Allergy Management Policy

Policy details

Date created - February 2026

Next review date - February 2028

Contents

Policy details        1

1. Introduction and Aims        2

• Legislation and guidance        2

2. Roles and responsibilities        2

3. Food Management and Catering        3

4. Emergency Response Procedure (Anaphylaxis)        3

5. Educational Visits and Sport        3

6. Inclusion and Anti-Bullying        4

1. Introduction and Aims

At Co-op Academy Beckfield, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all pupils. While we cannot guarantee a "100% allergen-free" environment, we aim to minimise risk through proactive management, education, and emergency preparedness.

The aims of this policy are:

• To minimize the risk of any pupil suffering an allergic reaction while at school.
• To ensure staff are trained to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis.
• To provide clear guidance to parents, staff, and pupils on their responsibilities.

Legislation and Guidance

This policy is based on the following laws and should be undertaken alongside the academy First Aid Policy and individual plans for children with identified allergies.

Section 100, Children & Families Act (2014)        

Schools have a legal duty to support pupils with medical conditions so they can play a full part in school life.

Natasha’s Law (2021)        

Any food packed on-site (e.g., sandwiches made in the school kitchen for trips) must have a full ingredients list with allergens highlighted.

Equality Act (2010)        

Severe allergies can be classified as a disability. Schools must make "reasonable adjustments" to ensure these pupils aren't discriminated against or excluded.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 The Academy

• Training: All staff receive mandatory annual Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI) training.
• Emergency Kit: The Academy maintains "spare" emergency AAI kits (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) to be used if a pupil's own device fails or is unavailable, provided prior parental consent is held.
• Information: A "Medical Alert" list with pupil photos and allergy details is maintained and accessible to all staff, including supply teachers and catering teams.

2.2 Parents and Carers

• Notification: Parents must notify the school of any allergies upon admission or immediately after diagnosis.
• Medication: Parents must provide the school with two in-date AAIs (if prescribed) and any necessary antihistamines.
• Updates: Parents are responsible for replacing expired medication and updating the Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) if the child's needs change.

2.3 Pupils

• Self-Management: As they mature, pupils are encouraged to recognise their triggers and symptoms.
• Safety: Pupils must not share food, drinks, or snacks with peers.

3. Food Management and Catering

• Nut-Aware Zone: We are a nut-aware school. Parents are requested not to include nuts or nut-based products (e.g., peanut butter, Nutella) in packed lunches.
• Catering: Our catering provider manages the 14 major allergens in line with Food Information Regulations. Special menus are developed for pupils with confirmed medical allergies.
• Events: For birthday treats or classroom celebrations, we encourage non-food items (e.g., stickers) to ensure no child is excluded.

4. Emergency Response Procedure (Anaphylaxis)

In the event of a suspected severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis), staff will follow the "A.C.T." protocol:

1. A - Administer: Use the pupil’s AAI immediately in the outer thigh. Do not delay. Note the time of administration.
2. C - Call: Dial 999 and state "Anaphylaxis" (pronounced Anna-fill-axis).
3. T - Treat: * Lay the pupil flat with legs raised. If they have breathing difficulties, allow them to sit up.

• Do not stand them up or move them.
• If no improvement after 5 minutes, administer the second AAI.

5. Educational Visits and Sport

• Risk Assessment: A specific risk assessment is conducted for every trip involving a pupil with a severe allergy.
• Medication: Staff leading the trip must ensure they carry the pupil's emergency medication kit at all times.
• Catering Abroad/Off-site: Staff will verify allergen information with external venues prior to the visit.

6. Inclusion and Anti-Bullying

We recognize that allergies can be a source of anxiety or social isolation.

• We do not "segregate" pupils at lunchtime; instead, we use supervised "allergy-safe" seating where necessary.
• Any bullying related to a pupil’s allergy or dietary requirements will be treated as a serious safeguarding matter under our Behaviour Policy.

Policy Review: This policy is reviewed annually or following any significant medical incident within the Academy.