Apple Montessori School London
At Apple Montessori School London, we recognise that allergies can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all children and to taking reasonable steps to prevent allergic reactions and respond quickly and appropriately if one occurs.
This policy is based on the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), relevant food safety and allergen legislation, paediatric first-aid requirements, the Equality Act 2010 and current government and Food Standards Agency guidance.
Before a child starts at Apple Montessori School London, parents/carers must provide complete and accurate information about any known allergies, intolerances, medical conditions and prescribed medication.
Where a parent/carer reports that a child has a diagnosed allergy, we require written confirmation from the child's GP, paediatrician, allergy specialist or other appropriate healthcare professional. This should confirm the allergy and, where relevant, provide information about known triggers, symptoms, treatment and any emergency medication required.
Parents/carers must provide the nursery with any prescribed medication, together with clear instructions for its use, and must inform us immediately of any changes to their child's allergy, medical advice, symptoms or medication.
Where appropriate, we will work with parents/carers and healthcare professionals to develop an individual allergy or healthcare plan for the child. Relevant information will be shared with staff who need to know in order to keep the child safe and will be handled sensitively in accordance with our confidentiality and data-protection procedures.
Where food is provided by the nursery, we take appropriate steps to manage food allergies and reduce the risk of accidental exposure. We will:
Food brought from home is not permitted at Apple Montessori School London. This includes food for birthdays, celebrations, parties, special events or activities. All food provided to children will be managed by the nursery in accordance with our food, hygiene and allergy procedures.
Where a child has been prescribed an EpiPen or another adrenaline auto-injector (AAI), parents/carers must provide the medication together with clear instructions and relevant medical information.
Medication must be:
Emergency medication will be stored in an agreed, readily accessible location so that it can be obtained quickly in an emergency, while being managed securely in accordance with our Medication Policy.
Staff responsible for children with significant allergies will be made aware of their individual emergency procedures and the location of their medication.
Any suspected serious allergic reaction will be treated as an emergency.
If a child shows signs of anaphylaxis or another serious allergic reaction, staff will follow the child's individual emergency plan and their paediatric first-aid training. This may include:
Staff will not delay calling 999 while waiting for symptoms to become more severe.
Any significant allergic reaction, suspected exposure or medication incident will be recorded and reviewed, and parents/carers will be informed as appropriate.
All staff at Apple Montessori School London are paediatric first-aid trained. Staff receive training that includes responding to allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock and are expected to maintain their knowledge in accordance with the requirements of their training and the setting.
Staff will be made aware of the individual allergy and emergency procedures for children in their care, including the location of emergency medication and the appropriate action to take in an emergency.
Children may take part in activities away from their main nursery room or building as part of their normal daily routine. This may include using the nursery's outdoor areas and other designated areas available to the nursery as part of the setting's daily activities.
All known allergies will be considered when planning activities and when children are using different areas of the nursery premises.
Where a child has emergency medication, it will remain readily accessible to staff whenever the child is away from their main nursery room or building.
Staff supervising children will have access to relevant allergy information and will know the appropriate emergency procedures and how to access emergency medication if required.
Keeping children safe from allergic reactions is a shared responsibility. Parents/carers must provide accurate, up-to-date medical and allergy information, prescribed medication and current emergency contact details.
We will work in partnership with parents/carers and, where appropriate, healthcare professionals to ensure that each child's needs are understood and managed safely.
Some allergies may meet the definition of a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Where applicable, we will consider reasonable adjustments to ensure children can participate fully in nursery life.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes to relevant legislation, government guidance, the nursery's procedures, or a child's medical needs.