Download our free best practice resources that are designed to support organisations to safely manage children and young people with allergies.
Safer Childcare Programme
Keeping children and young people with allergies safe requires proactive strategies and concrete actions. Effective food allergen management demands organisation-wide awareness, and to support this, a comprehensive set of guidance and recommendations has been developed for organisations working with children and young people.
This guidance, rooted in legislation, regulatory standards, and best practices, focuses on critical areas such as staff training, effective communication, and robust policies and procedures. By adopting a holistic approach to allergen management, organisations can create safer, more inclusive environments while building trust and confidence among parents, staff, and other stakeholders.
With 8% of children and young people in the UK living with a food allergy, it’s highly likely that every childcare or educational setting will have at least one affected participant. This highlights the importance of allergy preparedness, ensuring staff are equipped to recognise and respond effectively to allergic reactions.
Anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic reaction, can occur within minutes and is potentially life-threatening. Tragically, there have been cases of fatal anaphylaxis in school and childcare environments. These incidents reinforce the urgent need for staff training to ensure they can identify allergic reactions and act swiftly and confidently in emergencies.
By prioritising allergy awareness and safety measures, organisations can protect children, prevent tragedies, and promote inclusivity.
