Allergies & Allergic Reactions

Allergies and Allergic Reactions Policy

Providers are responsible for ensuring they follow the current version of the framework for their provider type.

At Just Little Kidz 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.

Our procedures

• All staff are made aware of the signs and symptoms of a possible allergic reaction in case of an unknown or first reaction in a child. These 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. 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
• Before a child is admitted to the setting we obtain information about special dietary requirements, preferences, food allergies and intolerances that the child has
• We have ongoing discussions with parents and, where appropriate, health professionals to develop allergy plans for managing any known allergies and intolerances. 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 in the room noticeboard, with the master record kept in a lockable box in the office
• Where a child has a known allergy, the nursery manager will carry out a full allergy risk assessment 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 manager, 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 designing an appropriate menu or substituting specific meals on the current nursery menu
• 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
• 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
• 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 in the incident book and on the allergy register
• 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 specific medical training to be able to administer the treatment to each individual child.

Food Information Regulations (FIR) 2014

We incorporate additional procedures in line with the FIR, including displaying our weekly menus on the parent information board, website or online system identifying any of the 14 allergens that are used as ingredients in any of our dishes.

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. This may mean temporarily grouping the children together
• 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 well affected by it and may need lots of cuddles and reassurance. Staff may also require additional support following the incident
• Where a serious incident occurs and a child requires hospital treatment, Ofsted will be informed.

*If a child has an accident that may require hospital treatment but not an ambulance and you choose to transport children within staff vehicles Citation advise you to consider the following in your policy:

• Request permission from parents
• Maintain ratio requirements of the setting
• Consider the age and height of the child, in regards to whether they will need a car seat. Further guidance can be found at www.childcarseats.org.uk/types-of-seat/
• There are some exceptions for needing a child seat depending on the age of the child. Further guidance can be found at www.childcarseats.org.uk/the-law/cars-taxis-private-hire-vehicles-vans-and-goods-vehicles/#under-three
• When fitting the car seat, check the individual has training in carrying this out
• Check this transport is covered under business insurance, by calling your insurance company, or check if the staff member has business insurance on their vehicle
• Ensure the child is effectively safeguarded, e.g. a designated member of staff appointed to plan and provide oversight of all transporting arrangements and respond to any difficulties that may arise
• Wherever possible and practicable it is advisable that transport is undertaken other than in private vehicles, with at least one adult additional to the driver acting as an escort. Staff should ensure that their behaviour is safe and that the transport arrangements and the vehicle meet all legal requirements. They should ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and appropriately insured and that the maximum capacity is not exceeded
• Plan emergency procedures, e.g. what will happen if the child’s health begins to deteriorate during the journey.

This policy is updated at least annually in consultation with staff and parents and/or after a serious incident.