Skip to main content

Best Practice Resources funded by the
Australian Government Department of Health

sun

Best practice guidelines for anaphylaxis prevention and management in children’s education and care

Best Practice Guidelines CEC

pdfBest practice guidelines children's education and care 2.00MB

The National Allergy Council’s Best Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Anaphylaxis in Children’s Education and Care (the Best Practice Guidelines) are based on the current evidence-base and best-practice. The Best Practice Guidelines were developed by the National Allergy Council in consultation with key stakeholder organisations, staff working in the children’s education and care (CEC) sector and parents of children who are enrolled in CEC services.

The Best Practice Guidelines aim to provide best-practice guidance and support through the provision of sample documents and templates, to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis in CEC services while supporting children to participate in the full range of CEC activities.

The Best Practice Guidelines have been developed to provide guidance and support to CEC services across all states and territories of Australia. However, it is important to note the following:

  • National laws exist, and CEC services must comply with the national regulations.
  • CEC services must comply with national law outlining CEC standards across Australia. National regulations provide practical details on how to comply with the national laws.
    • Where state and territory legislation exist, CEC services must comply with the legislation in their jurisdiction.
    • Where state or territory guidelines exist, CEC services are encouraged to comply with the guidelines in their jurisdiction.
    • The Best Practice Guidelines may recommend measures which are additional to the legislation and/or guidelines nationally and in your state or territory. Implementing these additional measures where possible, is encouraged.

The Best Practice Guidelines can be used by overarching bodies (such as state and territory Departments) when reviewing and updating their legislation, central guidelines, policies and procedures, to standardise anaphylaxis management across Australia.
The Best Practice Guidelines can also be used by individual CEC services to identify appropriate strategies to manage anaphylaxis at the individual CEC service level.

The Best Practice Guidelines help prevent and manage anaphylaxis in children, however CEC services should also have strategies in place for staff, volunteers and visitors with confirmed allergies.

Content updated March 2024