A new Allergy Awareness in Schools training resource is now available on Blackboard to support schools in raising staff awareness of allergy safety and the practical arrangements required to protect pupils with allergies.
Who should deliver the resource?
The resource is designed to be downloaded and delivered to staff by the Headteacher or another nominated member of staff who has already completed an appropriate nationally recognised allergy awareness course.
It is important that the person delivering the briefing has sufficient prior knowledge to:
- explain the course content confidently;
- relate the information to the school’s own allergy policy and procedures;
- explain where Individual Healthcare Plans, Allergy Action Plans and emergency medication are kept;
- describe the school’s arrangements for preventing and responding to allergic reactions; and
- answer questions or identify where further specialist advice is required.
The resource is a practical, whole-school staff briefing. It does not replace nationally recognised or specialist allergy and anaphylaxis training, first-aid training, or the school’s own allergy policy and procedures.
Who should receive the briefing?
Schools should use the resource to provide allergy awareness and emergency response training to all relevant staff. This includes permanent and temporary staff, supply teachers, peripatetic and agency staff, regular volunteers, catering staff, lunchtime staff and staff supporting breakfast or after-school clubs.
Before delivering the briefing
The Headteacher or nominated trainer should review the presentation in advance and complete the preparation checklist. This includes confirming:
- who leads allergy safety within the school;
- where the school’s allergy safety policy is published;
- where pupils’ plans and prescribed adrenaline devices are kept;
- where spare adrenaline auto-injectors are stored;
- how expiry dates are checked;
- how temporary staff, volunteers, clubs and educational visit leaders are briefed; and
- how allergy incidents and near misses are recorded, reported and reviewed.
Schools should adapt the discussion to their own arrangements so that staff leave the session knowing what to do, where to find the necessary information and medication, and how to respond without delay in an emergency.
Access the training
The Allergy Awareness in Schools resource can be accessed through Blackboard. Further information is available in Somerset Council’s Allergy Safety in Schools: Guidance on Benedict’s Law, Info Sheet 88.
