The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity and the charity partner of Country Range Group, has launched a new £1 million Allergy School programme, which aims to transform the understanding of food allergies in schools so that children with food allergies feel empowered, included and protected. It provides practical resources for nurseries, primary schools and out of school clubs and groups looking after children aged three to 11, with plans to extend Allergy School to secondary, further and higher education. The resources are completely free and are all compatible with the national curriculum.
Martin Ward, Chief Executive of the Country Range Group, says: “We are delighted to be supporting The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation in delivering such a ground-breaking and essential educational programme. Studies show around two children in every classroom now has a food allergy and 20% of food allergic reactions occur in schools.”
New research shows that 95% of teachers now have children with food allergies in their school and yet 67% have had no allergy awareness training. The survey of almost 1,900 members of the NASUWT, the teachers’ union, in collaboration with Natasha’s Foundation, revealed that one in five teachers has never been taught how to administer an adrenaline auto-injector which could save a life in a food allergy emergency, and almost two thirds (60%) don’t know or are unsure if their school has an allergy policy.
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of the charity, whose daughter Natasha died aged 15 from a food allergic reaction, said: “It can be hard to keep a child with food allergies safe in school. Finding a nursery where Natasha would be safe was extremely difficult. Natasha at times was bullied at school because of her food allergies and this was incredibly stressful and isolating for both her and our family. The government, schools, teachers, parents and pupils need to come together to support children with food allergies. Our Allergy School will transform levels of awareness and understanding of food allergies to ensure all children are safe and able to participate fully at school.”
The free, national programme has been developed in partnership with The King’s Foundation, St John Ambulance, Coram Life Education the children’s charity and Tesco Stronger Starts.
A Wealth of Resources
The Allergy School website (www.allergyschool.org.uk) offers a wide range of resources. This includes an online self-assessment tool for early years and primary schools, school clubs and out-of-school groups to complete to understand how food allergy-friendly their organisation is and how they can improve the safety and wellbeing of students with food allergies. Once this has been completed, they will receive an Allergy School certificate and logo for use on their website and in marketing materials; information and advice on the Allergy School journey and details on how to sign up for the free, online training course “Allergy and Anaphylaxis for Schools” delivered by High Speed Training.
The “Welcome To Allergy School” film gives invaluable advice for teachers, schools and clubs. This includes information for staff training, off-site trips and how to respond to a food allergy emergency. Other films for pupils and teachers include a quiz and first aid advice. The films are sponsored by Tesco Stronger Starts, and they introduce Arlo, a friendly armadillo who has food allergies, a puppet created and brought to life by Sesame Street puppeteer Warrick Brownlow-Pike. Arlo helps to educate children about food allergies in a positive and engaging way. There are also lesson plans and assembly packs for key Stages 1 and 2.
Jan Parnell, Director of Education at Natasha’s Foundation, said: “We recognise that nurseries, schools and out-of-school settings are seeing more children with food allergies come through their doors than ever before. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding about the seriousness of food allergies and how to manage them. We want to end the challenges that children with food allergies face so that they can be fully involved in all activities in and out of school. We would urge all schools to use our free resources.”
A Welcome Approach to Education
As Royal Founding President of The King’s Foundation and Royal Patron of St John Ambulance, His Majesty King Charles has sent a message of support saying: “I am delighted to hear of the launch of ‘Allergy School’, the new educational programme by The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities. I am particularly heartened that my King’s Foundation has been closely involved with the project, helping all of us to become more aware of the many ways we can support one another, especially the more vulnerable in our society.”
Stephen Morgan, Minister for Early Years Education, has congratulated the work of the charity, saying: “The safety of our children is the most important thing both in and outside of school, and I welcome the important work being carried out by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. I encourage all settings to make use of engaging programmes such as these, alongside taking the necessary steps to manage allergy risks as clearly set out in the government’s allergy guidance.”
Find out more:
find out more information about the NARF Allergy School.