Manage anaphylaxis risk

Reducing the risk of allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) in Children’s Education and Care Services.

This document provides examples of strategies that Early Children’s Education and Care (CEC) services can use to reduce the risk of children being exposed to their known allergens.

It should be read alongside the recommendations and implementation guide in the National Allergy Council’s Best Practice Guidelines for Anaphylaxis Prevention and Management in Children’s Education and Care.

Training

• All staff have a role in anaphylaxis prevention and management and should know how to recognise and respond to anaphylaxis. It is recommended that all staff undertake anaphylaxis training at least every two years. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) anaphylaxis e-training is freely available.

• Following food allergen management protocols and procedures reduce the risk of a child with food allergy being given their food allergen. It is recommended that anyone who plans, makes or serves food or supervises meals or drinks in CEC services should complete the All About Allergens for CEC free online training and read the Managing Food Allergies in Children’s Education and Care Kitchen Handbook. This includes managers, educators, cooks, chefs and volunteers.

Policies and Documentation

• CEC services should have an anaphylaxis management policy, a food allergy policy, and procedures for food allergen management.

• Audit the service regularly to check that policies and procedures are being followed consistently throughout the service.

• All parents of children with known allergies attending the CEC service must provide an ASCIA Action Plan completed and signed by their child’s doctor or nurse practitioner. Use the same approach for all types of food allergies, regardless of the type of ASCIA Action Plan the child has.

• CEC services should work with families to decide which strategies are appropriate for each child and be aware that measures may differ depending on the age and developmental ability of the individual child. Document these strategies in the child’s individualised anaphylaxis care plan, and communicate them to staff, families and the broader CEC community where appropriate.

• Parents should not be asked to sign disclaimers or waivers about possible exposure to food allergens while their child is at a CEC service.