At Little Haven we are aware that children may have or develop an allergy resulting in an allergic reaction. Our aims are 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
Our 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 or tongue, swelling to the airways to the lungs, wheezing and anaphylaxis.
We ask parents to share all information about allergic reactions and allergies on child’s registration form and to inform staff of any allergies discovered after registration.
- We share all information with all staff and keep an allergy register in the kitchen area
- Where a child has a known allergy, the nursery manager will carry out a full Allergy Risk Assessment Procedure with the parent prior to the child starting the nursery and shares this assessment with all staff
- 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
- The manager, nursery cook and parents will 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
- Seating will be monitored for children with allergies. Where deemed appropriate, staff will sit with children who have allergies and where age/stage appropriate staff will discuss food allergies and the potential risks
- If a child has an allergic reaction to food, a bee or wasp sting, plant etc. a 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 2014
From 13 December 2014, we will incorporate additional procedures in line with the Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR).
- We will display our weekly menus on the Parent Information Board and will identify when the 14 allergens are used as ingredients in any of our dishes.
Transporting children to hospital procedures
The nursery manager/staff member must:
- Call for an ambulance immediately if the allergic reaction is severe. DO NOT attempt to transport the sick child in your own vehicle
- Whilst waiting for the ambulance, contact the parent(s) 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. Children who witness an incident may well be affected by it and may need lots of cuddles and reassurance. Staff may also require additional support following the accident.
