Peanut allergies at school is a growing concern for parents and educators alike. When we think of allergies, peanut allergy is one that is at the forefront of our minds. This well known allergen often dominates the allergy conversation and is seen as one of the most prevalent and severe food allergies amongst children and adults alike.
Nut allergies are common and affect approximately 1 in 50 children and around 1 in 200 adults in the UK, with this figure increasing year upon year. Therefore, it is likely that in most classrooms there will be at least one child affected by nut allergy – making peanut allergy in schools an important consideration when preparing to keep the children safe during the school day.
As a parent of a child with a peanut allergy there is naturally a lot of anxiety surrounding how the teachers and staff are managing your child’s peanut allergy at school and how to ensure that your child is kept safe from harm outside of your care. In this article we explore some key practical ways that teachers and parents can work together to ensure that school is a safe place for children with nut allergies.
It is critical that as a parent you have made the school staff aware of your child’s allergy and that a plan is in place for the management of their allergy. And, as a member of school staff, it is your statutory responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with the management plan for any child in your care.
However, in addition to the formal plan, it is also a good idea as a parent to directly approach your child’s class teacher (and teaching assistant if there is one) so that there is an open dialogue about your child and their allergy. This way you can keep the teacher informed of any small matters such as your child not feeling well, bringing in a new safe snack for break time etc.
As a teacher you are then able to ask any questions or give feedback as necessary. If you are dropping your child off and notice that there is a supply teacher, don’t feel that you are being a burden by approaching them and politely drawing their attention to your child’s allergy and explaining that there is a plan in place for them.
Whilst these small conversations should not replace a formal plan being in place, they are powerful and can help reinforce the key messages around ensuring that the classroom is a safe space for an allergy child.
The school kitchen will be adept in providing allergy free lunches, so liaising directly with the school to plan for school dinners is an option. If you prefer for your child to bring in a packed lunch this is possible but again liaising directly with the school to ensure this is eaten in a safe environment is important. School staff on lunch duty should insist on safe eating practices (such as washing hands before eating, wiping down tables etc.) and keep their allergy children in mind during this key time.
Generally speaking schools limit snack time to specific items such as fruit and vegetables for all children – but teachers must always be vigilant for things which may have been brought in from home. As a parent, if age and understanding allows, you can practice with your child what to do if they are offered a snack by somebody and how to say ‘no thank you’ with confidence.
On occasion there may be other sources of food – such as end of term treats – on offer. Most often these will be provided by the class teacher and so it is advisable to keep the line of communication open between school and home so that you are able to offer alternatives as necessary. Some families prefer to keep a box of ‘safe’ snacks and treats in school for ease and again this can easily be arranged by talking with the class teacher.
As an allergy parent you will be familiar with the signs of an allergic reaction, including those which may seem more ‘odd.’ You may have seen your child experience particular symptoms after ingesting the allergen – but remember no two reactions are the same so it is wise to be alert to the plethora of symptoms which can appear.
As a member of staff, it is important that you are educated on the full spectrum of signs of an allergic reaction – it may not always look how you expect. Food allergy symptoms can appear within minutes of eating and may include hives anywhere on the body or an itchy, tingling sensation in the mouth. More serious reactions may involve swelling of the throat or mouth, difficulty breathing, severe asthma, stomach pain, dizziness, or extreme drowsiness. These symptoms indicate anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction.
In extreme cases, it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure (anaphylactic shock), making the person feel faint, weak, or as if something terrible is happening. This can lead to collapse and unconsciousness if not treated quickly.
If a reaction to a peanut allergy at school is noted then quick intervention is critical. This means ensuring that the child does not move around and that medication (antihistamines/inhalers/auto adrenaline injectors) are administered promptly.
Remember, anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and so a 999 call is necessary and will be responded to quickly. There are many training programmes available for school staff (such as Kitt Medical and AllergyWise) which could form a useful part of your CPD. Furthermore, there are some short and informative videos available from Anaphalaxis UK that can be accessed instantly and free of charge.
Whilst it can be worrying – for both parents and school staff – to navigate the school year whilst caring for a child or children with nut allergies, it is important to ensure that the child is able to enjoy their learning experience and social time in the same way as their peers. If a plan is in place and every care is taken to avoid the allergen, it is likely that your child will be able to enjoy school free from allergic reactions.
Furthermore, studies have shown that causal contact – like touching or smelling peanuts—are unlikely to bring about a severe reaction that requires medical treatment. Whilst it is impossible to eliminate risk entirely, it is reassuring to know that being in the school environment is unlikely to cause harm.
By working together as a team, both school and home, can ensure that every child is able to thrive in their setting. As an allergy parent, if you need support with the mental load of navigating childcare and school with an allergy child, Dr Francesca, our resident psychologist has created an online module to help with this process.
It should include a list of allergens, signs of a reaction, step-by-step emergency instructions, medication details, and emergency contact information. Ensure all staff members who interact with the child are familiar with it. For a more detailed guide to creating a plan with the school (and more) we have an online resource available, ‘Preparing for Nursery or Schools with Allergies (Dr Helen Allergy)’ is a comprehensive guide for you and your child to be fully prepared for school and nursery settings.
Many schools are ‘nut free schools’ meaning that the school kitchen will exclude all nut products and nuts/ nut products are not allowed to be brought in from home. In reality, it is almost impossible to stop parents/carers or other children bringing in a snack from home which contains nuts – but staff should be vigilant to your child’s allergen or allergens and remove these items if necessary.
Yes, your child can have a nut free meal provided by the school. The school menu should include a range of allergy friendly options and you can arrange to meet the school kitchen to discuss your child’s individual needs. Remember school meals are free for infant school aged children and this includes allergy friendly options.
It should include a list of allergens, signs of a reaction, step-by-step emergency instructions, medication details, and emergency contact information. Ensure all staff members who interact with the child are familiar with it. For a more detailed guide to creating a plan with the school (and more) we have an online resource available, ‘Preparing for Nursery or Schools with Allergies (Dr Helen Allergy)’ is a comprehensive guide for you and your child to be fully prepared for school and nursery settings.
Many schools are ‘nut free schools’ meaning that the school kitchen will exclude all nut products and nuts/ nut products are not allowed to be brought in from home. In reality, it is almost impossible to stop parents/carers or other children bringing in a snack from home which contains nuts – but staff should be vigilant to your child’s allergen or allergens and remove these items if necessary.
Yes, your child can have a nut free meal provided by the school. The school menu should include a range of allergy friendly options and you can arrange to meet the school kitchen to discuss your child’s individual needs. Remember school meals are free for infant school aged children and this includes allergy friendly options.
