Allergy Safety in Schools Policy

Statutory	Yes
Website	Yes
Last Review	September 2026
Next Review	September 2027
Reviewer	Mr B Parker/Miss T Smith
Governor Committee	Standards & Wellbeing
Ratified by BoG	14 September 2026
File Reference	Allergy Safety in Schools Policy 2026

1. Introduction & Statutory Legislative Framework

Swanmore College recognises that members of our community—including pupils, staff, parents, and visitors—may suffer from severe, potentially life-threatening food allergies, insect sting allergies, or other hypersensitivities. The College is committed to a whole-College approach to allergy safety, risk reduction, and emergency care. While it is impossible to guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment, Swanmore College actively minimises risk through rigorous hazard identification, staff instruction, clear communication, and proactive risk management.

This policy strictly complies with UK statutory duties and guidance, incorporating:

Children's Wellbeing & Schools Act 2026: Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 (duty to support pupils with medical conditions), as amended by Section 34 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which mandates statutory allergy safety policies, annual reviews, and website publication.
DfE Statutory Guidance (June/July 2026): Statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education requiring schools to maintain robust allergy safety procedures, designate a named senior leadership lead, enforce staff training, and manage spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs).
Benedict's Law: Implementation of Benedict's Law, establishing mandatory protocols, enhanced emergency access, and prominent placement of designated spare EpiPens/AAIs in critical campus hubs.
Natasha's Law & Food Information Regulations 2014: Mandatory full ingredient listing and bold allergen highlighting on all Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS) food items produced across College outlets.
Food Information for Consumers Regulation (1169/2011) & School Food Standards 2014: Compliance with statutory requirements governing the 14 major food allergens, cross-contamination controls, and safe catering provision.
Allergy and the Equality Act The Equality Act 2010 places statutory duties on schools, local authorities and other education providers, intended to prohibit discrimination and promote equality for all including those who are disabled. Under the Act, a person is disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Case-law (Wheeldon v Marston’s plc ET/1313364/2012) has established that severe allergy can fall within this definition. Seasonal rhinitis (such as hay fever) is explicitly excluded from the definition of disability, unless it aggravates the effect of another health condition.

The intent of this policy is to minimise the risk of any person suffering allergy-induced anaphylaxis, or food intolerance whilst at Swanmore College or attending any College related activity. The policy sets out guidance for staff to ensure they are properly prepared to manage such emergency situations should they arise. It is also intended to outline how information on food allergens can be accessed in the Swanmore Catering facilities including the Swan Café/Cube/Cuboid, along with curriculum classroom kitchen areas, and food being prepared for charity events and items prepared for sale at events managed by Swanmore Leisure.

The common causes of allergies relevant to this policy are the 14 major food allergens:

Cereals containing Gluten
Celery including stalks, leaves, seeds and celeriac in salads
Crustaceans, (prawns, crab, lobster, scampi, shrimp paste)
Eggs - also food glazed with egg
Fish - some salad dressings, relishes, fish sauce, some soy and Worcester sauces
Soya (tofu, bean curd, soya flour)
Milk - also food glazed with milk
Nuts, (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio, cashew and macadamia (Queensland) nuts, nut oils, marzipan)
Peanuts - sauces, cakes, desserts, ground nut oil, peanut flour
Mustard - liquid mustard, mustard powder, mustard seeds
Sesame Seeds - bread, bread sticks, tahini, houmous, sesame oil
Sulphur dioxide/Sulphites (dried fruit, fruit juice drinks, wine, beer)
Lupin, seeds and flour, in some bread and pastries
Molluscs, (mussels, whelks, oyster sauce, land snails and squid).

Allergy to nuts is the most common of the high-risk allergies and, as such, demands more rigorous controls. However, it is important to ensure that all allergies and intolerances are treated equally, as the effect on the individual can be both life-threatening and uncomfortable, if suffered.

The Catering Manager and Assistant Catering Manager will be implementing a process of checking daily all food ingredients and menus for the service, to ensure that the Kitchen adheres to its stringent allergens’ guidelines.

1.1 Definitions

Allergy	A condition in which the body has an exaggerated response to a substance (e.g. food or drug), also known as hypersensitivity.
Allergen	A normally harmless substance, that triggers an allergic reaction in the immune system of a susceptible person.
Anaphylaxis	Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a sudden, severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to a trigger (food, stings, bites, or medicines).
Adrenaline device	A syringe style device containing the drug adrenaline. This is an individual prescribed drug for known sufferers which is ready for immediate intramuscular administration. This may also be referred to as an Epi-Pen/ Ana pen or Jext which are particular brand names.

2. Benedict's Law & College Emergency AAI (EpiPen) Locations

In accordance with Benedict's Law and statutory guidance on severe allergy management, Swanmore College maintains robust emergency response protocols designed to ensure immediate intervention in cases of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a time-critical emergency; delay in administering adrenaline is the single greatest risk factor in severe outcomes.

Benedict's Law Compliance & Designated Emergency AAI (EpiPen) Locations

To ensure rapid, unimpeded access within the vital 5-minute window, emergency spare Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) are stocked in designated, easily accessible, unlocked locations across the Swanmore College campus.

Emergency adrenaline devices are stored in clearly marked Emergency Anaphylaxis Kits at the following five mandatory locations:

1. English Office in A Block

2. Pastoral Office in M Block

3. Food Technology Office in W Block

4. Community Office in S Block

5. Admin Office in S Block

In addition to these spare emergency kits, individual pupil-prescribed Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) are maintained in the Welfare Office and/or carried directly by pupils as specified in their Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs).

2.1 Storage, Maintenance, and Spare Device Protocols

Accessibility: All emergency Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) and spare devices are stored strictly at room temperature (15°C–25°C), protected from direct light and heat extremes. Devices are NEVER locked away or kept in restricted offices during school operating hours.
Routine Audits & Stocking: The Welfare Officer conducts monthly audits of all spare and prescribed Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) to check expiry dates, fluid clarity, and container integrity. Expired or used devices are promptly replaced.
Emergency Use Standard: Under the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017, spare school Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) may be administered in a life-threatening emergency to any pupil with or without prior written parental consent if immediate life-saving action is required.

3. Food Technology Department & Catering Cross-Contamination Controls

3.1 Elimination of Cross-Contamination in Food Technology

The Swanmore College Food Technology Department has implemented comprehensive measures to eliminate cross-contamination risks during practical curriculum sessions:

Colour-Coded Chopping Boards: The department has procured dedicated sets of colour-coded chopping boards (e.g., green for fruit/vegetables, red for raw meat, yellow for cooked meat, white for dairy/bakery, blue for raw fish, purple for allergen-free preparation). Food preparation involving pupils with known food allergies is strictly restricted to designated allergen-safe colour zones.
Colour-Coded Aprons: Colour-coded aprons have been introduced to physically differentiate staff and pupils handling allergen-specific or allergen-free dish preparations, preventing accidental cross-contact via clothing.
Surface Segregation & Cleaning: Prior to practical cooking sessions, food technology workstations, utensils, and equipment undergo rigorous sanitisation with warm soapy water and surface-safe sanitisers. Workstation surfaces are physically segregated where pupils with severe allergies are present.
Ingredient Substitution: The department strictly enforces the substitution of safe, allergen-free ingredients across entire class groups whenever a pupil in the group suffers from a high-risk allergy (e.g., using wheat-free flour or seed-free substitutes).

3.2 Swanmore Catering & Food Provision Protocols

Nut-Aware Catering Facility: Swanmore College outlets (Swan Café, The Cube, The Cuboid) operate as an actively nut-aware catering facility. No nut products or ingredients containing nuts are purchased or used.
Natasha's Law Compliance: Full ingredient listing and highlighted allergen information are displayed on all non-prepacked foods and PPDS packaging in compliance with Natasha's Law.
Daily Ingredient Checking: The Catering Manager verifies all ingredients and supplier specifications daily. Caterers maintain dedicated allergen folders available for review by pupils, staff, and visitors.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Governing Body & Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

Maintain overall statutory responsibility for the Allergy Safety in Schools Policy and ensure compliance with Section 34 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.
Appoint a named Senior Leader (Acting Deputy Headteacher) responsible for policy execution, monitoring, and annual governor reporting.
Ensure risk registers explicitly incorporate severe allergy management and emergency readiness.

4.2 Welfare Officer & Medical Staff

Formulate, update, and manage Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and Allergy Action Plans in coordination with parents, GPs, and clinical specialists.
Maintain accurate SIMS medical records, distributing pupil photo alert sheets to relevant teaching, pastoral, and catering staff at the start of each academic year.
Deliver annual Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPen) practical awareness training.
Conduct monthly audits of spare Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPen) locations;

English Office in A Block
Pastoral Office in M Block
Food Technology Office in W Block
Community Office in S Block
Admin Office in S Block

4.3 Teaching, Pastoral & Support Staff

Complete mandatory annual allergy awareness and anaphylaxis response training.
Review IHCPs and allergy alerts prior to conducting practical lessons, physical education, or off-site educational visits.
Ensure pupil medication is checked and present before departing on any school trip.

4.4 Food Technology & Catering Staff

Enforce strict colour-coded board and apron protocols, workstation sanitisation, and ingredient segregation in Food Tech classrooms.
Maintain Food Hygiene Level 2/3 and Allergy Awareness certifications. Ensure clear allergen labelling across all catering outlets.

4.5 Parents and Carers

Provide complete, accurate medical details and clinical Allergy Action Plans upon enrollment or diagnosis.
Supply two in-date, prescribed Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens/Ads) to the College and ensure personal medication carried by the pupil is maintained within expiry dates.

5. Staff Training & Awareness

In accordance with DfE statutory guidance, first aid training alone is insufficient for allergy safety. Swanmore College enforces a comprehensive, multi-tiered training strategy:

Annual Universal Training: All teaching, administrative, pastoral, catering, and support staff undergo mandatory annual allergy awareness training covering recognition of allergic symptoms, severe anaphylaxis indicators, and emergency protocols.
Practical Adrenaline Auto-Injectors Instruction: The Welfare Officer delivers practical hands-on instruction on adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen, Jext) administration.
Specialist E-Learning: Key staff, trip leaders, pastoral staff, and catering personnel complete accredited Allergy and Anaphylaxis training modules.
Induction & Cover Staff: All supply teachers, temporary personnel, and student teachers receive an allergy safety briefing and key pupil alert lists upon induction.

6. Anaphylaxis Emergency Response Procedure

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction affecting the Airway, Breathing, or Circulation (ABC). In the event of suspected anaphylaxis, staff must execute the following protocol immediately:

Step / Action	Detailed Protocol
Step 1: Administer Adrenaline Immediately	Do NOT delay. Administer the pupil's prescribed Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPen) or retrieve a spare Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPen) from the nearest office (A Block English office, M Block Pastoral Office, N Block Food Tech office, S Block Community office, S Block Admin office). Note the exact time of injection.
Step 2: Position Patient Safely	NEVER allow the patient to stand or walk. Lay them flat with legs elevated. If breathing is difficult, allow them to sit on the floor with legs extended. If unconscious/vomiting, place in the recovery position.
Step 3: Call Emergency Services (999)	Dial 999 immediately. State clearly: 'ANAPHYLAXIS'. Give exact location details at Swanmore College and inform them an AAI (EpiPen) has been administered.
Step 4: Contact Welfare & Site Team	Alert the Welfare Officer and Site Team immediately. Ensure site staff clear school gates and guide the ambulance directly to the emergency site.
Step 5: Secondary Dose & Monitoring	Stay with the pupil continuously. If there is no clinical improvement after 5 minutes, administer a SECOND AAI EpiPen dose using a second device.

7. Educational Visits, School Events & Charity Policy

7.1 Educational Visits & Off-Site Activities

Trip leaders must review SIMS medical data and incorporate individual allergen risk assessments into off-site planning.
Trip leaders must physically verify that pupils carry two prescribed Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) prior to departure from College premises.
At least one member of staff accompanying the trip must hold current Medication and Anaphylaxis training.

7.2 Charity Bake Sales & External Food Restriction

Swanmore College maintains a strict Non-Sale Policy for homemade, off-site baked goods or externally re-sold confectionery by pupils. Bake sales of items prepared off-site are strictly prohibited on College grounds.
Only food prepared directly by Swanmore Caterers in the College kitchen may be sold for official College charity events. All items must carry clear allergen ingredient lists.

8. Incident Recording, Reporting & Lessons Learned

In compliance with statutory guidance, any allergic reaction or near-miss (such as accidental allergen exposure without reaction) must be recorded immediately on the College incident management system. The Welfare Officer and Named Senior Leader will conduct a post-incident review following any event to identify root causes, review IHPs, and update policy procedures. All serious incidents are formally reported to the Governing Body and relevant local health and safety authorities.

Appendix A

All staff must make themselves aware of the College First Aid Policy. This outlines Anaphylaxis and the recognition and treatment that should be followed. Below is the extract from the College First Aid Policy.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction at the extreme end of the allergic spectrum. Anaphylaxis may occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen, although sometimes it can take hours. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly with adrenaline.

Any allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, occurs because the body’s immune system reacts inappropriately in response to the presence of a substance that it perceives as a threat. Anaphylaxis can be accompanied by shock (known as anaphylactic shock): this is the most extreme form of an allergic reaction.

Common triggers of anaphylaxis include:

- Peanuts and tree nuts – peanut allergy and tree nut allergy frequently cause severe reactions and for that reason have received widespread publicity
- Other foods (e.g. dairy products, egg, fish, shellfish and soya)
- Insect stings (bees, wasps, hornets)
- Latex (gloves and PPE)
- Drugs (illegal and prescription)

SIGNS OF ANAPHYLAXIS (a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction)

• A: Airways: Swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways (tightening in the throat, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing)

• B: Breathing: Sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, persistent cough, noisy breathing

• C: Circulation: Dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, tiredness, confusion, pale clammy skin, loss of consciousness Anaphylaxis reactions involves the Airway/Breathing/Circulation (“ABC”). Reactions usually progress quickly and can be life-threatening – so anaphylaxis always requires an immediate emergency response. The features of an anaphylaxis reaction are shown in the First Aid Policy. Most anaphylaxis reactions require the individual to have eaten food to which they are allergic. Contact through skin or the air tends to produce less severe allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis reactions solely due to skin contact are very rare. As noted above, anaphylaxis may rarely occur without a clearly identified allergen or without ingestion of a food trigger. Emergency planning should therefore be based on the individual child or young person’s documented triggers and clinical history, rather than any assumption over whether the person has eaten a trigger food.

Action to take:

(Ask other staff to assist, particularly with making phone calls, one person must take charge and ensure that the following is undertaken)

- Ring (9) 999 immediately to get the ambulance on the way.
- Contact the Welfare Officer – state what has happened so that they can assess the situation and bring medication to the location. Please note that the Welfare Officer may not be able to attend immediately, and there should be no delay in using the person’s medication. Locate the nearest first aider to come and assist.
- Use the person’s adrenaline device, or the one located in the Welfare Office.
- Ensure that the Site Staff are aware that an ambulance is coming onto site.
- Stay in the immediate area to assist the Welfare Officer and/or direct the Emergency Services.
- Ensure that accident forms are filled out if applicable.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis

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