At Acre View Primary School, the health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils are our highest priorities. We are proud to be an Allergy Aware School, committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where all children, including those with allergies and medical conditions, can learn, play and thrive with confidence.

In July 2026, the Department for Education published new statutory guidance on allergy safety in schools. The guidance sets out clear expectations for schools to have an allergy safety policy, provide staff training, identify pupils with allergies, implement Individual Healthcare Plans where required, and ensure effective procedures are in place to respond to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. 

At Acre View, we work closely with families, healthcare professionals and staff to ensure that pupils with allergies are identified, supported and kept safe throughout the school day. We have designated Allergy Leads, our School Nurse and SENCO, who oversee allergy procedures, support staff and families, coordinate healthcare plans and help ensure that allergy safety remains a priority across the school.

How We Support Pupils with Allergies

• Individual Healthcare Plans and Allergy Action Plans are in place where needed.
• Staff receive regular allergy awareness and anaphylaxis training.
• Emergency medication is stored safely and is readily accessible.
• School trips, visits, cooking activities and special events are planned with allergy safety in mind.
• Allergy risks are considered when planning learning activities and celebrations.
• We promote awareness, understanding and inclusion throughout our school community.

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Working together is essential to keeping children safe. Parents and carers can support us by:

• Informing the school of any allergies or medical conditions as soon as possible.
• Providing up-to-date medical information and healthcare plans.
• Ensuring prescribed medication, including adrenaline auto-injectors, is in date and available in school.
• Updating us promptly if their child's medical needs change.
• Following school guidance regarding food brought into school, including packed lunches, snacks and treats for celebrations.
• Helping their child understand their allergy and how to keep themselves safe, where appropriate.

How Staff Support Allergy Safety

All staff share responsibility for creating an allergy-aware environment by:

• Knowing which pupils have allergies and understanding their healthcare plans.
• Attending regular allergy and emergency response training.
• Following agreed procedures for managing allergic reactions and medical emergencies.
• Checking ingredients and considering allergy risks during classroom activities and educational visits.
• Encouraging pupils to understand and respect the needs of others.
• Promoting a culture of inclusion, respect and safety for all.

Working Together

Keeping children with allergies safe is a partnership between home and school. Through clear communication, effective planning, regular training and strong support from our School Nurse, SENCO, staff and families, we can ensure that every child feels safe, supported and fully included in all aspects of school life.

 

For further information, please refer to our Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy within the WKET Medical Handbook