Allergy and Anaphylaxis for Schools and Early Years Course

Allergy and Anaphylaxis for Schools and Early Years – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces allergy and anaphylaxis awareness for people working in schools and early years settings. It explores how allergies can be managed, the responsibilities of staff and the importance of preparing for allergic reactions, including potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Learners will consider emergency response procedures, the management of adrenaline auto-injectors, food allergy precautions and effective communication with parents and carers. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 course providing awareness and theoretical knowledge of allergy and anaphylaxis management. It does not replace practical emergency response training or any regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Managing allergies in schools and early years settings
• Legal duties, responsibilities and staff roles
• Understanding allergies and anaphylaxis
• Emergency management of anaphylaxis
• Emergency response procedures
• Spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) in schools
• Staff training and awareness
• Allergies and bullying
• Working in partnership with parents and carers
• Allergy considerations during sport and physical activity
• Safe storage and access to adrenaline auto-injectors
• Monitoring medication expiry dates
• Catering arrangements and food allergies
• Encouraging cooperation between families and settings
• Supporting food-allergic babies during weaning
• Emergency medication and its management

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people who work with or support children in schools and early years environments. It may be particularly useful for:
• School teachers and teaching assistants
• Early years practitioners working in nurseries, preschools and childcare settings
• School nurses and healthcare staff
• Administrative and other school support staff
• Lunchtime supervisors
• Staff involved in children’s activities and supervision
• Parent volunteers supporting school activities
• School governors involved in policies and procedures
• Individuals completing induction, refresher or awareness training

Practical benefits
• Develop an understanding of allergies and anaphylaxis in educational settings
• Recognise the importance of identifying and managing allergy risks
• Understand staff responsibilities when supporting children with allergies
• Explore emergency response procedures for anaphylactic reactions
• Understand considerations relating to the storage and accessibility of adrenaline auto-injectors
• Improve awareness of food allergy precautions in catering and childcare
• Recognise the importance of communication with parents, carers and colleagues
• Understand allergy-related considerations during sport and physical activities
• Support more consistent approaches to allergy awareness and safety
• Gain a free CPD-accredited certificate after successfully completing the course quiz

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key principles and terminology relating to allergies and anaphylaxis
• Recognise the importance of allergy awareness in schools and early years settings
• Identify common allergy-related risks and concerns
• Understand individual responsibilities and role boundaries
• Explain the importance of appropriate allergy management arrangements
• Recognise the need for a prompt and appropriate response to suspected anaphylaxis
• Understand the importance of appropriate access to emergency medication
• Communicate effectively with parents, carers and relevant staff about allergy-related concerns
• Recognise when further advice, reporting or escalation may be required
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles to help support children’s safety and inclusion

Is this training a legal requirement?
The supplied course information refers to legal duties and responsibilities associated with allergy management in schools and early years settings, but it does not identify specific legislation or establish that this particular course is legally required for all staff. Training needs will depend on the setting, the responsibilities of individual staff members and the arrangements in place for children with allergies. Organisations should determine the appropriate training required for their circumstances.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. Successful completion leads to a free CPD-accredited certificate that can be downloaded or printed. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is delivered online for flexible study.