Ensure that the child is allowed to integrate as fully and safely as possible into all school activities. Where the child’s activities are being unduly restricted by either parents or teachers, advice should be sought from members of the allergy health care team, to avoid the child being stigmatised and ensure normal social development.

Starting nursery or school can be distressing for any parent. However if a child has an allergy, then the stress surrounding this also needs to be managed.

There are moves to introduce generic adrenaline auto-injectors into schools. The uptake is current variable and use of these pens depends on signed written agreement with the parents. For more information click here.

Below are some handy hints to smooth the process:

KNOW WHAT TO AVOID   make sure the school staff know what the child is allergic to and what s/he should avoid. It is often good to   talk to the teacher one to one. Your allergy team can help if the staff need further clarification
KNOW HOW TO TREAT    a written allergy management plan explaining how allergic reactions need to be treated should be discussed with key staff at the school. Adrenaline should only be given if the child has breathing problems or a reduced conscious level, unless otherwise advised by health care professional
KNOW WHEN TO REFER any child requiring adrenaline needs to be transferred to hospital immediately to make sure that the reaction is settling as adrenaline only stays in the body for 5 - 10 minutes.