Allergy & Anaphylaxis Information for Parents

Our Commitment

At St Barnabas’ CE Primary School, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child with allergies is safe, supported, and fully included in school life. We follow clear procedures for allergy management, emergency response, staff training and catering, in line with national guidance and our school’s Allergy & Anaphylaxis Policies.

Understanding Allergies and Anaphylaxis

An allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless. Symptoms may be mild—such as itching, hives or swelling—or severe.

Anaphylaxis is a serious, life‑threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms often develop quickly and may affect:

• Airway – swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing

• Breathing – wheezing, noisy breathing, sudden shortness of breath

• Circulation – dizziness, faintness, confusion, pale or clammy skin

Immediate treatment with adrenaline is essential.

Medication in School

Parents are responsible for supplying in‑date, clearly labelled medication. For younger pupils, medication is stored in an accessible anaphylaxis kit within 5 minutes of the child.

Each child’s kit may include:

• Two adrenaline auto‑injectors (AAIs)

• Antihistamines (if prescribed)

• Asthma inhaler (if prescribed)

• A copy of the Allergy Action Plan

The SENCO/First Aider checks medication termly and sends reminders when expiry dates approach.

Older pupils who are trained and confident may carry their own AAIs, but staff remain prepared to administer medication if needed.

Spare Adrenaline Auto‑Injectors (AAIs)

St Barnabas holds four spare AAIs in clearly labelled Kitt Medical Anaphylaxis Kitts, located opposite the school office window.

Spare AAIs may be used when:

• A child’s own device is unavailable, out of date or malfunctioning

• Multiple doses are required before emergency services arrive

• A person experiences anaphylaxis for the first time

The SENCO/First Aider checks spare AAIs monthly, supported by expiry prompts from the Kitt Medical Portal.

Written parental permission for use of spare AAIs is included in each child’s Allergy Action Plan.

Staff Training

All staff complete annual anaphylaxis training through the Kitt Medical Portal, with additional sessions for:

• New staff

• Staff teaching pupils with allergies

• Staff requiring refresher training

Training covers:

• Common allergens and triggers

• Recognising symptoms

• Emergency treatment and AAI administration

• Reducing risk through allergen awareness

• Understanding the lived experience of pupils with allergies

Catering and Lunchtimes

We follow the Food Information Regulations 2014. At St Barnabas:

• Weekly menus list ingredients and highlight allergens

• The catering team receives a photographic list of pupils with allergies

• Pupils with allergies wear a red lanyard at lunchtime

• Parents are encouraged to meet with the Cook to discuss needs

• Food should never be shared between pupils

• Food used in lessons, clubs or events is risk‑assessed

Staff are trained to read labels, prevent cross‑contamination and prepare food safely.

School Trips and Sporting Events

Trip leaders:

• Carry all emergency medication

• Check pupils have their AAIs before departure

• Risk‑assess activities and food provision

• Ensure venue staff are aware of pupils’ allergies

Children without required medication cannot attend the excursion.

Sporting fixtures follow the same procedures, with trained staff accompanying teams.

Allergy Awareness (Nut Bans)

St Barnabas follows guidance from Anaphylaxis UK and does not operate a blanket “nut‑free school” policy. Instead, we promote a whole‑school culture of allergy awareness, teaching pupils:

• Not to share food

• To recognise symptoms

• To seek help immediately

This approach is safer and more realistic than attempting to ban specific allergens.