Allergy Safety

NAWTON AND ROSEDALE ABBEY FEDERATION

Allergy Safety

Rosedale Abbey Community Primary School

Allergy Lead Miss Nichola Oxtoby	Deputy Allergy Lead Mrs Claire Owuor	Deputy Allergy Lead Miss Stephanie House

Keeping Every Child Safe

At Rosedale Abbey Community Primary School, the health, safety and wellbeing of all our pupils is our highest priority. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where children with allergies can fully participate in school life while remaining safe and supported.

We work closely with parents, carers, healthcare professionals and our staff to ensure that pupils with allergies are identified, supported and included in all aspects of school life.

What Parents Need to Tell Us:

Please inform the school immediately if your child has:

• A food allergy
• A medication allergy
• An insect or venom allergy
• An animal allergy
• A diagnosed intolerance or sensitivity
• Any condition that may require emergency medication

When sharing allergy information, please provide:

• Details of the allergy
• Medical confirmation where available
• Any prescribed medication
• An up-to-date Allergy Action Plan or Healthcare Plan
• Emergency contact details

It is essential that parents notify the school of any changes to their child's medical needs throughout the year.

Individual Healthcare Plans:

Children with significant allergies will have an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) developed in partnership with parents and, where appropriate, healthcare professionals.

These plans will outline:

• Known allergens
• Symptoms of a reaction
• Emergency procedures
• Medication requirements
• Staff responsibilities

Plans are reviewed annually or sooner if circumstances change.

Medication in School:

If your child has been prescribed allergy medication, including an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI), parents are responsible for:

• Providing medication that is in date
• Ensuring medication is clearly labelled
• Replacing medication before it expires
• Providing updated medical information when required

The school also maintains emergency procedures and access to spare emergency medication in accordance with current guidance.

How We Reduce Risk:

We recognise that it is not possible to eliminate all allergens from a school environment. However, we take reasonable steps to reduce risks by:

• Training staff in allergy awareness and emergency response
• Sharing relevant information with staff who work with your child
• Promoting good handwashing and hygiene practices
• Carrying out risk assessments for trips and activities
• Considering allergy risks during food-related activities
• Considering allergy risks when implementing our curriculum
• Encouraging an inclusive and supportive environment

The School Curriculum:

The safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child is a priority. We are committed to creating an allergy-aware environment where all pupils feel safe, valued and able to participate fully in school life. This supports the expectations of Benedict's Law and the Department for Education's statutory guidance on Allergy Safety in Schools.

As part of our PSHE Curriculum we teach children age-appropriate knowledge and understanding about allergies, helping our children to develop empathy, responsibility and respect for others. Pupils learn that allergies are serious medical conditions and that some allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Through lessons, assemblies and everyday school routines, children are taught to:

• Understand what allergies are and how they can affect people differently.
• Recognise that some allergic reactions can be serious and require immediate adult support.
• Show kindness, respect and understanding towards pupils and adults with allergies.
• Follow school expectations regarding food, handwashing and allergy-safe practices.
• Never share food, drinks or medication with others.
• Seek help from a member of staff immediately if they think someone may be having an allergic reaction.
• Understand the importance of inclusion so that children with allergies can safely participate in all aspects of school life.
• Recognise that teasing, bullying or excluding someone because of a medical condition is unacceptable.

We believe that educating children about allergies helps to keep everyone safe and supports our commitment to providing an inclusive environment where all members of our school community can thrive

School Meals, Snacks and Special Events:

We work closely with catering providers and families to support children with allergies.

Parents should:

• Inform the school of any dietary requirements
• Check menu information where appropriate
• Discuss concerns with the school before special events

While we take precautions, we cannot guarantee that any area of the school is completely free from allergens.

Educational Visits and Off-Site Activities:

Children with allergies should be able to participate fully in educational visits and enrichment activities.

For all visits, appropriate risk assessments are completed, and staff ensure that:

• Relevant medication is available
• Emergency procedures are understood
• Dietary requirements are taken into account

Staff Training:

Alongside all staff being First Aid trained they receive annual allergy awareness training, including:

• Recognising allergic reactions
• Recognising anaphylaxis
• Emergency response procedures
• Administration of emergency medication where required

This helps ensure staff are confident in responding quickly and effectively should an emergency occur.

What to Do if Your Child Has an Allergy:

Parents can help us keep children safe by:

✓ Informing us of any allergies as soon as possible

✓ Providing up-to-date medical information

✓ Supplying prescribed medication and replacing it before expiry

✓ Keeping emergency contact information current

✓ Informing us immediately if your child's condition changes

✓ Working in partnership with the school to review care plans

Allergy Concerns or Questions?

If you have any concerns regarding your child's allergy management, please contact:

School Allergy Lead: Miss Nichola Oxtoby

Email: headteacher@nawton.n-yorks.sch.uk

Telephone: 01439 771425

We are committed to working together with families to ensure every child feels safe, included and able to thrive in our Federation.

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