At The Cradle Nursery we are aware that the children can have allergies which may cause allergic
reactions. We will follow this policy to ensure allergic reactions are minimise or where possible,
prevented and staff are fully aware of how to recognise and support a child who may be having an
allergic reaction. This policy should be used in conjunction with our Food and Drink Policy;
Accident, Incident and First Aid Policy; and Medication, Illness and Infection Control Policy.
Procedures to be followed:
- • Staff will be 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, red eyes, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of
the mouth or tongue, swelling to the airways to the lungs, wheezing and anaphylaxis.
- • Information should be passed on by parents from the registration form regarding allergic
reactions and allergies and must be shared with all staff in the nursery. Where an allergy
is identified after registration this will be added to the child’s personal record.
- • Records of children’s allergy will be kept safe and accessible to all staff members
and kitchen staff. The nursery manager must carry out a full allergy risk assessment and
complete an allergy management plan with the parents prior to the child starting the
nursery. The information must then be shared with ALL staff and
reviewed with the parent regularly.
- • All food prepared for a child with a specific allergy will be 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. This will be served on red plates to ensure all
staff working within the nursery are aware of the allergy.
- • Be aware the some craft materials such as play dough may contain allergens that could
trigger an allergic reaction and must be considered as part of the risk assessment for
children with severe allergies.
- • We are a nut free nursery and take care not to provide food containing nuts or nut
products. We also ask that parents who provide a packed lunch for their child do not include
items containing nuts or nut products. We are especially vigilant when we have a child with
a known nut allergy.
- • 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.
- • We follow guidance by the Food Standards Agency and provide details on the 14 most
commonly identified food allergens for all our menus.
- • Seating will be monitored for children with allergies. Where 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 staff will act quickly and administer the appropriate treatment. Parents must
be informed and it must be recorded in the incident book.
- • If this treatment requires specialist treatment, e.g an Epi Pen, 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.
- • If an allergic reaction is severe a senior staff will call an ambulance immediately. We
WILL NOT attempt to transport the sick/injured child in our own vehicle.
- • Whilst waiting for the ambulance, we will contact parent/carer and arrange to meet them at
the hospital.
- • The most senior staff member present at the nursery must accompany the child and collect
together registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication and the child’s
comforter.
- • Staff must remain calm at all times; children who witness an allergic reaction may well be
affected by it and may need lots of reassurance.
- • All incidents will be recorded, shared and signed by parents at the earliest opportunity.
- • Staff may also require support following an incident.
- • If a staff member has a specific allergy it is their responsibility to ensure that the
nursery manager and colleagues are made aware.
