Allergies and Allergic reactions

At Scallywags Nursery we are aware that children can have allergies which may cause allergic reactions. We will follow this policy to ensure allergic reactions are prevented and practitioners are fully aware of how to support a child who may be having an allergic reaction.

·  Information will be passed on by parents on the registration form regarding allergic reactions and allergies and must be shared with all practitioners in the nursery.

·  Parents MUST fill out and sign an ‘Allergy Management Plan’ before the child starts at the setting. This outlines the child’s allergies, signs and symptoms and a flow chart which must state what course of action should be taken to treat the child and their needs in an emergency (see attachment)

·  The allergy management plan will remain in place for the duration the child attends Scallywags nursery. Parents are responsible for updating the setting with any changes or information which would impact the allergy management plan.

Parents are responsible for making sure any medication is in date and labelled correctly by the pharmacy.

·  Details of children (with photographs) with allergies and how to treat them in the event of an allergic reaction are kept in the room that they are based and in the food preparation areas.

·  All food prepared for a child with a specific allergy will be prepared in an area where there is no chance of contamination and served on equipment that has not been in contact with this specific food type, e.g. dairy

·  Any child with a particular allergy will have their meals presented on the same plates as their peers. However,it will be served on a red tray clearly labelled with the child’s name and medical information from the kitchen indicating to all practitioners that this meal is safe to serve. The tray will be complete with the child’s main dish, pudding and all cutleries.

·  Each meal and snacks must be served and distributed to the child by one practitioner only. Any extra portions must be served by the appointed practitioner that meal time. All other practitioners must observe and supervise all children whilst eating.

·  A practitioner MUST be present at the same table of a child with a known allergy.

·  The manager, nursery practitioners, nursery cook and parents will work together to ensure a child with specific food allergies receives no food at nursery that may harm them. This may include designing an appropriate menu or substituting specific meals on the current nursery menu.

·  If a child has an allergic reaction to food, a bee sting, plant etc. a First Aid trained member of staff will administer the appropriate treatment/seek medical assistance if necessary and parents must be informed immediately. Any allergic reactions are classed as an incident and must be recorded on the correct accident/injury forms which are then signed by parents/carers. Seek management assistance in the event of an allergic reaction.

·  If a child comes into contact with their personal allergen during meal times or digestion is suspected, practitioners will follow the instructions set out on their ‘allergy management plan’

·  We require all parents to respect this policy by making sure that all products used by their child/ren are nut and coconut free e.g. creams, lotions and hair products.

·  We stipulate that no food should be brought in or consumed on the nursery premises. Children are not permitted to bring in homemade packed lunches.

·  If the child requires specialist treatment, e.g. an epipen, then at least two members of staff working directly with the child and the manager will receive specific medical training to be able to administer the treatment to each individual child and will inform the other staff the of the procedure.

·  If the allergic reaction is severe, a member of staff will summon an ambulance immediately. We WILL NOT attempt to transport the sick/injured child in our own vehicles.

·  Whilst waiting for the ambulance, we will contact the emergency contact and arrange to meet them at the hospital

·  A senior member of staff must accompany the child and collect together registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication and child’s comforter

·  Staff must remain calm at all times. Children who witness an allergic reaction may well be emotionally affected by it and may need lots of cuddles and reassurance.

In relation to this policy see – food preparation policy

In relation to this policy see – intolerances policy

In relation to this policy see – food handling policy

In relation to this policy see – medication policy

Internal use only

This policy was adopted on / February 2017
Signed on behalf of the nursery
Date disseminated to staff / 09/02/2017
Date for review / February 2018