1. Aims

This policy aims to:

• Set out our school’s approach to allergy safety, including reducing the risk of exposure and the procedures in place in case of allergic reaction
• Make clear how our school supports pupils with allergies to ensure their wellbeing and inclusion
• Promote and maintain allergy awareness among the school community
• Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety, safeguarding, and medical needs legislation and guidance.

2. Legislation and guidance

This policy is based on the Department for Education (DfE)’s statutory guidance on allergy safety in schools and supporting pupils with medical conditions at school, the Department of Health and Social Care’s guidance on using emergency adrenaline auto-injectors in schools, and the following legislation:

• Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
• The Food Information Regulations 2014
• The Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019

3. Roles and responsibilities

3.1 The governing board

The governing board is responsible for:

• Ensuring the school has an allergy safety policy which sets out:

• Arrangements to reduce the risk of individuals coming into contact with their known allergens
• Emergency response plans for cases of anaphylaxis

• Reviewing and approving the allergy safety policy at least annually
• Taking steps to ensure the allergy safety policy is:

• Generally known within the school and to parents of pupils at the school
• At least once a year, brought to the attention of all pupils, parents/carers, staff and volunteers
• Published on the school’s website

• Ensuring risks relating to pupils with allergies are included in the risk register and actively managed

The governing board delegates the day-to-day implementation of this policy to the allergy safety lead.

3.2 Allergy safety lead

The nominated allergy safety lead is Vicci Brunsdon (member of SLT).  They are responsible for:

• Implementing this allergy safety policy
• Contributing to the review of the allergy safety policy
• Promoting and maintaining allergy awareness across our school community
• Developing and reviewing arrangements for the safe storage and disposal of adrenaline devices (AD)

Ensuring:

• All allergy information is up to date and readily available to relevant members of staff
• All pupils who require support with allergies have an up-do-date individual healthcare plan (IHP)
• All pupils with a known food or insect sting allergy have up-to-date allergy action plans issued by a medical professional
• All staff receive regular allergy awareness training
• All staff are aware of the school’s policy and procedures regarding allergies
• Relevant staff are aware of what activities need an allergy risk assessment
• Serious incidents and ‘near misses’ relating to allergy safety are recorded and reported as appropriate, and to consider and share with staff:

3.3 Headteacher

The headteacher is responsible for:

• Deciding (in discussion with the parents/carers and any relevant healthcare professionals) whether a pupil’s allergy can be managed through the adjustments made under the school’s medical conditions policy or whether an IHP is required to specify arrangements that reflect the pupil’s circumstances

3.4 Vicci Brunsdon, Deborah Scott and Sam Norman are responsible for:

• Checking spare AAIs are present and in date on a monthly basis
• Making sure that replacement AAIs are obtained when expiry dates approach

3.5 Teaching and support staff

All teaching and support staff are responsible for:

• Promoting and maintaining allergy awareness among pupils
• Maintaining awareness of our allergy safety policy and procedures
• Being able to recognise the signs of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
• Being aware of specific pupils with allergies in their care
• Reducing the risk to pupils with known allergies coming into contact with known allergens
• Ensuring the wellbeing and inclusion of pupils with allergies
• Reporting any allergic reaction or case of anaphylaxis to the allergy safety lead

3.6 Parents/carers

Parents/carers are responsible for:

• Being aware of our school’s allergy safety policy
• Providing the school with up-to-date details of their child’s medical needs, dietary requirements, and any history of allergies, reactions and anaphylaxis
• If required, providing their child with 2 in-date adrenaline auto-injectors and any other medication, including inhalers, antihistamine etc., and making sure these are replaced in a timely manner
• Following the school’s guidance on food brought in to be shared
• Updating the school on any changes to their child’s condition

3.7 Pupils with allergies

If age-appropriate, these pupils are responsible for:

• Being aware of their allergens and the risks they pose

3.8 Pupils without allergies

These pupils are responsible for:

• Being aware of allergens and the risk they pose to their peers

4. Identifying individuals at risk

Allergy is a spectrum of different allergic diseases. Reactions occur when a susceptible person is exposed to something (an “allergen”) they are allergic to. Common allergic conditions include:

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), triggered by allergens carried in the air, such as pollen, house dust mite, animal fur/feathers, or mould
• Skin allergies (e.g. eczema, contact dermatitis, contact urticaria/hives) caused by contact with allergens including house dust mite, pollen and substances like nickel, latex and some chemicals
• Food allergy, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild itching in the mouth to "whole body" reactions including anaphylaxis
• Asthma which may be triggered by airborne allergens
• Allergy to insect stings and medicines

4.1 Identifying pupils at risk

The school recognises the importance of identifying pupils with allergies as early as possible to ensure appropriate support and risk management arrangements are in place.

We will:

• Obtain information about pupils' allergies and medical conditions through admission forms, enrolment documentation, and ongoing communication with parents/carers.

• Request written medical information from parents/carers and, where appropriate, healthcare professionals regarding the nature and severity of a pupil's allergy.
• Encourage parents/carers to notify the school immediately of any new allergy diagnosis, changes to existing allergies, or updates to prescribed medication.  We ask that parents/carers proactively inform us by either phone call to the school, 01452 524578, or an email to admin@tredworth-jun.gloucs.sch.uk  if their child’s medical needs change during the school year.
• Ensure suitable arrangements are in place before a pupil with allergies joins the school or returns following a new diagnosis.

Through these arrangements, the school aims to identify pupils with allergies promptly and implement appropriate measures to safeguard their health, safety, and wellbeing while enabling them to participate fully in school life.

4.2 Identifying staff and visitors at risk

In order to identify staff and visitors with known allergies, we will:

• Ask new staff to provide details of their allergies in advance of their start date
• When visitors sign in, they will be asked, through reading the inventory, to inform the office of any allergies that we need to be aware of.

4.3 Individual healthcare plans (IHP)

Pupils should have an IHP if they:

• Have an allergy which has a functional impact on them in the school environment
• They are at risk of harm as a result of their allergy; and
• Require arrangements which are additional to or different from those made generally

It is not necessary for a pupil to have a formal diagnosis of allergy for them to have an IHP. Healthcare professionals may decide that it is more appropriate to accept that the child shows symptoms, rather than proceeding to a formal diagnosis.

The IHP will set out the additional and/or different arrangements that will be in place for supporting the pupil. The school will make every effort to make sure that arrangements are put in place within 2 weeks, or by the beginning of the relevant term for pupils who are new to our school.

Not all children with an allergy will require an IHP. Some allergies will have little or no impact on the pupil while they are at school, or pose no risk to the pupil. Some allergies will not require arrangements which are additional to or different from those made generally.

The headteacher is responsible for deciding (in discussion with the parents/carers and any relevant healthcare professionals) whether a pupil’s allergy can be managed through the adjustments made under the school’s medical conditions policy or whether an IHP is required to specify arrangements that reflect the pupil’s circumstances.

The school will consider the following principles:

• If the arrangements or support which a pupil requires would be available to any pupil as part of normal policies, an IHP may not be required
• If the pupil only needs non-prescription medication and the school’s medical conditions policy would permit them to carry and administer it, an IHP may not be required

IHPs will be reviewed at least annually and more frequently if the pupil’s needs have changed. Where a pupil moves on to a new school or college, their IHP will be shared as part of the transition.

4.4 Allergy and asthma action plans

All pupils who have a known allergy to a food or insect stings should be issued with an appropriate allergy action plan by their healthcare professional.

All pupils who have asthma should be issued with an asthma action plan by their healthcare professional.

The plans include medical and parental consent for staff to administer emergency medicines, including adrenaline for anaphylaxis or reliever inhaler in the event of an asthma attack.

The allergy action plan and/or asthma action plan should be attached to the pupil’s IHP. Whenever the allergy action plan is updated, the pupil’s IHP should be reviewed to incorporate it.

4.5 Record of individuals with known allergies

The school maintains a record of all individuals who have a known allergy. The record includes:

The record is kept electronically on the Teachers Drive and the Admin Drive.  A hard copy is kept in the purple file in the office (on the Register shelf).

The school keeps a copy of this record in places where food may be served or handled (including food technology, science, craft and art classrooms).

5. Assessing risk

The school will conduct a risk assessment for any pupil at risk of anaphylaxis taking part in:

• Lessons such as food technology
• Science experiments involving foods
• Crafts using food packaging
• Off-site events and school trips
• Any other activities involving animals or food, such as animal handling experiences or baking

A risk assessment for any pupil at risk of an allergic reaction will also be carried out where a visitor requires a guide dog.

6. Minimising risk

6.1 Hygiene procedures

• Pupils are reminded to wash their hands before and after eating
• Sharing of food, food containers, and food utensils is not allowed
• Pupils have their own named water bottles, and lunch boxes provided to pupils with food allergies will be clearly labelled with the name of the child for whom they are intended
• Where food is not directly provided by the school, parental engagement and permission will be sought in advance

6.2 Catering

The school is committed to providing safe food options to meet the dietary needs of pupils with allergies.

• Catering staff receive appropriate training and are able to identify pupils with allergies
• The school will engage with caterers to understand the controls in place to ensure that food service complies with relevant requirements
• School menus are available for parents/carers and pupils to view with ingredients clearly labelled, and catering staff are available to discuss the provision of allergy safe meals with parents/carers
• Where changes are made to school menus, we will make sure these comply with legislation, and continue to meet any special dietary needs of pupils
• Food allergen information relating to the ‘top 14’ allergens is displayed on the packaging of all food products, allowing pupils and staff to make safer choices. Allergen information labelling will follow all legal requirements that apply to naming the food and listing ingredients, as outlined by the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
• Where food is provided by the school, staff will understand how to read labels for food allergens
• Catering staff follow hygiene and allergy procedures when preparing food to avoid cross-contamination

6.3 Insect bites/stings

When outdoors:

• Shoes should always be worn
• Food and drink should be covered

6.4 Animals

• All pupils will always wash hands after interacting with animals to avoid putting pupils with allergies at risk through later contact
• Pupils with animal allergies will not interact with animals

6.5 Visits and trips

• No pupils with allergies will be excluded from taking part
• The school will plan accordingly for all visits and trips, and arrange for the staff members involved to be aware of pupils’ allergies and to have received appropriate training
• The school will conduct a risk assessment for any pupil at risk of anaphylaxis taking part in a school trip
• Pupils at risk of anaphylaxis should have their own ADs with them
• Staff trained to administer adrenaline in an emergency will be present on the school trip
• Appropriate measures will be taken in line with the school’s AD protocols for off-site events and school trips (see section 8.5)

7. Procedures for handling an allergic reaction

• All staff are trained to recognise the signs of both mild and severe allergic reactions (known as anaphylaxis) and respond appropriately
• Staff are trained in the administration of adrenaline to minimise delays in an emergency
• If the pupil has an allergy action plan, this must be followed
• A spare school AD device will only be used if:
  • The pupil does not have a prescribed AD
  • The pupil’s prescribed AD are not available or misfire

• Where anaplylaxis is suspected, adrenaline should be administered as soon as possible and within five minutes, with 999 called immediately without delaying the administration of adrenaline

8. Adrenaline devices (ADs)

8.1 Prescribed ADs

Pupils who are prescribed ADs are encouraged to keep them near or on their person at all times including when travelling to or from the school and on school trips. It is recommended that two devices are carried at all times. Pupils with prescribed ADs should take them home with them at the end of each school day, and parents are responsible for ensuring that they are in date.

For each pupil prescribed an AD, the devices will be stored:

• One is stored in the pupil’s classroom, on or near the Teacher’s Desk, easily accessible and not locked away
• A second device is located in the purple file in the main school office (on the register shelf)

This ensures that the devices of no more than 5 minutes away from where they may be needed e.g. dinner hall and playground.

• Devices are kept at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature
• Both devices will be taken on any visits or school trips.

A copy of the pupil’s allergy action plan is kept alongside their medication, as it includes instructions on how it should be used in an emergency.

Arrangements will be made with parents for the end of the day i.e.

• Do the ADs need to be taken home each day for the journey home; or do parents carry a set with them when they collect the pupil.

The expiry dates for prescribed ADs will also be checked monthly and parents informed with enough notice, when they are required to request new ADs for school.

ADs will be sent home at the end of the Summer Term and should be returned to school by parents on the first day of the school academic year.

Healthcare plans for pupils with prescribed ADs are kept in the following locations:

• The purple file in the main office (on the Register shelf)
• In the classroom, alongside their devices
• In the Staffroom (pinned to the notice board)

8.2 Spare ADs and inhalers

Please note: Current regulations only allow schools to purchase adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) as spare devices. Non-injectable adrenaline devices (nasal spray) may be prescribed to individuals but cannot currently be stocked as a spare device. If an individual who is prescribed nasal adrenaline suffers anaphylaxis, a school’s spare AAIs may be used in an emergency.

Schools can purchase an emergency asthma reliever inhaler which can only be used if the pupil’s prescribed inhaler is not available and where written consent has been obtained.

The allergy safety lead is responsible for sourcing spare ADs and an emergency asthma reliver inhaler and ensuring they are stored according to the guidance.

• Emergency AAIs have been sourced from our First Aid supplier, Eureka
• 4 devices (EpiPens) have been purchased to allow for a pair of AAIs to be taken on a school trip whilst ensuring that another pair always remain in school
• The dosage purchased is 0.3 milligrams, based on the Resuscitation Council UK’s age-based criteria

Spare ADs will be stored:

In the school office, in a clearly marked box on the wall that is unlocked and accessible to staff only at all times.  This is no more than 5 minutes away from any point in the school.

They will be kept at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature.

Spare AAIs will be kept:

• In pairs, in case a second one is necessary
• Separate from any pupils’ prescribed ADs and clearly labelled to avoid confusion

Vicci Brunsdon, Deborah Scott and Sam Norman are responsible for:

• Checking monthly that spare ADs are present and in date
• Obtaining replacement ADs when the expiry date is near

8.3 Disposal

ADs can only be used once. Once an AD has been used, it will be disposed of in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

Expired, damaged, or used AAIs will be taken to a community pharmacy for safe disposal in accordance with local waste management procedures.

The school will maintain records of disposal and ensure replacement devices are obtained promptly.

8.4 Using spare ADs in an emergency situation without prior consent

The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 do not require consent to have been obtained for spare adrenaline devices to be used in an emergency.

The school will obtain advance consent from parents/carers or pupils for spare adrenaline devices to be used, so that in an emergency, consent can be assumed to be in place.

However, in an emergency situation, anyone may take reasonable action to save a life without checking whether prior consent has been given. This avoids potentially fatal delays in treatment.

8.5 Use of ADs off school premises

ADs that are prescribed for individual pupils will be taken on any school trips or off-site events.

The spare ADs for emergency use will also be taken on a school trip or off-site event, whilst also ensuring that spare ADs are also left in school for those pupils and adults who remain in school.

9. Serious incidents and ‘near misses’

A serious incident is any event relating directly to a medical condition (including allergy) in which a pupil, member of staff or visitor with a medical condition or allergy is harmed or is placed at an immediate and significant risk of harm, including situations requiring emergency medication, urgent clinical intervention or attendance by emergency services.

A 'near miss' is an event relating directly to a medical condition (including allergy) that did not result in harm but had the clear potential to do so – for example, where an error, omission, or system failure could reasonably have led to a serious incident had circumstances been only slightly different.

9.1 Incident recording

The school will record serious incidents and ‘near misses’ relating to allergy safety as soon as is feasible. The incident will be recorded in the accident book, including the following information:

• Who was affected
• What happened, when and where
• Why the incident occurred (as far as is known)
• How staff and pupils responded and what was done to support the individual
• Whether emergency services were called
• How the incident concluded

The school will approach serious incidents and ‘near misses’ in a ‘no blame’ spirit of seeking to learn lessons.

9.2 Incident reporting

The parents/carers of a pupil aged up to 16 should be notified of the incident or ‘near miss’ as soon as possible.

The school will share the report with the pupil’s parents, the pupil or the individual involved.

They will be given the opportunity to discuss what happened and to contribute their views to the consequent lessons learned review. The school will then confirm what we have learnt from the incident and outline any actions we are taking as a result.

In some cases, the impact of exposure to an allergen at school may be delayed and not recognised until the pupil is at home. This means that incident reporting is not limited to staff – the pupil, parents/carers or others (such as healthcare professionals) will need to report to the school if there has been an incident with a delayed reaction.

Staff will always share the incident report with Vicci Brunsdon.  The allergy safety lead will consider whether the allergy safety arrangements in place were appropriate or if changes are needed to this policy and/or the pupil’s IHP. Any learning will be shared appropriately with staff so they can act on them and reduce the chance of an incident reoccurring.

The school will also share the report with other agencies in the following circumstances:

• With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): incidents which arise directly out of the way the school carried out a work activity which results in death or immediate hospitalization. For example, where a pupil has suffered harm after consuming an allergen due to incorrect preparation of food by a member of staff. (RIDDOR Report)
• To the local authority: any allergen-related food safety incidents.

In the event that the incident or ‘near miss’ was related to the delivery of a care plan or action plan issued by a healthcare professional, the relevant healthcare professional will be notified.

The governing body will receive periodic reports on incidents and near misses.

10. Allergy awareness

10.1 Staff training

The school ensures that all staff expected to be present during times when pupils are scheduled to be on site receive allergy awareness training at least annually. New starters will complete this training as part of their induction.

This includes permanent staff, temporary staff, supply teachers, peripatetic staff, agency workers and regular volunteers. It also includes catering staff and others who may oversee pupils at breakfast or after-school clubs. It does not include contractors carrying out work with no pupil-facing role such as builders, electricians or other ad hoc maintenance personnel.

The school has purchased 'training pens' from EpiPen and Jext so staff can practise safely and be familiar with the differences.

The school will conduct allergy safety drills annually. This is a simulated case of anaphylaxis to test out how staff respond, without risk to any individual. The results of the drill will be recorded and used to inform the ongoing review of this policy.

Allergy awareness training will be undertaken annually through Educare and will ensure that all staff:

• Have an awareness of allergy, the risks it poses, how allergic reactions can occur and how to manage it
• Understand that allergy includes multiple conditions (food allergy, asthma, eczema, hay fever, others), which can co-exist
• Understand the difference between food allergy, coeliac disease and food intolerance
• Know where to find information on allergy triggers
• Can identify the range of symptoms of allergic reactions
• Understand and can recognise anaphylaxis
• Know how to respond in an emergency, including:

• Calling emergency services and informing parents/carers
• How to locate and administer emergency medication
• How to use the medication/device in an emergency

• Understand the impact allergy can have on a pupil’s wellbeing
• Understand the school’s allergy safety policy
• Know how to check whether an individual is on the record of those with known allergy, and how to use an allergy or asthma action plan
• Understand their responsibilities in reducing the risk of individuals with known allergy coming into contact with their known allergens
• Understand how to report an allergic reaction or case of anaphylaxis (whether an incident or a ‘near miss’)

10.2 Awareness of allergy safety policy

This allergy safety policy will be published on the school’s website and shared with parents/carers at the start of the school year.

All staff should be aware of and understand the policy as part of annual allergy awareness training.

Teaching Pupils About Allergies

The school is committed to promoting awareness, understanding, and respect for pupils with allergies. Age-appropriate allergy education will be provided to help pupils understand the importance of allergy safety and how they can contribute to a supportive and inclusive school environment.

The school will:

• Teach pupils about allergies and anaphylaxis through the curriculum, including Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, health education, and other appropriate opportunities.
• Promote an understanding that allergies can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening.
• Encourage pupils to recognise and respect the needs of classmates with allergies.
• Educate pupils on the importance of not sharing food, drinks, eating utensils, medication, or personal items.
• Raise awareness of common allergens and measures that can help reduce the risk of accidental exposure.
• Teach pupils the importance of handwashing and good hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of allergens.
• Encourage pupils to report concerns promptly to a member of staff if they believe a fellow pupil may be experiencing an allergic reaction.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, ensuring that pupils with allergies are not singled out, isolated, or treated unfairly because of their medical condition.
• Reinforce allergy awareness through assemblies, classroom discussions, themed health events, and educational resources where appropriate.

Through these arrangements, the school aims to develop a caring and responsible community in which all pupils understand their role in helping to keep others safe and supporting the wellbeing of those living with allergies.

11. Wellbeing

Pupils with allergies will have additional support through:

• Pastoral care
• Regular check-ins with their class teacher
• Reassurance that steps are being taken to minimise the risks of exposure to allergen and that robust measures are in place in the event of anaphylaxis

The school will respond to any instance of bullying in line with its behavior policy.

11.1 Wellbeing support following an incident or ‘near miss’

The school recognises that an incident or a ‘near miss’ is a serious event with a potential impact not only on the pupil but their family, those involved in responding. and any witnesses. The school will provide support to those involved.

The school will support staff involved in any incident or ‘near miss’.

See section 9 of the policy for more detail on incidents and ‘near misses’.

12. Information sharing

Information about an individual’s health is considered special category data under UK GDPR. It will therefore be handled in line with our data protection policy.

13. Monitoring arrangements

The arrangements set out in this policy will be monitored by the allergy safety lead.

The governing board will review and approve this policy annually, or more frequently if a serious incident or ‘near miss’ identifies an area for improvement.

14. Links to other policies

This policy links to the following policies and procedures:

• Health and safety policy
• Supporting pupils with medical conditions policy
• School food policy
• Data protection policy
• Behavior policy