Nut Free policy
Nut Free School Environment Policy
What is Anaphylaxis?
This term refers to a number of reactions within the body, including hives, itching, swelling, watery eyes, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, coughing, wheezing, throat tightness/closing, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness or a change of skin colour. The most dangerous symptoms are breathing difficulties or a drop in blood pressure, which can be potentially fatal.
What is our responsibility as a school?
Anaphylaxis is rare, but preventable and treatable. It is the aim of this school to establish and maintain a nut-free environment, for the safety of children who are anaphylactic to nuts and for those children who have unknown allergies to these products. The school will provide staff with training in the recognition, prevention and necessary treatment of anaphylaxis in children under their care. It is essential the importance of differentiating between anaphylactic reactions and other types of allergic reactions be identified. It is recognised that this is a life-long and potentially fatal disability, which is to be treated with the highest priority.
How can Anaphylaxis be prevented?
If the school is advised that a child has been medically diagnosed as anaphylactic to nuts, he/she will be identified to staff and emergency action plan procedures developed. The action plan will identify known triggers and symptoms where these are advised by a medical practitioner and provided by the parents/guardians of the child. The parents/guardians of the child may choose to provide a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace for identification of the particular allergy concerned.
An action plan will include a photograph of the child, the child’s name, emergency contact details, specific allergy, warning signs of reaction and emergency treatment required. The action plan will be displayed in the staff room, school canteen, in the Executive area of the unit where the child attends class and in folders provided for the information of staff (including relief staff).
The parents/guardians should provide adrenalin (in the form of a self-administering Epipen) for storage at the school. The responsibility of providing an action plan and Epipens is that of the parents/guardians of the child concerned. It is also their responsibility to ensure the medication is within the prescribed use-by period and the action plan is up to date.
The school will provide an appropriate place to store an Epipen. It should be stored at room temperature away from bright light. If stored in a cupboard or drawer, this should not be locked, to ensure easy access if required. If the child is old enough, he/she should carry an Epipen with them at all times.
How can we control exposure to the allergen?
• Parents/guardians of children will be requested and encouraged to not provide food containing nut products within the school grounds.
• Should a child bring food containing nuts to school, the food should be taken away, placed in a sealable plastic bag and disposed of. Alternative food should be provided from the canteen and a note sent home with the child explaining the reason for enforcing a nut free environment at our school.
• There should be no trading or sharing of food, food utensils or food containers.
• Surfaces such as tables/equipment will be washed clean of contaminating foods.
• The use of food in crafts and cooking classes may need to be restricted.
• Staff will be trained annually in the use of an Epipen and of the importance in recognising a potential anaphylactic reaction. Preparation for this training should be done prior to the commencement of a new school year.
• Children attending the school will be educated on the danger of allergies and anaphylaxis, both in general interaction and more formal education such as classroom discussion and video explanation. This will be done annually.
• The school canteen will annually review the contents of the items sold, to ensure that no nut products are contained within items they provide. Particular attention will be given to the wording on ingredients of “contains nuts” or “hydrolysed vegetable protein”, as these may contain peanut products. Ingredients labelled “may contain nuts” are not to be provided to the allergic child but are safe for consumption by children in his/her vicinity.
Management of anaphylaxis
Should accidental exposure to an allergen occur, the emergency action plan should be put into place. It is important to remember that a reaction may be instant or it may take several hours to develop. If symptoms occur, the child should be treated as per their personal action plan. It may be necessary to administer an Epipen for the child (injecting it into the upper thigh muscle), as it is possible they will be unable to self administer. An ambulance should be called immediately should a child be suspected of having been exposed to an allergen, even in the absence of symptoms.
The adrenalin within an Epipen will not cause permanent damaging side effects if administered unnecessarily. Known side effects are increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, nausea or headache. The risk of not giving adrenalin is greater than any potential risk of giving it.
Where to from here?
Governments, both local and Commonwealth are in the process of developing policies on the management of anaphylaxis within the school environment. Until such time as a ACT DECS policy is endorsed, this school has a duty of care to ensure the safety of all its children and as such, shall continue to support this school policy and develop further recommendations as necessary.
