Severe allergies in schools and preschools

Do you have a child at your school or preschool with severe allergies?

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are potentially life-threatening so it is vital that all staff know who the child is, what they are allergic to, how to recognise and treat an allergic reaction and how to minimise the risk of exposure to the allergen(s) while the child is in your care.

Allergy New Zealand has developed an Education Kit for Schools & Preschools including

• Allergy Education Guide for Schools and Preschools
• DVD “Action for Anaphylaxis” or “Dealing with Food Allergy”
• DVD “Alexander the Elephant who Couldn’t Eat Peanuts” (for younger children) or “Suzy’s World: Allergies” (for older children)
• EpiPen trainer pen
• Booklets First Guide to Food Allergy
  • Your Guide to Eczema
  • Letting Go
  • Travelling with Allergies

• Posters

If you would like a copy of the Allergy Education Guide for Schools and Preschools, click here to send a request, and one will be emailed to you.

To buy an Education Kit, click here.

Information for schools and preschools

10 point guide when a student is enrolled with severe allergy

1. Obtain allergy information from parents at time of enrolment, e.g. include a question of allergies on enrolment forms.

2. If severe allergy and/or risk of anaphylaxis is indicated, request the parent obtain written medical information from the child’s doctor clearly stating what the child is allergic to and the allergy or anaphylaxis action plan in event of a reaction.

3. Obtain written consent from the parent(s) to a) sharing of medical information between the school, GP and other health professionals as required; and b) for the school to administer medication as required by the allergy or anaphylaxis action plan.

4. Work with the family and public health nurse or school nurse to formulate an individual health care plan for the child. Analyse risks within the school and in EOTC activities and plan how the school is going to minimise risk of exposure to the allergen(s) concerned; and how to implement the allergy or anaphylaxis action plan.

5. Apply for HHNF if appropriate.

6. Arrange training for all staff about allergy and anaphylaxis, and include allergy in school health curriculum if possible.

7. Ensure anaphylaxis/EpiPen training for designated (eg emergency response) staff from appropriately trained healthcare professional.

8. Ensure anaphylaxis/allergy action plan for the child is completed and clearly displayed in commonly used areas of the school.

9. Parents must supply medication in clearly named and labelled container (with photo of the child on the label) to be stored in an unlocked, central location.

10. Annually review and update medical information, health care plan and Allergy or Anaphylaxis action plan for the child; and refresh staff training.