Secondary School

In small schools, it is easier for staff to know which pupils have been diagnosed with an allergy. Secondary schools often have large numbers of pupils and this makes it harder for staff to remember all pupils who have allergies as well as those with other medical needs.

A register that indicates which pupils have allergies should be distributed to all staff in the school, including the catering staff.

The catering manager and staff should always be aware of the allergen free meals required per day for each pupil and should be able to inform pupils which allergens are present in any meal or snack served.

Teachers, support staff and supply staff should be aware of any pupils in their classes that have allergies and learn where the pupil’s medication is kept.

Teenagers with allergies are likely to take risks and become complacent with the management of their allergies. Risks include not asking about allergens in meals or snacks, not informing staff about their allergies or not carrying the emergency medication. Awareness of these issues should be raised in schools and pupils should be encouraged to follow their management plans.

Secondary school pupils should be encouraged to carry their own medication with them at all times. Medication should always be accessible in emergencies. Schools should also store a set of AAIs’ as part of the pupils emergency kit, to be kept in an accessible, central place in the school at all times.

The schools should conduct regular audits of the kit to ensure the medication is correct and in date.  They should also send reminders to 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 identification in emergencies.

If there are concerns over allergy related bullying, this should be dealt with timely, in line with the school and local authority’s bullying policy.

Teenagers with allergies can become complacent with carrying their emergency medication. Awareness of this should be raised in schools and pupils should be encouraged to carry the AAI with them at all times. Schools can refer to the video by the Anaphylaxis UK (see video below).

The EAACI recommends that ALL pupils should be educated in allergic disease and anaphylaxis.

While young pupils can be taught to be allergy aware (e.g. safe hygiene practices and signs of a reaction), secondary school pupils should start to receive practical training in the emergency response to anaphylaxis, including the use of the AAI.

Teaching other pupils about allergies is a great way to encourage empathy, inclusion and responsible behaviour.

Adolescents with allergies are most at risk of having a severe reaction. This is often because of social pressures, an increase in risk-taking behaviours, low self-esteem or lack of education in how to manage the allergy.

Allergy can be added to the curriculum by using online resources such as:

•  Food Standards Scotland Allergy Action! for S1-3 pupils
•  Anaphylaxis UK School Allergy Awareness Resource Pack

Core Education

Personal and Social Education (PSE) class is an excellent opportunity to teach students about allergies. Older pupils should also learn how to use adrenaline autoinjectors and the correct emergency response. Pupil led awareness sessions in assemblies or PSE classes educate peers and encourage pupils with allergies to feel more confident about their allergy.

Social Science Classes

Discussions surrounding allergic disease can be controversial and relevant to politics. Teachers can add these into debates or as topics for discursive essays as part of social science classes e.g. English, Modern Studies or Politics.