Allergy safe
At Barnack School, the health, safety, and inclusion of every child are central to everything we do. With allergies now affecting up to 1 in 5 children in the UK, effective allergy management is essential to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
We have always taken a highly vigilant approach, and we believe it is important that all parents are fully aware of the measures we have in place to protect and support children with allergies.
To ensure the wellbeing of all pupils with allergies, we have implemented a range of robust procedures:
​
-
All staff are trained to recognise the signs of an allergic reaction and respond appropriately, including the correct use of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs).
-
Several members of staff hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate
-
Individual risk assessments are carried out in partnership with parents to ensure that each child’s specific needs are clearly understood and supported.
-
All children who require an AAI have a detailed Individual Healthcare Plan, tailored to their needs and reviewed regularly.
-
Our catering team is highly vigilant, following strict procedures to prevent cross-contamination and clearly communicating allergen information.
-
We actively foster an allergy-aware school culture, promoting kindness, responsibility, and understanding throughout the school community.
​
Through a combination of staff training, proactive planning, and open communication, we are committed to ensuring that every child with allergies at Barnack School feels safe, supported, and fully included in all aspects of school life.
Mrs C Firth
Excutive Head
Linked Policies
Staff Training
We understand that managing allergies and serious medical conditions is a significant concern for parents, and we want to assure you that our school takes this responsibility very seriously. The well-being and safety of every child are our top priorities. To ensure we are fully prepared to support our students, all staff members annually undergo comprehensive training in key areas of medical management. This includes detailed instruction on
-
Epilepsy, covering recognition of seizures, appropriate first aid, and how to create a safe environment;
-
Diabetes, focusing on blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration where applicable, and recognizing signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia;
-
Asthma, teaching staff how to identify an asthma attack, assist with inhaler use, and manage emergency situations;
-
Anaphylaxis, which involves training on identifying severe allergic reactions, administering adrenaline auto-injectors (such as EpiPens), and following emergency protocols. This rigorous and regular training ensures our team is confident and competent in providing the best possible care for your child.
Anaphylaxis Awareness: Our Commitment to Safety
​
You'll find copies of our Treating Anaphylactic Shock poster displayed in multiple key locations throughout the school. These posters serve as a vital visual aid, ensuring all staff members have immediate access to critical information and a quick refresher on our emergency procedures for anaphylaxis. They're a key part of how we maintain high awareness and ensure a swift, coordinated response to severe allergic reaction.
Allergen Information on School Meals
In line with the Food Information Regulations 2014, our school caterers provide full allergen information for all food prepared on site, covering the 14 main allergens. Menus are emailed to parents in advance and are available on our website, with all ingredients listed and allergens clearly highlighted: