SCHOOLS ALLERGY CODE & REGISTRY
Let’s have a catchy yummy tagline here if poss…
The Schools Allergy Code is a code of practice to help schools keep pupils with allergies safe.
The Schools Allergy Register is a list of schools that have adopted the Schools Allergy Code and undergone assessment by The Allergy Team.
An average of 2 pupils per class in UK schools have food allergies.
The Code has been drawn up by The Allergy Team, ISBA and Benedict Blythe Foundation and has the backing of clinicians and families.
It was created to give schools a set of standards and clear guidance to make their settings as safe and as inclusive as possible. Any school can sign up to the Code and use the associated checklist to ensure it is following best practices.
Schools often ask us how easy it is to join the Register. The answer depends on how good your policies and procedures are already.
For some schools meeting the criteria laid out in the Schools Allergy Code will be relatively straightforward. It might involve implementing some extra training, organising an anaphylaxis drill or updating your Allergy and Anaphylaxis policy.
Other schools may find they have more work to do, but the Code is packed with clear, practical guidance to make the necessary changes.
The Allergy Team offers a range of support to help you every step of the way:
SCHOOLS ALLERGY REGISTER – ONLINE ASSESSMENT
A step-by-step written guide to help you implement the Code in your school, template documents (such as an Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy and anaphylaxis drills), a mentoring call, access to our expert Q&As and online drop-ins for your staff and an online check by The Allergy Team.
SCHOOLS ALLERGY REGISTER – IN PERSON ASSESSMENT
Bespoke support for your school. As well as working with you to join the Register, we will carry out staff and parent surveys and visit your school to meet members of the senior leadership team. We will help identify what you are doing well in terms of allergy management and where you may have vulnerabilities.
“The Schools Allergy Code is a game-changer for safety in schools. We would urge all schools to adopt it and join the Register. Allergy is an often over-looked area of safeguarding and we need to give parents, pupils and staff greater confidence that schools really understand allergy and know how to reduce risk.”
John Murphie, Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
“Too many children with allergies face unacceptable levels of risk at school, somewhere they should feel safe and protected. Since Benedict died, I have spoken to countless parents and carers whose children have suffered allergic reactions or near-misses at school. I hope this new Code will ensure schools interrogate their own processes, improve their understanding of allergies and know how to respond in an emergency.”
Helen Blythe, Founder of Benedict Blythe Foundation
“Knowing that a school meets the criteria set out in the Schools Allergy Code will give parents huge confidence when choosing a school for a child with allergies. To join the Register and display the trust mark, schools will be assessed, this ensures they don’t just pay lip-service to the Code but put it into practice, with buy-in from the whole school community.”
Sarah Knight, Founder of The Allergy Team
