At St. Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Primary School, the safety, health and wellbeing of every child is at the heart of everything we do. We know that for families of children with allergies, asthma and other medical conditions, trusting others to care for your child can sometimes be a worry. We want to reassure you that we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where all children can participate fully in school life.

We have introduced an enhanced medical and allergy procedures across the school in line with our Trust's new allergy safety arrangements. These measures include improved staff training, clearer medical records, strengthened emergency procedures and a renewed focus on allergy awareness for both staff and pupils. 

A key part of keeping children safe is ensuring that the information we hold is accurate and up to date. Even small changes to a child's medical needs can make an important difference to how we support them in school.

We ask all parents and carers, including those whose child has no known medical conditions, review their child's medical information on Arbor on at least an annual basis and make any necessary updates.

If your child has an allergy, asthma or other medical condition, it is particularly important that the information provided is as complete as possible. Please ensure you include:

•             The medical condition or allergy.

•             The severity (mild, moderate, severe or unknown).

•             Known triggers or allergens.

•             Symptoms your child experiences.

•             Any medication prescribed.

•             Details of treatment required.

•             Any changes since the information was last updated. 

All this information can be updated on the Arbor Parent App. Clear and detailed information helps us ensure that staff can respond quickly and appropriately should a medical situation arise.

We also ask that you inform the school immediately if your child's medical needs change during the year.

Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs)

For pupils who have been prescribed an Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI), such as an EpiPen or Jext, we will ask parents to help us complete an Individual Healthcare plan (IHP) outlining their needs and any care required in school. We also ask parents to ensure that:

•             Two in-date devices are always provided for the school – these will be retained by the school please                 ensure they are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

•             Provide alternative AAIs for their child on the journey to and from school. 

•             Devices are replaced before they expire.

•             The school is informed of any changes to medication or dosage.

•             An up-to-date Allergy Action Plan is supplied whenever available. 

Our staff receive regular training to recognise allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and to administer emergency medication quickly and appropriately if required. We also maintain emergency spare AAIs in school in line with Trust procedures. 

Asthma Inhalers

If your child has asthma, please ensure that they have an in-date reliever inhaler available in school where required and that we have the most recent information about their condition. We also encourage families to provide an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan where available. 

The school maintains an emergency asthma inhaler for use in exceptional circumstances.

Our Allergy-Aware Approach

While it is impossible to guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, we take reasonable and proportionate steps to reduce risk and support pupils with allergies.

These include:

•             Annual allergy awareness training for staff.

•             Maintaining up-to-date allergy and medical records.

•             Risk assessments for trips, visits and relevant activities.

•             Promoting good hygiene practices.

•             Educating pupils about allergies, respect for others and the dangers of sharing food.

•             Ensuring emergency medication can be accessed quickly when needed.  

We are committed to ensuring that children with allergies or asthma are fully included in school life and can participate safely in trips, clubs, sporting activities and enrichment opportunities. 

We are a nut-free school and ask that parents do not send their child into school with any food containing nuts.

Working Together

Keeping children safe is most effective when schools and families work in partnership. Thank you for helping us maintain accurate medical information and for supporting these important arrangements.

If you have any questions about your child's allergies, asthma, medical needs or emergency medication, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. We are always happy to discuss individual circumstances and work with families to ensure the right support is in place.