We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. You will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon in the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively update to the latest release - RDS app version 4.7.1 - to see this improvement.
Updating to this latest version of the RDS app is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new resilience arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
In small schools, it is easier for staff to know which pupils have been diagnosed with an allergy.
A register that indicates which pupils have allergies should be distributed to all staff in the school, including the catering staff.
The catering manager should always be aware of the allergen free meals required per day for pupils with food allergies.
Young children are at risk of accidental exposure to allergens in primary school. Many substances and utensils used in activities can contain allergens such as playdough (gluten), dried pasta, lentils, balloons (latex), egg cartons etc.
Therefore, young children require supervision at all times and activities should be planned with allergies in mind.
Management Plans: Young children can develop tolerance (outgrow allergies), particularly to milk and egg. Therefore in the child's time at primary school, the Personalised Allergy Action Plan may change. Schools should ensure that parents/carers update them of any changes by having annual meetings or sending reminder letters/emails.
Strategies outlined in the 
Scottish Government guidance to prevent food allergic reactions include:
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Education in hygiene and cross contamination for all pupils - hand washing encouraged before and after meals/snacks/activities. |
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Appropriateness of meals purchased in the canteen should be checked with parents/carers. |
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Pupils with allergy should be taught and encouraged to ask catering staff about allergens in meals. |
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Where possible, all meals, drinks and snacks served in the school should be clearly labelled with allergens listed. |
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Individual drinks bottles or containers can be labelled with children’s names. |
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Appropriate supervision during meal times. |
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Permission obtained from parents/carers before giving food treats to pupils with allergies (e.g. Birthday parties/ Special events). |
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Plan to accommodate pupils with allergens before activities (e.g. craft, science or cooking classes). |
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Plan for catering arrangements and complete risk assessments before out of school activities (school trips, sports events, camps), including emergency planning for anaphylaxis. |
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Consider a no food/ utensil sharing policy. |
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Consider allergen free areas, used by everyone to avoid stigma. |
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Education for staff in cross contamination and reading food labels to check for allergens. |
The level of understanding and competence of the child needs to be assessed first in order for them to independently manage their allergy and carry their own emergency medication. Regular discussions with the school, parents/carers and healthcare professionals should be held to monitor this. Usually health professionals start offering training in how to manage allergic reactions and in the use of an AAI in children after 7 years of age.
The school should store the emergency medication on behalf of young children. It should be stored as part of an emergency kit.
In primary schools where the child does not move rooms often, the kit could be stored in the class, e.g. in the teacher’s shelf. It should be taken with the teacher or support staff member if the class moves far away from where the child’s kit is kept e.g. outdoor activities.
Transport between Home and School
Young children who can’t carry their own medication, must still have access to an AAI when travelling to and from school. The child’s own emergency kit should be carried by the parents/carers or left at school and pass it back to the parents/carers for transport to and from school.
The school should conduct regular audits of the emergency kit to ensure the medication is correct and in date. They should also send reminders to the parents/carers about this. It is recommended for the child's name and picture to be displayed on the outside of the kit where possible, for quick identifications in emergencies.
Teaching other pupils about allergies is a great way to encourage empathy, inclusion and responsible behaviour.
Educating pupils from an early age about allergies can also help tackle the national misunderstandings surrounding this topic.
Allergy can be added to the curriculum by using online resources such as:
Food Standards Scotland: Happy Hands!
Anaphylaxis Campaign: School Allergy Awareness Resource Pack
Creative Ideas to Engage Young Children:
Glitter can be used to demonstrate how allergens are easily spread by shaking hands or touching toys, books and surfaces. This also highlights the importance of hand washing to remove allergens. Food Allergy Canada
School allergy care
