to substances that are usually  harmless. The reaction can cause minor symptoms such as itching, sneezing or rashes but  sometimes causes a much more serious reaction called anaphylaxis.  

Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. It is at the extreme end of the  allergic spectrum. The whole body is affected often within minutes of exposure to the  allergen, but sometimes it can be hours later. Causes can include foods, insect stings, and drugs. 

Most healthcare professionals consider an allergic reaction to be anaphylaxis when it  involves difficulty breathing or affects the heart rhythm or blood pressure. Anaphylaxis symptoms are often referred to as the ABC symptoms (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). 

It is possible to be allergic to anything which contains a protein, however most people will  react to a fairly small group of potent allergens. 

Common UK Allergens include (but are not limited to):- 

Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Sesame, Milk, Egg, Fish, Latex, Insect venom, Pollen and Animal Dander. 

This policy sets out how Cerne Abbas CE VC First School will support pupils with allergies, to ensure  they are safe and are not disadvantaged in any way whilst taking part in school life. 

2. Role and responsibilities 

Parent Responsibilities 

• On entry to the school, it is the parent’s responsibility to inform the school of any  allergies. This information should include all previous serious allergic reactions,  history of anaphylaxis and details of all prescribed medication. 

• Parents are to supply a copy of their child’s Allergy Action Plan (BSACI plans preferred) to school. If they do not currently have an Allergy Action Plan this should  be developed as soon as possible in collaboration with a healthcare professional  e.g. School nurse/GP/allergy specialist. 

• Parents are responsible for ensuring any required medication is supplied, in date  and replaced as necessary. 

• Parents are requested to keep the school up to date with any changes in allergy  management. The Allergy Action Plan will be kept updated accordingly. 

Staff Responsibilities 

• All staff will complete anaphylaxis training. Training is provided for all staff on a  yearly basis and on an ad-hoc basis for any new members of staff.  

• Staff must be aware of the pupils in their care (regular or cover classes) who have  known allergies as an allergic reaction could occur at any time and not just at  mealtimes. Any food-related activities must be supervised with due caution. 

• Staff leading school trips will ensure they carry all relevant emergency supplies. Trip  leaders will check that all pupils with medical conditions, including allergies, carry  their medication. Pupils unable to produce their required medication will not be  able to attend the excursion. 

• First Aider will ensure  that the up-to-date Allergy Action Plan is kept with the pupil’s medication. 

• It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure all medication is in date however the First Aider will check  medication kept at school on a termly basis and send a reminder to parents if medication is approaching expiry. 

• First Aider keeps a  register of pupils who have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) and a  record of use of any AAI(s) and emergency treatment given. 

Pupil Responsibilities 

• Pupils are encouraged to have a good awareness of their symptoms and to let an  adult know as soon as they suspect they are having an allergic reaction.

 • Pupils who are trained and confident to administer their own AAIs will be  encouraged to take responsibility for carrying them on their person at all times. 

3. Allergy Action Plans 

Allergy action plans are designed to function as individual healthcare plans for children with  food allergies, providing medical and parental consent for schools to administer medicines  in the event of an allergic reaction, including consent to administer a spare adrenaline auto injector. 

Cerne Abbas CE VC First School recommends using the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology  (BSACI) Allergy Action Plans to ensure continuity. This is a national plan that has been  agreed by the BSACI, Anaphylaxis UK and Allergy UK. 

It is the parent/carer’s responsibility to complete the allergy action plan with help from a  healthcare professional (e.g. GP/School Nurse/Allergy Specialist) and provide this to the  school. 

4. Emergency Treatment and Management of Anaphylaxis 

What to look for: 

Symptoms usually come on quickly, within minutes of exposure to the allergen.  

Mild to moderate allergic reaction symptoms may include:  

• a red raised rash (known as hives or urticaria) anywhere on the body  

• a tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth 

• swelling of lips, face or eyes 

• stomach pain or vomiting. 

More serious symptoms are often referred to as the ABC symptoms and can include:

• AIRWAY - swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways (tightening of the  throat, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing). 

• BREATHING - sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing. 

• CIRCULATION - dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, tiredness,  confusion, pale clammy skin, loss of consciousness. 

The term for this more serious reaction is anaphylaxis. In extreme cases there could be a  dramatic fall in blood pressure. The person may become weak and floppy and may have a  sense of something terrible happening. This may lead to collapse and unconsciousness and,  on rare occasions, can be fatal. 

If the pupil has been exposed to something they are known to be allergic to, then it is more  likely to be an anaphylactic reaction. 

Anaphylaxis can develop very rapidly, so a treatment is needed that works rapidly. Adrenaline is the mainstay of treatment, and it starts to work within seconds.  

What does adrenaline do? 

• It opens up the airways 

• It stops swelling 

• It raises the blood pressure 

As soon as anaphylaxis is suspected, adrenaline must be administered without delay. Action: 

• Keep the child where they are, call for help and do not leave them unattended.  

• LIE CHILD FLAT WITH LEGS RAISED – they can be propped up if struggling to breathe  but this should be for as short a time as possible. 

• USE ADRENALINE AUTO-INJECTOR WITHOUT DELAY and note the time given. AAIs  should be given into the muscle in the outer thigh. Specific instructions vary by  brand – always follow the instructions on the device. 

• CALL 999 and state ANAPHYLAXIS (ana-fil-axis). 

• If no improvement after 5 minutes, administer second AAI. 

• If no signs of life commence CPR. 

• Call parent/carer as soon as possible. 

Whilst you are waiting for the ambulance, keep the child where they are. Do not stand them  up, or sit them in a chair, even if they are feeling better. This could lower their blood pressure  drastically, causing their heart to stop. 

All pupils must go to hospital for observation after anaphylaxis even if they appear to have  recovered as a reaction can reoccur after treatment.

5. Supply, storage and care of medication 

Depending on their level of understanding and competence, pupils will be encouraged to  take responsibility for and to carry their own two AAIs on them at all times (in a suitable  bag/container). 

For younger children or those not ready to take responsibility for their own medication, there should be an anaphylaxis kit which is kept safely, not locked away and accessible to all  staff. 

Medication should be stored in a suitable container and clearly labelled with the pupil’s name. The pupil’s medication storage container should contain:  

• Two AAIs i.e. EpiPen® or Jext® or Emerade® 

• An up-to-date allergy action plan 

• Antihistamine as tablets or syrup (if included on allergy action plan) 

• Spoon if required 

• Asthma inhaler (if included on allergy action plan).

It is the responsibility of the child’s parents to ensure that the anaphylaxis kit is up-to-date  and clearly labelled, however the First Aider will check medication kept at school on a termly basis and send a reminder to  parents if medication is approaching expiry. 

Parents can subscribe to expiry alerts for the relevant AAIs their child is prescribed, to make  sure they can get replacement devices in good time. 

Storage  

AAIs should be stored at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight and  temperature extremes. 

Disposal 

AAIs are single use only and must be disposed of as sharps. Used AAIs can be given to  ambulance paramedics on arrival or can be disposed of in a pre-ordered sharps bin. 

6. ‘Spare’ adrenaline auto-injectors in school - Will purchase in April 2025

Cerne Abbas CE VC First School has purchased spare AAIs for emergency use in children who are at risk  of anaphylaxis, but their own devices are not available or not working (e.g. because they  are out of date). 

These are stored in the medical cabinet in the office, clearly labelled ‘Emergency  Anaphylaxis Adrenaline Pen’, kept safely, not locked away and accessible and known to all  staff.  

The First Aider  is responsible for  checking the spare medication is in date on a monthly basis and to replace as needed. 

Written parental permission for use of the spare AAIs is included in the pupil’s allergy action  plan. 

If anaphylaxis is suspected in an undiagnosed individual, call the emergency services and state you suspect ANAPHYLAXIS. Follow advice from them as to whether administration of  the spare AAI is appropriate. 

7. Staff Training 

The named staff members (at least 2) responsible for co-ordinating staff anaphylaxis  training and the upkeep of the school’s anaphylaxis policy are:- 

         Andrea Schafer -  First Aider at Work

         Heather Stephens - EYFS lead - Paediatric First Aid 

         Angela Brown - SENCO - Paediatric First Aid 

All staff will complete online AllergyWise anaphylaxis training at the start of every new academic year. Training is also available on an ad-hoc basis for any new members of staff. 

Training includes:  

• Knowing the common allergens and triggers of allergy  

• Spotting the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. Early  recognition of symptoms is key, including knowing when to call for emergency  services  

• Administering emergency treatment (including AAIs) in the event of anaphylaxis – knowing how and when to administer the medication/device 

• Measures to reduce the risk of a child having an allergic reaction e.g. allergen  avoidance, knowing who is responsible for what  

• Managing allergy action plans and ensuring these are up to date 

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8. Inclusion and safeguarding 

Cerne Abbas CE VC First School is committed to ensuring that all children with medical conditions,  including allergies, in terms of both physical and mental health, are properly supported in  school so that they can play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve  their academic potential. 

9. Catering 

All food businesses (including school caterers) must follow the Food Information  Regulations 2014 which states that allergen information relating to the ‘Top 14’ allergens  must be available for all food products.  

The school menu is available for parents to view in half termly in advance  with all ingredients listed and allergens highlighted on the Local Food Links website

The parents will inform Local Food Links of pupils with food allergies. 

(Every school should have a system in place to ensure catering staff can identify pupils with  allergies e.g. a list with photographs– The school has a Medical Aware document with photos and medical conditions) 

The school adheres to the following Department of Health guidance recommendations:  

• Bottles, other drinks and lunch boxes provided by parents for pupils with food  allergies should be clearly labelled with the name of the child for whom they are  intended.  

• Food should not be given to primary school age food-allergic children without  parental engagement and permission (e.g. birthday parties, food treats). 

 • Use of food in crafts, cooking classes, science experiments and special events (e.g.  fetes, assemblies, cultural events) needs to be considered and may need to be  restricted/risk assessed depending on the allergies of particular children and their  age. 

10. School trips  

Staff leading school trips will ensure they carry all relevant emergency supplies. Trip leaders  will check that all pupils with medical conditions, including allergies, carry their medication.  Pupils unable to produce their required medication will not be able to attend the excursion. 

All the activities on the school trip will be risk assessed to see if they pose a threat to allergic  pupils and alternative activities planned to ensure inclusion. 

Overnight school trips should be possible with careful planning and a meeting for parents  with the lead member of staff planning the trip should be arranged. Staff at the venue for an  overnight school trip should be briefed early on that an allergic child is attending and will  need appropriate food (if provided by the venue). 

Sporting Excursions 

Allergic children should have every opportunity to attend sports trips to other schools. The  school will ensure that the P.E. teacher/s are fully aware of the situation. The school being  visited will be notified that a member of the team has an allergy when arranging the fixture.  A member of staff trained in administering adrenaline will accompany the team. If another  school feels that they are not equipped to cater for any food-allergic child, the school will  arrange for the child to take alternative/their own food. 

Most parents are keen that their children should be included in the full life of the school  where possible, and the school will need their co-operation with any special arrangements  required. 

11. Allergy awareness and nut bans 

Cerne Abbas CE VC First School supports the approach advocated by Anaphylaxis UK towards nut  bans/nut free schools. They would not necessarily support a blanket ban on any particular  allergen in any establishment, including in schools. This is because nuts are only one of  many allergens that could affect pupils, and no school could guarantee a truly allergen free  environment for a child living with food allergy. They advocate instead for schools to adopt  a culture of allergy awareness and education. 

A 'whole school awareness of allergies' is a much better approach, as it ensures teachers,  pupils and all other staff are aware of what allergies are, the importance of avoiding the pupils’ allergens, the signs & symptoms, how to deal with allergic reactions and to ensure  policies and procedures are in place to minimise risk.  

12. Risk Assessment 

Cerne Abbas CE VC First School will conduct a detailed individual risk assessment for all new joining  pupils with allergies and any pupils newly diagnosed, to help identify any gaps in our  systems and processes for keeping allergic children safe. 

Wiltshire Children Trust - Anaphylaxis Risk Assessment Example Template  

13. Useful Links 

Anaphylaxis UK - https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/ 

• Safer Schools Programme - https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/education/safer schools-programme/ 

• AllergyWise for Schools online training - 

https://www.allergywise.org.uk/p/allergywise-for-schools1 

Allergy UK - https://www.allergyuk.org 

• Resources for managing allergies at school - https://www.allergyuk.org/living-with an-allergy/at-school/ 

BSACI Allergy Action Plans - https://www.bsaci.org/professional 

resources/resources/paediatric-allergy-action-plans/ 

Spare Pens in Schools - http://www.sparepensinschools.uk 

Department for Education Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/803956/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf 

Department of Health Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/645476/Adrenaline_auto_injectors_in_schools.pdf 

Food allergy quality standards (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, March  2016) https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs118 

Anaphylaxis: assessment and referral after emergency treatment (The National Institute for  Health and Care Excellence, 2020)  

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg134?unlid=22904150420167115834

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