Allergy Management and Safety

At William Patten, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all our children, staff and visitors. In line with Benedict’s Law, we take a proactive, whole-school approach to allergy management and the prevention of anaphylaxis. Our aim is to ensure that children with allergies are fully supported and able to participate safely and confidently in all aspects of school life.

As required by statutory guidance, we have a dedicated Whole-School Allergy Policy. This is a standalone document focusing specifically on allergy safety and management, separate from our general medical needs policy.

William Patten Allergy policy 2026 -27

We are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an allergic emergency. The school has additional adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) on site, which are regularly checked to ensure they are in date and ready for use. All staff receive regular training to recognise the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and to respond appropriately, including the administration of emergency medication.

If your child has a diagnosed allergy, we work closely with you and relevant healthcare professionals to ensure that their individual needs are understood and appropriately supported. An Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) may be put in place where required. This records important information about your child’s allergy, including known triggers, symptoms, medication and emergency arrangements. Parents and carers should inform the school promptly of any changes to their child’s allergy, medication or medical advice.

We take reasonable and practical steps to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens across the school day. The school is nut free, and we remind families of this requirement at the start of each term and throughout the year. Nuts and products containing nuts must not be brought into school in packed lunches, snacks or as food contributions for events such as cake sales. Our catering team is trained in allergen management and the prevention of cross-contamination. We also consider allergy safety when planning curriculum activities, including D&T and science, as well as school trips and other activities outside the classroom.

Good communication is an important part of keeping children with allergies safe. Relevant information about a child’s allergy and emergency arrangements is shared appropriately with the staff responsible for their care, including teaching staff, support staff and other adults who may supervise them. We work closely with parents and carers to ensure that the information we hold is accurate and up to date.  As keeping children with allergies safe is a shared responsibility, parents and carers should inform the school as soon as possible of any changes to their child’s allergy, medication or healthcare advice.

If you have any questions, need to update your child’s medical information, or would like to discuss their allergy support, please contact the school office on admin@williampatten.hackney.sch.uk

Useful Allergy Resources

The following organisations provide reliable information and practical advice for parents and carers of children living with allergies:

Allergy UK – Information and support for parents, including advice about managing allergies at school, medication, school meals, trips and helping children become more independent.

Allergy UK – For Parents

Anaphylaxis UK – Advice for families on serious allergies and anaphylaxis, including information about adrenaline auto-injectors, recognising allergic reactions and preparing for school.

Anaphylaxis UK – Allergy support for parents

NHS – General information about allergies, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

NHS – Allergies