Back to School: How to Prepare for an Allergy-Aware Year Ahead

As the summer holidays draw to a close and a new school year approaches, we want to ensure that your return to the classroom is as smooth, safe, and allergy-aware as possible. With the rising prevalence of allergies and anaphylaxis incidents, it's crucial to be well-prepared to provide the best care and support for students with allergies.

In the blog below we cover important points to consider as you gear up for the new term, such as adrenaline pen expiry dates, allergy policies, student and parent communications, staff training, and more.

Check all Adrenaline Pens and Ensure Spare Sets are Available:

Anaphylaxis can occur rapidly, and every second counts. Just as a defibrillator is a life-saving device, adrenaline pens are crucial tools for managing anaphylaxis.

Students with their own prescribed pens may have not checked them during the summer, and duplicate sets may have been left at school unattended. Ensure that they are all checked, in-date, and the solution inside is not discoloured.

If you don’t already have a spare set of adrenaline pens at school (these aren’t prescribed to any individual but instead are there to be used in an emergency by anyone, for anyone) it’s crucial that you work towards obtaining some, and storing them in an accessible location. Ensure that your school's designated staff members know the location of these pens, how to administer them, and when to call for emergency medical assistance.

If your school is already part of our Anaphylaxis Kitt family, when it’s time to renew your subscription we’ll let you know, and automatically send you new in-date adrenaline pens.

Update Students Allergy Action Plans:

An allergy action plan is a personalized document that outlines specific steps and procedures to manage an individual's allergic reactions or anaphylactic events. It is typically developed by a medical professional in collaboration with the person who has allergies, along with their caregivers, school personnel (if applicable), and other relevant individuals.

The purpose of an allergy action plan is to provide clear and concise instructions on how to respond if the individual experiences an allergic reaction, especially a severe one that could lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. The plan includes important information such as allergen triggers, symptoms, emergency contact information, individual medication, steps to take in an emergency, and other preventive measures.

These plans should be readily accessible in places like schools, daycare centers, workplaces, and homes, ensuring that everyone involved is well-prepared to respond appropriately in case of an allergic reaction.

It's important to regularly review and update the allergy action plan to reflect any changes in the individual's health status, allergies, or treatment recommendations.

You can find the template for BSACI Allergy Action Plans linked here.

Empower and Educate Students:

Promote a culture of inclusivity and empathy by educating students about allergies and anaphylaxis. Encourage open conversations and help them understand the importance of respecting their peers' dietary restrictions and allergy needs. Promote awareness about allergies among students, staff, and parents alike. Use educational materials and workshops to help everyone recognize the signs of an allergic reaction and understand the importance of quick intervention.

Our Anaphylaxis Kitt service was created by our founder Zak (who lives with severe nut allergies) not only to equip you with physical resources in case of an emergency, but also to empower you with the knowledge to foster a more allergy-aware community.

Communicate with Parents:

Many students might have allergies, some of which could be life-threatening. Collaborate with parents and guardians to gather up-to-date information about students' allergies, dietary restrictions, and medical histories. Sharing this information with staff members will help create a safer environment and prevent accidental exposure to allergens. Remember, vigilance and empathy are key when it comes to ensuring the well-being of all students.

Always maintain open lines of communication with parents or guardians of students with allergies. Inform them about your school's allergy care policies, emergency procedures, and any updates related to their child's health.

If you have any allergy policies, spare medications, training, or Kitts at your school, it’s always useful to make this information known with the parent community through newsletters or information booklets.

Ensure Staff Training and Awareness:

One of the cornerstones of allergy care is knowledge. Make sure that all relevant staff members, from teachers to administrative staff, are well-versed in allergy awareness and anaphylaxis management.

Our CPD-accredited online training course, made in partnership with The Allergy Team, is designed to equip your team with the latest information and best practices, preparing you in the event of an anaphylaxis emergency. It had been completed by over 1,500 school staff members and received an average feedback score of 9.5/10, and in a short time span of just 20 minutes leaves you with a much greater understanding of allergy and preparedness to treat anaphylaxis.

Create an Allergy-Friendly Environment with an Allergy Policy:

Create an environment that minimizes allergen exposure. This may involve designating allergen-free zones, educating students about safe food-sharing practices, and collaborating with parents to create a safe classroom experience for everyone. Having a clear and comprehensive allergy policy is essential for maintaining safety standards.

Work with your school administration to develop a robust allergy policy that outlines procedures for preventing exposure to allergens, handling allergic reactions, and communicating effectively with parents, staff, and students. A well-structured policy enhances the overall safety of your school.

Here's to a successful and safe academic year ahead!

As we embark on another school year, let's work together to make our educational institutions safe and nurturing spaces for all students. Our Anaphylaxis Kitt service is designed to support you in achieving this goal. By subscribing to our service, you're not just accessing a resource; you're becoming part of a movement to set a new standard for allergy care in schools.

If you're new to our service, consider joining the 150+ schools that have already partnered with us to ensure the safety and well-being of their students and staff (click here to find out more).

We're excited to continue partnering with schools across the UK and support you in your efforts to maintain a healthy and inclusive school environment. Let's make this school year a remarkable one for the well-being of every student.