Allergies and Allergic Reactions Policy and Procedure

HSCS: 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.19, 1.24,
1.28, 1.37, 2.23, 3.4, 3.14, 3.17,
3.18, 3.20, 3.21, 3.25, 4.2,

At Willow Den Scotland, 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.

Prevention:

To prevent potential risk of allergic reactions:

1. 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
2. We ask parents to share all information about allergic reactions and allergies on
   their child’s registration form, which is stored on our ONLINE SOFTWARE PORTAL.
3. All staff will be informed of any allergies discovered after registration and all
   medical and allergy information will be in the children’s ONLINE SOFTWARE
   PORTAL file and stored online in a password protected cloud file.
   2
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The manager/senior practitioner, 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.
7. 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.
   

Allergic Reactions procedure:

If a child has an allergic reaction to food, a bee or was sting, plant etc.

Step 1 A first aid trained member of staff will act quickly and administer the appropriate treatment

Step 2 Parents will be informed

Step 3 Staff will record the allergic reaction and log any treatment/medication administered on the child’s care plan

Step 4 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. We will follow management of medication guidance and refer to our medication procedures.

Food Information (Scotland) Regulations 2014

From 13 December 2014, we will incorporate additional procedures in line with the Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR).

• Our menus will be shared with parents online and will identify when the 14 allergens are used as ingredients in any of our dishes

Transporting children to hospital procedures

Refer to First Aid policy (Policy Reference 23)