How we support pupils with allergies

At Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre, the health, safety and wellbeing of every pupil are our highest priorities. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where pupils with allergies can participate fully and safely in every aspect of school life.

We recognise that allergies can have a significant impact on pupils and their families. Our whole-school approach, underpinned by the principles of Benedict’s Law, ensures that allergy awareness, prevention and emergency preparedness are embedded throughout our school community.

We work closely with parents, carers and healthcare professionals to ensure that every pupil with an allergy receives the support they need. Where appropriate, pupils have an up-to-date Allergy Action Plan completed by a healthcare professional, an Individual Healthcare Plan developed in partnership with parents, carers and relevant healthcare professionals where additional support is required, and appropriate risk assessments for activities such as educational visits, food technology, practical science and any other activities where allergens may be present.

Our Welfare Officer maintains allergy records and ensures that relevant staff have access to the information they need to keep pupils safe.

We take a whole-school approach to allergy awareness. In accordance with the principles of Benedict’s Law, all members of staff receive allergy awareness and anaphylaxis training. This training equips staff to recognise the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, understand and implement pupils’ Individual Healthcare Plans and Allergy Action Plans, reduce the risk of allergen exposure, respond promptly and appropriately in an emergency, administer an adrenaline auto-injector where required, and support the wellbeing and inclusion of pupils with allergies. Training is refreshed regularly to ensure that staff remain confident in their responsibilities and up to date with current guidance.

We recognise the importance of ensuring that pupils at risk of anaphylaxis have immediate access to life-saving medication.

The school maintains a register of pupils with severe allergies and has clear procedures to ensure that prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors are readily accessible whenever they may be needed.

If your child has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, you must complete our Consent Form for Prescribed and Emergency Adrenaline Auto-Injectors before medication can be administered in school.

This form can be completed online or by using a tablet available in the School Office.

The school maintains emergency adrenaline auto-injectors for use in accordance with Department of Health and Social Care guidance.

If your child displays symptoms of anaphylaxis and their prescribed adrenaline auto-injector is unavailable or cannot be used, trained staff may administer an emergency adrenaline auto-injector held by the school, provided parental consent has been given.

Following any suspected anaphylactic reaction, staff will immediately implement the school’s emergency procedures, contact the emergency services and inform parents or carers as soon as possible.

Our catering service is provided by Aspens Services Limited, whose staff work closely with the school to support pupils with allergies and other special dietary requirements.

If your child has a food allergy, intolerance or other medically required dietary need, you will be asked to complete our Special Diets and Allergy Form.

Information provided will be shared securely with our Catering Manager to ensure appropriate meal provision. Where necessary, a confidential Food Allergy Notice containing your child’s photograph and dietary information will be displayed within the School Kitchen for authorised catering staff only.

A supporting letter from your child’s healthcare professional should accompany your application.

Parents and carers play an essential role in helping us keep children safe. We ask that you provide accurate and up-to-date medical information, notify us immediately of any changes to your child’s allergy or treatment, provide prescribed medication before its expiry date, supply updated Allergy Action Plans whenever they are reviewed by your child’s clinician, and work with us to review Individual Healthcare Plans where appropriate. By working together, we can ensure that every pupil with an allergy is safe, supported and fully included in all aspects of school life.