Training Teachers and Members of Staff at School

At the start of each academic year, I like to arrange a meeting with the child’s teacher and teaching assistant. Firstly, I like to chat about which allergens each child is allergic to and give examples of all the different foods that could contain that allergen. I just reiterate that we have to constantly check ingredients to make sure the food is safe. Then I go through the Allergy Action Plan with them, making sure they understand the signs of anaphylaxis compared to a mild/ moderate reaction. Finally, I make sure the staff understand how to use the EpiPen and even bring my trainer EpiPen for them to practice with.

Last September, I was able to chat with the lunchtime staff, which I found really helpful. I showed all the staff photos of the girls, so that they can easily recognise them. I always felt nervous at lunchtime especially as you wonder if the staff know which children have allergies and not knowing what training the staff have been given. I definitely feel more relaxed now and hope I’m able to give a refresher every year.

As an allergy parent, it’s extremely hard keeping our children safe but by raising awareness ourselves, definitely helps with our own mental health too.