Allergy Safety

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for everyone, we are proud to be an Allergy Aware School.

We have a number of pupils and staff with severe allergies, some of which can cause serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Allergic reactions can be triggered not only by eating certain foods, but also through contact with small traces on hands, tables, shared equipment, or other surfaces. By working together as a school community, we can significantly reduce risks and help ensure that our academy remains a safe place for all.

It is essential that the academy is informed of any allergies affecting students, staff or visitors. This enables us to put appropriate support measures in place, including Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for pupils and Adult Allergy Risk Assessments for staff and regular visitors where required. Individual Healthcare Plans are developed collaboratively between the academy, parents/carers and, where appropriate, healthcare professionals and the student, ensuring that support arrangements reflect the individual’s needs and can be implemented effectively within the school environment. Keeping allergy information up to date allows us to respond appropriately and helps protect the health and wellbeing of everyone on site.

In line with Benedict’s Law and current statutory guidance, all staff have completed Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Training and receive regular updates to ensure they are confident in recognising and responding to allergic reactions and emergencies.

The academy also holds spare Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs), which can be administered in an emergency in accordance with Benedict’s Law and national guidance. These provide an additional safeguard and may be used to treat symptoms of anaphylaxis where appropriate, helping to ensure a rapid response whilst emergency medical assistance is sought.

How You Can Help

We kindly ask for your support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all members of our school community by:

• Not sending foods containing nuts or nut products into school.
• Checking ingredient labels carefully before sending food into school.
• Reminding children to wash their hands before coming to school and after eating.
• Talking to your child about the importance of not sharing food with others.
• Ensuring the academy has up-to-date information about any allergies or dietary requirements. Parents/carers should update medical information via Arbor as soon as any changes occur.
• Providing any prescribed emergency medication required in school, such as an Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI). It is essential that the academy holds this medication on site so that it can be administered in an emergency if required. Medication should be brought to the school office, where parents/carers will be asked to complete the necessary documentation.
• Checking medication expiry dates regularly and providing replacement medication before it expires to ensure emergency treatment is always available when needed.

Our Allergy Safety Policy, as well as our Academy Addendum can be found here: Policies Page

Thank you for supporting our allergy-aware approach and helping us create a safe environment.