Ashurst CE Aided Primary School 

Allergy Safety Policy 

Contents 
1. Aims ................................................................................................................................................................. 2 
2. Legislation and guidance ................................................................................................................................. 2 
3. Roles and responsibilities ................................................................................................................................ 3 
4. Identifying individuals at risk ............................................................................................................................ 5 
5. Assessing risk .................................................................................................................................................. 6 
6. Minimising risk ................................................................................................................................................. 7 
7. Procedures for handling an allergic reaction ................................................................................................... 8 
8. Adrenaline devices (ADs) ................................................................................................................................ 8 
9. Serious incidents and ‘near misses’ ................................................................................................................ 9 
10. Allergy awareness ....................................................................................................................................... 10 
11. Wellbeing ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 
12. Information sharing ...................................................................................................................................... 12 
13. Monitoring arrangements ............................................................................................................................. 12 
14. Links to other policies .................................................................................................................................. 12 
 
 
 
 
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 
 
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: 
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:  
Risks relating to pupils with allergy are included in the risk register and actively managed 
The school has an allergy safety policy which sets out: 
  o Arrangements to reduce the risk of individuals coming into contact with their known allergens 
  o Emergency response plans for cases of anaphylaxis

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 the Headteacher: Mrs Sarah Smith. 
They’re responsible for: 
Implementing this allergy safety policy 
Reviewing the allergy safety policy at least annually with the Governing Body, updating it when needed, and 
making sure it is published 
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: 
         o What lessons there are to learn  
         o Any potential changes to the medical conditions and/or allergy safety policies and/or 
             to any pupil’s IHP 

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 At least 2 named volunteers among school staff  
Mrs Sarah Smith and Mrs Lindsey Welstead 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 
Carrying their AD on their person and only using it for its intended purpose 
Understanding how and when to use their AD 

3.8 Pupils without allergies 
These pupils are responsible for: 
Being aware of allergens and the risk they pose to their peers 
Older pupils might also be expected to support their peers and staff in the case of an emergency. 

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 
We will: 
For new starters, send a form to all parent/carers of pupils after their place at the school has been 
confirmed, but before their first school year starts, to confirm any allergy the pupil has and whether they 
carry medication. Where a pupil has a new diagnosis and/or has moved to the school mid-term, we will send 
a form and put arrangements in place within 2 weeks  
Send a reminder to parents/carers at the start of each year asking them to update their child’s medical 
information as necessary  
We ask that parents/carers proactively inform us by either phone call to the school [01403 710426] or an 
email to the Headteacher [office@ashurstcofe-pri.w-sussex.sch.uk] if their child’s medical needs change 
during the school year. 
4.2 Identifying staff and visitors at risk 
The school’s arrangements for identifying staff and visitors with known allergies are: 
Asking new staff to provide details of their allergies in advance of their start date 
Asking visitors to provide details of their allergies in advance of their visit 

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 Register of pupils with known allergies 
The school maintains a register of pupils who have a known allergy. The register includes: 
 • Known allergens and risk factors for anaphylaxis 
 • Whether a pupil has been prescribed ADs (and if so, what type and dose) 
 • Where a pupil has been prescribed an AD, whether parental consent has been given to administer 
    emergency medication 
 • A photograph of each pupil to allow a visual check to be made (this will require parental consent) 

The register is kept in both the school office and in a folder on top of the First Aid Cupboard (which is 
located in the staffroom), and can be checked quickly by any member of staff as part of initiating an 
emergency response 

Allowing all pupils to keep their ADs with them / in their bag / in the classroom will reduce delays and allows 
for confirmation of consent without the need to check the register. 

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 in collaboration with The Easy Lunch Company and updating the 
SchoolGrid catering software. 
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 
Long trousers to be worn if walking through long grass 
Food and drink should be covered 
Parents will be contacted prior to applying bite/sting relief cream 

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/ with their group leader 
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: 
 o The pupil does not have a prescribed AD 
 o The pupil’s prescribed AD are not available or misfire 

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. 
If a pupil cannot keep their ADs with them in the classroom (due to age or other considerations), then the 
devices will be stored: 
In an appropriate central location that is unlocked and accessible at all times.  
No more than 5 minutes away from where they may be needed  
Kept at room temperature (in line with manufacturer’s guidelines), protected from direct sunlight and 
extremes of temperature 
Prescribed ADs will be taken to the field and on school trips attended by those pupils 
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. 
Pupils and parents/carers to take individually prescribed ADs home (for example, at the end of the day for 
the journey home) and are responsible for checking that they remain in date – Mrs Sarah Smith will also 
check expiry dates each term 
Records will be kept of which pupils have been provided with prescribed adrenaline (and an allergy action 
plan) – the Individual Health Care Plan is shared with all members of staff and a copy held in the office. 
Pupil details are recorded on the list of pupils with allergies – this is on the office wall and in a folder on top 
of the first aid cupboard in the staff room. 

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 ensuring they are stored according to the 
guidance.  
ADs are purchased from Selles Medical via an online purchasing form with the Headteacher’s signature 
Two spare 150mcg and two spare 300mcg devices are held 
The ADs are EpiPens 
An EpiPen trainer device (no needle or active substance) is available in the office for staff to practise the 
method of jabbing into outer thigh 

Spare ADs will be stored as follows: 
Spare pair of 150mcg Ads (for up to, and including, 6 years of age) in an orange zip pouch on top of the 
First Aid Cabinate in the Staff Room, which is unlocked and accessible at all times 
Spare pair of 300mcg ADs (from 7 years, up to, and including adults) in a yellow zip pouch on top of the 
First Aid Cabinate in the Staff Room, which is unlocked and accessible at all times 
No more than 5 minutes away from where they may be needed  
Kept at room temperature (in line with manufacturer’s guidelines), 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 

Mrs Sarah Smith and Mrs Lindsey Welstead 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 – the sharps bin is located in the staff cloakroom. 

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 
Pupils at risk of anaphylaxis who are able to administer their own adrenaline should carry their own ADs with 
them on school trips and off-site events 
A risk assessment will be completed for each school trip and off-site event to assess whether spare ADs 
should be taken or 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 the Headteacher Mrs Sarah Smith, who will in turn share it with 
the Governing Body. 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, and reported to Governors, 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. [See 
how to make a RIDDOR report] 
To the local authority: any allergen-related food safety incidents. [See how to report a food safety issue] 
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. 

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 roles such as builders, electricians 
or other ad hoc maintenance personnel. 

The school has purchased 'training pens' from EpiPen so staff can practice 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 ensure that all staff:  
Have an awareness of allergies, 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 allergies, 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: 
  o Calling emergency services and informing parents/carers 
  o How to locate and administer emergency medication  
  o How to use the medication/device in an emergency 
Understand the impact allergies 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 allergies, and how to use an 
allergy or asthma action plan 
Understand their responsibilities in reducing the risk of individuals with known allergies 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’) 
Induction training for new staff (permanent, temporary, cover and supply) will include all of the above. 

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.

 
11. Wellbeing 

Pupils with allergies will have additional support through: 
Pastoral care 
Regular check-ins with their class teacher and teaching assistant, as well as the Headteacher as Wellbeing 
Lead 
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 

This policy will be monitored by the allergy safety lead. 
It will be reviewed and approved annually by the allergy safety lead, 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 
Data Protection Policy 
Positive Behaviour Policy with Expectations 
Medicines in School Policy 
Educational Visits Policy