Allergies in School: Top Tips for Teachers

All school employees should be familiar with the type of foods that commonly cause food allergy, the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and the management of allergic reactions. Schools should:

• Develop an allergy and anaphylaxis management policy with information on what staff can do to provide a safer environment for children with food allergies.
• Provide allergy and anaphylaxis first aid training for staff that includes the use of adrenaline auto-injectors. This training should be updated on a regular basis.
• Identify children with allergies currently enrolled or due to be enrolled.
• Ensure that parents provide an emergency medical kit for their child that contains any medication required and an allergy action plan.
• Have an alert system for expiry dates of each child’s adrenaline auto-injector to ensure that it is still in date.
• Ensure are easily accessible and that all staff know where these emergency medical kits are kept.
• Write an emergency response plan that describes exactly what to do and who to contact in the event that a child has an allergic reaction.

Some parents may not want their child’s identity or allergies shared with the wider school community and some children with allergies may not want to be singled out or seen to be treated differently. Discuss with each child and their parents/guardians what they feel works best for them and whether they agree to have their child’s name, photograph and relevant treatment details displayed in staff areas, canteens or other communal areas.