Allergies

Evidence 

https://allergyaware.org.au/schools/best-practice-guidelines-schools 

The Best Practice Guidelines for Anaphylaxis Prevention and Management in Schools, developed by the National Allergy Council in partnership with ASCIA and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, offer evidence-based recommendations to help schools across Australia reduce anaphylaxis risk and support students with severe allergies. 

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 schools, while supporting students to participate in the full range of school life. 

Education 

A food allergy is when the body reacts in a harmful way to a certain food. For some children, their immune system sees a food (like egg, peanut, or milk) as dangerous, even though it’s not. This can cause symptoms like swelling, rashes, or vomiting and in rare cases, a severe reaction that needs emergency help. 

Allergies can develop in school-aged children, not just in babies and toddlers. 

While early introduction of common allergens (peanut, egg, milk, wheat, soy, tree nuts, sesame, fish) during infancy may reduce allergy risk, by school age, the focus shifts to safe management rather than prevention. 

For newly diagnosed children, consult a healthcare provider or allergy specialist to adjust dietary introduction based on individual risk. 

Signs & Reactions in School-Aged Children 

Be alert for symptoms after eating or exposure to known allergens: 

• Swelling of lips, face, or eyes 

• Skin reactions: hives, rash, welts 

• Digestive symptoms: vomiting, stomach pain 

• Respiratory symptoms: wheezing, throat tightness, shortness of breath 
• Severe cases: pale or floppy appearance, difficulty breathing—call 000 immediately for emergency assistance  

Managing Allergies in School and Beyond 

You can support your child by making sure their Allergy Action Plan is shared with teachers, school nurses, staff and caregivers, and kept up to date and easy to access. It’s also important to teach your child to understand their allergy—what foods or triggers to avoid, how to recognise symptoms, and when to ask for help. Everyone involved in your child’s care should know how to give antihistamines or an adrenaline injector (such as an EpiPen) if needed. Always ensure that both medicines and the Action Plan travel with your child, whether they are on a school excursion, at after-school activities, or carrying a sports bag. 

Social & Emotional Support 

• Educate classmates (in an age-appropriate way) and parents about allergies, ensuring awareness without stigma or fear. 

• Talk to your child about how it’s okay to say no to foods offered by others, and practice simple ways they can express their allergy (e.g., “I’m allergic to peanuts” “I’m allergic to dairy”). 

Empowerment 

You can empower your child by involving them in their own allergy management, such as checking ingredients together, helping to pack safe snacks, or identifying safer food options in the classroom. Encouraging independence while reinforcing clear boundaries helps them build confidence in knowing when they can manage a situation themselves and when they need to seek adult help.  

Using play, such as toy medical kits, role-play, or storybooks, can also be a powerful way to build confidence and reduce anxiety, helping your child feel more comfortable with medical care, medications, and emergency responses. 

Useful Links 

The National Allergy Council  

https://preventallergies.org.au/ 

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia 
https://allergyfacts.org.au 

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA): www.allergy.org.au 

SelectWisely (translation cards) 

www.selectwisely.com/ 

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