Allergies and Allergies Reactions Policy

This policy is written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), particularly the safeguarding and welfare requirements relating to children’s health, medical conditions, staff training and suitability.

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we are aware that children may have or develop an allergy resulting in an allergic reaction.

We aim to ensure allergic reactions are minimised or, where possible, prevented and that staff are fully aware of how to support a child who may be having an allergic reaction.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where children with allergies, intolerances and medical needs are able to participate fully, safely and confidently in all aspects of nursery life.

The nursery recognises its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure children with allergies or intolerances are not discriminated against and are able to participate fully in nursery life, while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

We work in close partnership with parents, carers and health professionals to identify risks, implement effective control measures and promote children’s health, wellbeing and inclusion.

Our procedures

Winston’s Place ensures “that all staff are aware of the symptoms and treatments for allergies and anaphylaxis, the differences between allergies and intolerances and that children can develop allergies at any time, especially during the induction of solid foods which is sometimes called complementary feeding or weaning” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025).

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include a rash or hives, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, itchy skin, runny eyes, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the mouth and/or tongue, swelling of the airways to the lungs, wheezing and anaphylaxis.

“Before a child is admitted to the setting the provider must obtain information about any special dietary requirements, preferences, food allergies and intolerances that the child has, and any special health requirements” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025).

Information relating to allergies and intolerances is shared appropriately with relevant staff and recorded within an allergy register, Individual Health Care Plans and other relevant nursery records to ensure children's safety at all times.

Where a child has a known allergy, the room leader or key person will carry out an Individual Health Care Plan with the parent prior to the child starting the nursery and/or following notification of a known allergy and this assessment is shared with all staff.

This may involve displaying photos of the children along with their known allergies in the kitchen or nursery rooms, where applicable.

All food prepared for a child with a specific allergy is 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. nuts, gluten.

The SENCO, nursery cook and parents work together to ensure a child with specific food allergies receives no food at nursery that may harm them.

This may include adapting menus, providing suitable alternatives and implementing additional control measures where required.

Seating is monitored for children with allergies.

Where deemed appropriate, staff will sit with children who have allergies and, where appropriate, staff will discuss food allergies with the children and the potential risks.

Children will be supported in an age-appropriate way to develop an understanding of their own health needs, personal safety and the importance of not sharing food.

If a child has an allergic reaction to food, a bee or wasp sting, plant etc. a paediatric first aid trained member of staff will act quickly and administer the appropriate treatment, where necessary. We will inform parents and record the information.

All allergic reactions and near misses will be reviewed by management to identify any lessons learned, strengthen procedures and reduce future risks.

If an allergic reaction requires specialist treatment e.g. an EpiPen, then at least two members of staff working directly with the child and the manager will receive medical training to be able to administer the treatment to each individual child.

Food brought into the nursery for celebrations or events will be carefully managed in line with known allergies. Parents will be advised of restrictions, and alternatives will be provided when necessary to ensure all children are included.

The nursery will promote inclusive celebrations and experiences to ensure children with allergies do not feel excluded or disadvantaged.

In the event of a serious allergic reaction and a child needing transporting to hospital

The nursery manager or staff member will:
• Call for an ambulance immediately if the allergic reaction is severe. Staff will not attempt to transport the sick child in their own vehicle
• Ensure someone contacts the parents whilst waiting for the ambulance and arrange to meet them at the hospital
• Arrange for the most appropriate member of staff to accompany the child, taking with them any relevant information such as registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication and the child’s comforter
• Redeploy staff if necessary to ensure there is adequate staff deployment to care for the remaining children.
• Any changes to staff development will continue to meet EYFS ratio and supervision requirements.
• Inform a member of the management team immediately.
• Remain calm at all times and continue to comfort and reassure the child experiencing an allergic reaction.
• Children who witness the incident may also be affected and will be offered reassurance, comfort and age-appropriate explanations where necessary.
• Staff involved in the incident will be offered appropriate support and debrief opportunities following the event.
• Where a serious incident occurs and a child requires hospital treatment, Ofsted will be informed.

Training and Communication

Staff are trained in appropriate treatments for allergies and anaphylaxis, the differences between allergies and intolerances and that children can develop allergies at any time, especially during the introduction of solid foods.
• We have “ongoing discussions with parents and/or carers and, where appropriate, health professionals to develop allergy action plans for managing any known allergies and intolerances” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025)
• We ask parents to inform staff of any allergies or intolerances discovered after registration
• We share all information with all staff involved in the preparing and handling of food, including at mealtimes and snack times and keep an allergy register.
• “At each mealtime and snack time [we ensure staff are] clear who is responsible for checking that the food being provided meets all the requirements for each child” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025)
• For each child with a known allergy or intolerance, an Individual Health Care Plan will be completed with parents and, where appropriate, health professionals.
• This plan will detail triggers, symptoms, actions to take, and emergency procedures, and will be reviewed regularly.
• Individual Health Care Plans will be reviewed at least annually, following any allergic reaction, changes in medical advice or whenever a child’s needs change.
• All prescribed emergency medication, including adrenaline auto-injectors, is stored in an accessible but secure location, clearly labelled with the child’s name. Expiry dates are checked regularly, and parents are responsible for providing in-date medication at all times.
• Written parental consent will be obtained for the administration of any prescribed allergy medication. Medication will only be administered in accordance with the child’s care plan and nursery’s Medication Policy.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

All allergic reactions, near misses, medication errors and actions taken will be recorded accurately and reviewed to identify patterns, improve practice and reduce future risk. The management team will monitor allergy-related incidents, risk assessments and training needs to ensure robust procedures remain effective and responsive to children’s needs.

The nursery is committed to continuous improvement and will use feedback from children, families, staff and health professionals to strengthen allergy management procedures.