Preventative Measures

School allergy care
NHS GGC

Fruit and vegetables being prepared

The canteen is a high-risk area for severe allergic reactions to happen.

 

Prevent cross-contamination

All catering staff should be trained in how to reduce the spread of allergens. Measures include:

Number 1

Using separate work-tops or stations when preparing allergen free meals.

Number 2

Using separate utensils and chopping boards for preparing or serving allergen free meals.

Number 3

Follow good hygiene practices. Working areas should be kept allergen free by keeping work surfaces and utensils clean.

Number 4

Washing hands and surfaces with soap, water and disinfectant after preparing meals that include allergens.

 

 

Stay prepared for Emergencies

Each child should have an emergency kit stored in the school: All staff should know where this is kept. It should be in an unlocked, easily accessible place such as the school office or staff room.

School's Emergency Medication

It is common for schools to request pupils AAIs are left in school to avoid the situation where a pupil or their parents/carers forgets to bring the AAIs to school each day. This should be stored as part of an emergency kit in an unlocked, easily accessible place in the school such as the school office or staff room. The kit should be marked clearly with the pupils name. Before school holidays, schools may wish pupils to take their medication home to ensure they remain in date.

Child's own Emergency Kit:

Primary School

Secondary School

The pupil must still have access to an AAI when travelling to and from school. The child’s own emergency kit should be carried by the parent/carer or left at school and passed back to the parent/carer for transport to and from school.

Where children are considered to be sufficiently responsible they should carry their emergency medication on their person.  Staff should learn where this is kept.

Ideally pupils will store medication in an emergency bag that is carried with them at all times. However medication may also be stored in convenient places for pupils such as pencil cases, blazer pocket or school bag.

In large schools or split sites, it is often quicker for staff to use an adrenaline autoinjector that is with the child rather taking time to collect one from a central location.