Allergy awareness within the broader school community
While ‘banning’ particular foods and declaring schools to be’ nut-free’ is not recommended as it is not possible to guarantee such positions, it is recommended that schools develop strategies to promote allergy awareness.
Staff
Information about anaphylaxis should be provided to all staff, including teachers, teacher aides, office staff, canteen personnel, grounds people and cleaners.
Useful information can be found at the Anaphylaxis Australia website.
Students
Include information on severe allergic reactions in the curriculum.
Allergy awareness should be developed by providing students with information through facts sheets or posters displayed in various locations about the school.
Teaching strategies such as role play, group discussion and opportunities to practice emergency procedures may be used to encourage students’ understanding of anaphylaxis. Some key messages to incorporate in classroom discussion include:
- take food allergies seriously- severe food allergies are no joke
- know what your friends are allergic to
- if someone in your class becomes sick, get help immediately
- wash your hands after eating
- don’t share food with friends who have food allergies
- be respectful of a schoolmate’s EpiPen
- don’t put pressure on others to eat foods that they are allergic to.
From the ‘Be a Mate’ resource developed by Anaphylaxis Australia
Anaphylaxis Australia’s ‘Be a M.A.T.E’ programme- Make Allergy Treatment Easier- assists teachers and childcare workers in educating all children and young people about the seriousness of food allergy and its daily management. A variety of story books and books for older students are also available to support the learning program.
A resource section for schools containing downloadable lesson plans and activities is available on the Anaphylaxis Canada website.
It should be remembered that some students who are at risk of anaphylaxis and families may not wish to be singled out or seen to be treated differently. They should be consulted when the school is considering putting in place preventative practices with implications for the class or the broader school community.
Other Parents
Opportunities to increase understanding of anaphylaxis in the broader school community can be developed through providing information in newsletters, fact sheets, parent meetings etc.
Anaphylaxis Guidelines
Downloadable forms
Medical and health care
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