Allergen Policy

1.   Statement
2.   Scope
3.   Related policies, legislation and guidance
4.   Aims
5.   Procedure
6.   Roles and responsibilities
7.   Safeguarding
8.   Review
9.   Appendices

Appendix A: Allergy Action Plan
Appendix B: Individual Healthcare Plan
Appendix C: Allergy Risk Assessment

1. Statement
The College is committed to providing a safe environment for all pupils, including those with allergies. Allergies, including anaphylaxis, are treated as a health and safeguarding matter. The College takes all reasonable steps to minimise risk, ensure appropriate training, and respond effectively in an emergency.

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2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all members of the College community, including staff, pupils, parents and visitors.

2.2 It applies to all College activities, including lessons, catering, sport, trips and boarding (where applicable).

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3. Related policies, legislation and guidance

3.1 Related policies:

• Health and Safety Policy
• First Aid Policy
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Administration of Medicines Policy
• Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy

3.2 Legislation and guidance:

This policy is informed by relevant guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children, alongside guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions.

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4. Aims

• To safeguard pupils with allergies.
• To minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
• To ensure effective identification and management of allergies.
• To ensure staff are trained to respond appropriately.
• To enable pupils with allergies to participate fully in college life.

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5. Procedure

5.1 Identification and planning

• Medical information is collected at admission and reviewed regularly.
• Pupils with significant allergies will have an Allergy Action Plan (AAP) and/or Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP).
• Relevant information is recorded and shared with staff on a need-to-know basis.

5.2 Prevention and risk management

• Staff are alert to students who suffer from allergies through our college register system and may follow AAPs/IHPs and any associated risk assessments.
• Reasonable steps are taken to reduce exposure to allergens across the College.
• Pupils are expected to carry prescribed AAIs where appropriate.

5.3 Training

All staff receive regular training in:

• recognising allergic reactions
• responding to anaphylaxis
• use of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs)

Training is refreshed annually and included in induction for new staff.

5.4 Emergency response

In the event of suspected anaphylaxis:

1. Administer adrenaline immediately (if available).
2. Call 999 and state “anaphylaxis”.
3. Keep the pupil under supervision.
4. Administer a second AAI if required.
5. Inform parents and record the incident.

If in doubt, administer adrenaline.

5.5 Recording and reporting

All incidents and near misses are recorded in line with college procedures. Safeguarding concerns are referred to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

5.6 Trips, sport and activities

• Risk assessments consider allergy-related risks.
• Staff have access to relevant medical information and medication.
• Pupils are not excluded where risks can be appropriately managed.

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6. Roles and responsibilities

6.1 The Principal / Compliance Lead

• Overall responsibility for implementation of this policy.
• Ensures appropriate systems and training are in place.

6.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Coordinates allergy management.
• Maintains records and medication.
• Oversees staff training.

6.3 Staff

• Be aware of pupils with allergies.
• Follow AAPs/IHPs.
• Act promptly in emergencies.

6.4 Parents

• Provide up-to-date medical information.
• Supply in-date medication.

6.5 Pupils

• Take reasonable steps to manage their condition.
• Carry medication where appropriate.

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7. Safeguarding
The allergy management is closely linked to safeguarding. Concerns about a pupil’s welfare, including medical risk, must be reported to the DSL in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

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8. Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the College.

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9. Appendices

Appendix A: Allergy Action Plan (AAP)

Pupil Details
Name:
Date of Birth:
Photograph:

Allergy Information
Known allergens:
Type of reaction (if known):

Signs of Anaphylaxis

• Difficulty breathing / wheeze
• Swelling of lips, tongue or throat
• Persistent cough
• Dizziness / collapse
• Loss of consciousness

Emergency Action

1. Administer adrenaline immediately (AAI).
2. Call 999 and state “anaphylaxis”.
3. Keep pupil under supervision.
4. Give second AAI after 5 minutes if no improvement.
5. Inform parents.

If in doubt, administer adrenaline.

Medication
AAI type:
Location of AAI(s):
Number carried:

Emergency Contacts
Parent / Guardian:
Telephone:

Authorisation

This plan must be completed by a healthcare professional and agreed with parents.

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Appendix B: Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP)

Pupil Details
Name:
Date of Birth:
Condition:

Medical Needs
Summary of condition and triggers:

Daily Management
Medication:
Dosage and timing:
Self-administration (Y/N):

Triggers and Risks
Known triggers:
Situations requiring care:

Emergency Procedure
Actions to take in an emergency (refer to AAP where appropriate):

Support Required
Educational / social / emotional support:

Trips and Activities
Specific arrangements required:

Contacts
Parent / Guardian:
GP / Specialist:

Staff responsible for implementation:

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Appendix C: Allergy Risk Assessment

Pupil Name:
Date:

Allergen(s)
List known allergens:

Risk Areas

Medication
Does pupil carry AAI? (Y/N)
Location of spare AAIs:

Staff Training Required
Number of trained staff:

Emergency Access
Is medication accessible within 5 minutes? (Y/N)

Outcome
Additional measures required:

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