Back-to-school guide for parents of children with allergies

Posted: 9th September 2024 | Posted by Costa

Back-to-school guide for parents of children with allergies

As children head back to school, parents of children with allergies face unique challenges to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the term. Whether it’s food, environmental, or other allergens, careful planning can help minimise risks. Here’s a comprehensive guide for parents in England to navigate the school year successfully.

Communicate with the school

• Inform teachers and staff: Ensure all staff, including teachers, lunchtime supervisors, and school nurses, are fully informed about your child’s allergies. Share detailed information about symptoms, triggers, and emergency procedures.
• Emergency action plan: Provide the school with a written action plan detailing what to do if your child has an allergic reaction. This should include the types of medication they may need, such as antihistamines or an EpiPen, and instructions on administering it.
• Team up with key staff: Arrange a meeting with the headteacher, school nurse, and teachers to discuss your child’s needs. Review the school’s allergy policy to make sure it aligns with your expectations.

Safe snacks and meals

• School lunches: If your child eats school-provided meals, ensure the catering team is aware of their allergies and can provide safe, allergen-free options. If needed, review the menu to confirm there are alternatives.
• Packed lunches: For children bringing their own food, pack safe, allergy-free meals. Consider labels that indicate any allergens, or use bright, easy-to-spot containers for clarity.
• Snack guidelines: Confirm if the school has guidelines for classroom snacks or shared treats, especially during celebrations or holidays. You may need to provide a stash of safe treats your child can have when others bring in snacks.

Medical supplies and accessibility

• Keep medication at school: Make sure that your child’s medication, such as antihistamines or an EpiPen, is up-to-date and stored safely at school. Ensure staff know where these are kept and that they are easily accessible in an emergency.
• Medic alert: Consider a medical alert bracelet for your child that clearly lists their allergies. This is particularly helpful if they are older and have more independence around school.

Educating your child

• Allergy awareness: Teach your child about their allergies, including what they can and can’t eat, how to recognise a reaction, and what to do in an emergency. Encourage them to always ask if they’re unsure whether a food is safe.
• Role-play scenarios: Practice scenarios in which they may have to politely decline food or seek help if they feel unwell. This builds their confidence in managing their allergies when you’re not there.

Allergy-friendly classroom environment

• Allergen management: Ensure that the classroom is a safe environment. Discuss with teachers whether there are potential allergens in art supplies, science experiments, or even classroom pets. Some schools may opt for an allergen-free classroom policy.
• Classroom supplies: To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, consider providing your child’s classroom with allergen-free materials, such as safe hand wipes.

Sports activities

• PE and sports day: Ensure that PE teachers and sports staff are aware of your child’s allergies, particularly if they involve environmental factors like pollen or insect stings. Make sure they have access to your child’s medication during outdoor activities.
• Field trips and outings: Discuss the details of any trips or outings with teachers beforehand. Confirm that appropriate precautions are in place and that the staff in charge know how to manage your child’s allergies away from school.

Reinforcing school allergy policies

• Nut-Free policies: Many schools in the UK have a nut-free policy to protect students with severe allergies. Understand the school’s policy, and help reinforce it by communicating with other parents.
• Classmate education: Encourage the school to raise awareness among classmates. This could be through a lesson or assembly on allergies to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for children with allergies.

Monitoring mental and emotional health

• Anxiety and social pressure: Allergies can sometimes cause children to feel anxious or different from their peers. Talk to your child about how they feel and help them manage any anxiety around school.
• Inclusion: Work with teachers to ensure that your child is included in all school activities, from sports to birthday parties, while managing their allergies. This can help prevent feelings of isolation or exclusion.

Ongoing communication

• Regular check-ins: Stay in regular communication with the school throughout the term. Keep staff updated on any changes in your child’s allergies or treatment plans. Likewise, ask for feedback on how things are going at school and address any issues as they arise.
• Updating Records: Ensure the school has updated records at all times, including emergency contact details and any medical advice or changes from healthcare providers.

Be prepared for emergencies

• Emergency drills: Ask the school if they run drills or scenarios for allergic reactions. This will give you confidence that the staff are well-prepared to handle an emergency situation.
• Personal emergency kit: Consider giving your child a small emergency kit that they can keep with them. The kit should contain items like safe snacks, EpiPens, hand wipes, and a copy of their allergy action plan.

By taking these steps, parents of children with allergies can help ensure that their child with allergies has a safe, supportive, and inclusive school experience throughout the term. Regular communication and preparation are key to managing the challenges that come with allergies and helping your child feel confident and secure at school.

Allergies can be a challenge to your child’s life, but with the right diagnosis and management plan, they can be kept under control. Our experts specialise in identifying and treating pediatric allergies. If you suspect allergies, we can help you understand exactly what triggers your child’s symptoms and how to tackle them effectively. Why not register as a new patient or take one of our home allergy tests? Together, we can tailor a school management plan that suits your child and lets them enjoy school to the fullest.