Allergy Safety and Benedict's Law
At St James, the health, safety and well-being of all our pupils is a priority. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment for children with allergies and medical conditions.
In line with Benedict's Law and the Department for Education's statutory guidance on allergy safety in schools, we have established procedures to identify, manage and respond to allergy-related risks. Benedict's Law was introduced following the death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe and aims to ensure that all schools have effective measures in place to protect pupils with allergies.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
- Maintaining a whole-school approach to allergy awareness and management.
- Supporting pupils with allergies to participate fully in all aspects of school life.
- Providing regular allergy and anaphylaxis awareness training for staff.
- Maintaining emergency procedures for responding to allergic reactions.
- Holding and managing spare Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs) in accordance with national guidance.
- Working closely with parents, carers and healthcare professionals to support individual pupils.
- Reviewing our allergy procedures regularly to ensure they remain effective and compliant with current guidance.
Individual Healthcare Plans
All pupils with a diagnosed allergy will have an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP), developed in partnership with parents and healthcare professionals where appropriate. These plans help staff understand:
- Known allergens and triggers.
- Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- Emergency treatment arrangements.
- The location of prescribed medication.
- Any specific adjustments required to support the pupil safely in school.
Staff Training
All school staff receive appropriate allergy awareness training so that they can:
- Identify signs of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
- Respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency.
- Administer adrenaline auto-injectors where required.
- Follow school procedures for managing allergies safely
Working with Parents and Carers
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping us keep children safe. We ask families to:
- Inform the school of any diagnosed allergies or medical conditions.
- Provide up-to-date medical information and medication.
- Notify the school promptly of any changes to a child's condition or treatment.
- Work with us to review healthcare plans as required.
Allergy Safety Policy
Our full Allergy Safety Policy can be accessed below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an allergy?
An allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a substance that is normally harmless. Common allergens include certain foods, insect stings, medicines, latex and environmental factors.
What should I do if my child has an allergy?
Please inform the school as soon as possible and provide any relevant medical information, including details of the allergy, prescribed medication and any healthcare plans from medical professionals.
What medication should I provide?
Parents and carers are responsible for providing prescribed medication, including in-date adrenaline auto-injectors (such as EpiPens) where required. Medication should be clearly labelled and replaced before its expiry date.
Can the school guarantee that it is allergen-free?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. However, we take reasonable steps to minimise risks, promote awareness and implement procedures to help keep pupils safe.
What happens if my child has an allergic reaction at school?
Staff will follow the child's Individual Healthcare Plan and the school's emergency procedures. Emergency services will be contacted whenever necessary, and parents/carers will be informed as soon as possible.
How are allergies managed during educational visits and residential trips?
Allergies are considered during planning and risk assessment processes. Staff will ensure that appropriate medication, healthcare plans and emergency arrangements are in place before any off-site activity takes place.
Can my child join clubs, trips and special events if they have an allergy?
Yes. We are committed to ensuring pupils with allergies can participate fully in school life. Reasonable adjustments and risk management measures will be put in place to allow safe inclusion wherever possible.
What should I do if my child's allergy changes?
Please notify the school immediately if there are any changes to your child's allergy, medication, emergency treatment or medical advice. This allows us to update records and healthcare plans promptly.