10 tips for supporting early years children with allergies

Allergies affect millions of people in the UK, with some allergies causing severe reactions. Ensuring all of your staff are aware of your allergy policy and procedures is essential to keep children safe. Use our top tips for reviewing your practice. 

1. Check that all staff are aware of the signs and treatments of allergies and anaphylaxis in case of an unknown or first reaction in a child, the differences between allergies and intolerances and that children can develop allergies at any time, especially during the introduction of solid foods 

2. Ensure all parents share information about special dietary requirements, preferences, food allergies and intolerances on their child’s registration form. Check all staff are informed of any allergies discovered after the initial registration period 

3. Make sure you have ongoing conversations with parents (and health professionals, where appropriate) to develop allergy action plans for managing any known allergies and intolerances 

4. Full allergy risk assessments are carried out with the parents prior to the child starting the nursery and/or following notification of a known allergy and this assessment is shared with all staff 

5. Ensure allergy plans are developed and reviewed regularly with parents to manage any known allergies and intolerances 

6. Check all food for a child with a specific allergy is prepared in an area where there is no chance of contamination, served on and with equipment that has not been in contact with this specific food type, e.g. nuts, gluten 

7. Confirm that there is clear responsibility for checking that the food being provided meets all the requirements for each child 

8. Ensure 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 

9. Access the Food Standards Agency FREE Food Allergy training to develop confidence and knowledge of preparing and handling foods safely 

10. Ensure you have staff holding a full 12 hour paediatric first aid (PFA)certificate with children who are eating. Full PFA training includes managing allergies and allergic reactions.  

NDNA products to support

• Allergies and allergic reactions policy
• Millie’s Mark