STATEMENT
This policy is concerned with a whole club approach to the health care and of those members of the club and community suffering from specific allergies. Blue Bears Playscheme is aware that staff and children who attend our club may suffer from food, bee/wasp sting, animal or nut allergies and believe that all allergies should be taken seriously and dealt with in a professional and appropriate way.
Blue Bears Playscheme does not guarantee a completely allergen free environment, rather to minimise the risk of exposure encourage self-responsibility and plan for effective response to possible emergencies. Blue Bears Playscheme is committed to children
• Not sharing food and drink.
• Parents are asked to provide details of allergies on admission to our Clubs.
• All food should be clearly labelled
The 14 Most Common Food Allergies
• Peanuts. and tree nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios and macadamia nuts).
• Soy.
• Wheat.
• Tree Nuts.
• Shellfish.
• Fish.
• Celery
• Eggs
• Lupin
• Milk, Molluscs (such as mussels and oysters),
• Raw Fruits and Vegetables. …
• Sesame Seeds. Put down the everything bagel — one seed on your favourite
breakfast treat could cause a boatload of allergenic symptoms,
AIM:
The intention of this policy is to minimise the risk of any child or member of staff suffering an allergic reaction whilst at the Club. An allergic reaction to nuts is the most common high-risk allergy and as such demands more rigorous controls throughout the policy.
The underlying principles of this policy include: The establishment of effective risk management practices to minimise the child, staff, parent and visitor exposure to known trigger foods and insects. Staff will undergo any training and education to ensure effective emergency response to any allergic reaction situation.
This policy applies to all members of the Club including parents, guardians, volunteers.
Role of parents /carer
Any Snacks and lunches provided by parents should be peanut and nut allergy free.
The Club will ensure that parents are regularly reminded of the Importance of nut free snacks.
Common allergy triggers include:
• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold.
• Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk.
• Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp.
• Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
DEFINITIONS
Allergy – A condition in which the body has an exaggerated response to a substance (e.g. food or drug) also known as hypersensitivity.
Allergen – A normally harmless substance that triggers an allergic reaction in the immune system of a susceptible person.
Anaphylaxis – Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a sudden, Severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction to food, stings, bites, or medicines.
Epipen – Brand name for syringe style device containing the drug Adrenalin, Which is ready for immediate inter muscular administration.
Minimised Risk – Environment An environment where risk management practices (E.g. risk assessment forms) have minimised the risk of (allergen) exposure.
Risk Assessment/ Health – Care Plan A detailed document outlining an individual child’s condition, treatment and action plan.
Parents should liaise with staff about appropriateness of snacks and any food related activities (e.g., cooking science experiments).
Staff Role
Staff are responsible for familiarising themselves with the policy and to adhere to health &
safety regulations regarding food and drink.
If a child’s admission form states that the child has an allergy then the parents must fill out the risk assessment form before the child starts the Club
Any allergies identified a plan is to be put in place. If a child has an allergy requiring an Epipen, or the risk assessment deems it necessary, a Health Care Plan must be completed and signed by staff and parents. Upon determining that a child attending the clubs.
A team meeting will be set up as soon as possible where all staff concerned attend to have update knowledge and awareness of child’s needs.
All staff who come into contact with the child will be made aware of what treatment/medication is required and where any medication is stored.
All staff will promote hand washing before and after eating. Snack time food is monitored by staff to ensure that all food brought in by parents are peanut, nut free and other allergens depending on the children attending.
All staff will know the procedures at snack and lunch time to ensure the safety of children with allergies. However, staff cannot guarantee that foods will not contain traces of nuts if the food is brought in by family members.
All tables are cleaned with an approved solution. Children are not permitted to share food.
EpiPen and emergency medication will be easily accessible, especially at times of high risk.
Staff Action
In the event of a child suffering an allergic reaction: We will delegate someone to contact the child’s parents.
If a child becomes distressed or symptoms become more serious telephone 999
Keep calm, make the child feel comfortable and give the child space.
If medication is available it will be administered as per training and in conjunction with the Medication Policy If parents or responsible adult Blue Bears Playscheme
Allergy Policy
Have not arrived by the time ambulance arrives a member of staff will accompany the child to hospital.
This policy was adopted by: Blue Bears Playscheme
Review Date: 2021
November: 2019
