Allergy Awareness and Safety

Keeping students safe, included and supported.

At The Pingle Academy, we take allergies seriously. We recognise that allergic reactions can be life-threatening and we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for students with allergies.

We work in partnership with students, parents/carers, staff and healthcare professionals to reduce risks, ensure appropriate support and respond effectively to emergencies.

Our arrangements follow the Department for Education's statutory guidance on allergy safety in schools and the requirements of Benedict's Law.

Our Allergy Safety Policy

Our Allergy Safety Policy explains how we identify and support students with allergies, reduce exposure to known allergens, manage medication, train staff and respond to emergencies.

The policy is reviewed at least annually and is available here: Allergy Policy                                                       

Information for parents and carers

Please inform us promptly if your child has a diagnosed or suspected allergy, or if their medical needs or medication change. 

We ask parents/carers to provide relevant medical information, an up-to-date Allergy Action Plan where applicable, and details of any prescribed medication. We will work with families to agree appropriate arrangements to keep students safe.

Please contact our student wellbeing advisor, Mr E Harbone (eharbone.tpa@affinitylp.co.uk) or your child’s Assistant Head of Year to inform us of new information or of a change in circumstances.

Food brought into the academy

We are committed to being an allergy-aware academy and ask all students, parents/carers, staff and visitors to help us reduce the risks faced by members of our community who have food allergies.  We strongly encourage everyone to avoid bringing nuts and nut-containing products onto the academy site. Although we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, being mindful of the food we bring into school can help reduce potential risks and demonstrate consideration for others.

Food brought into the academy for events and celebrations must follow the academy's arrangements to help protect students with allergies.

Thank you for helping us create a safer, more inclusive environment where everyone can feel supported.

Catering and allergens

We work with our catering provider (Aspens) to manage food allergies and reduce the risk of exposure to allergens. Clear and accessible allergen information will be available for food provided through our catering arrangements. 

We ask students to check with the catering team if they are unsure whether food is suitable for their allergy.  Parents/Carers should complete the Alternative Menu Form should you wish for your child to be provided with food from the canteen that is free of specific allergens.  A menu consultation meeting can be arranged with the catering team if required by emailing fharvey.tpa@affinitylp.co.uk.

Our catering provider’s allergens policy can be located here: Aspens Allergens Policy 

Individual Healthcare Plans

Where a student requires additional or different support, we will work with the student, their parents/carers and relevant healthcare professionals to develop an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHCP), where appropriate.

This will set out individual risks, emergency arrangements, medication requirements and any adjustments needed to support safe participation in lessons, trips and other activities.

Emergency Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

The Academy stocks emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) in accordance with Department for Education guidance. These spare devices are available for emergency use if a student’s own prescribed AAI is unavailable, misfires, or a second dose is required. They may also be administered in exceptional emergencies to any individual displaying suspected anaphylaxis.

Emergency AAIs are a back-up measure and do not replace the requirement for pupils with prescribed AAIs to have immediate access to their own devices at all times. Our emergency arrangements are supported by staff training and procedures to ensure suspected anaphylaxis is treated as a medical emergency.  Emergency adrenaline auto-injectors do not replace the need for students who have been prescribed their own devices to have prompt access to them.

Staff training and awareness

All staff receive allergy awareness and emergency response training in line with statutory guidance. Staff are expected to understand their responsibilities, recognise the signs of an allergic reaction, follow individual healthcare plans and know how to summon help and access emergency medication.

We also promote awareness among students to encourage understanding, respect and a shared responsibility for keeping one another safe.

Trips and extracurricular activities

Students with allergies should be able to participate fully in academy life. We consider individual healthcare needs, medication access, food provision and relevant risks when planning trips, PE and extracurricular activities.

Where necessary, we work with families to agree suitable arrangements and reasonable adjustments to support safe participation.

Reporting incidents and near misses

All allergy-related incidents and near misses must be reported promptly to the academy’s named allergy lead, Mrs F Harvey (fharvey.tpa@affinitylp.co.uk).  We record and review incidents, inform parents/carers as appropriate, and take action to address any identified risks. Serious incidents are escalated and reported in accordance with the academy's procedures and applicable requirements.

Contact us

If you have any questions about allergy safety at The Pingle Academy, please contact our named allergy lead, Mrs F Harvey (fharvey.tpa@affinitylp.co.uk).