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Child Allergy Policy V4

 

References:

Licensing Criteria, 2008, Health and Safety, Child Health and Well-Being, HS115

Te Whāriki:

Mana Atua/Well-being - Goal 1: Tamariki/children experience an environment where their health is promoted.

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Our Aim:

To minimise the risk for any tamaiti with an allergy whilst attending our preschool.

 

General:

Windsor Montessori prioritises the health and well-being of all tamariki at our preschool. We are aware that tamariki who attend our preschool may suffer from food, bee/wasp sting, animal or nut allergies. We believe that all allergies must be taken seriously and that every effort to minimise the risk of exposure must be made to prevent a tamaiti with an allergy coming into contact with the allergens that may trigger a reaction.

Windsor Montessori Preschool are committed to creating a safe environment for tamariki in our care and for kaiako who work with us. We recognise that although it is impossible to create an ‘allergen free’ environment, we are committed to minimising the risk of exposure by encouraging self-responsibility and having plan for an effective response to possible emergencies.

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Definitions:

Allergy - A condition in which the body has an exaggerated response to a substance.

Allergen - A normally harmless substance that triggers an allergic reaction in the immune system of a susceptible person.

 

Allergy Management Responsibilities

 

  • When parents/whānau/caregivers enrol their tamaiti at the preschool, they will be asked if their tamaiti suffers from any known allergies.

  • This response is recorded on the enrolment form.

  • An updated Allergy Register is kept in the kitchen.

  • The Head Kaiako will carry out a full Allergy Risk Assessment and complete an Allergy Health Care Plan with the parents/whānau/caregivers prior to the tamaiti starting the preschool.

  • This information will be shared with all kaiako and reviewed with the parents/whānau/caregivers on a termly basis.

  • The following details will be recorded on the Allergy Health Care Plan:

    • Tamaiti/kaiako details  

    • Precautionary measures; list of allergens to avoid 

    • Description of usual symptoms  

    • Action to take in the event of the tamaiti/kaiako having an allergic reaction including a Crisis Management Plan for severe reactions  

  • Details of any medication kept onsite, including but not limited to Epi-pens 

 

Allergy Management Procedures

  • Any food prepared i.e. morning/afternoon kai, will be prepared in an area where there is no chance of allergen contamination.

  • Kai will then be served on equipment that has not been in contact with specific allergen type 

  • Kaiako will reinforce to tamariki the importance of not sharing their kai with others. 

  • Lunch-time will be well supervised by kaiako who will sit with tamariki.

  • Tamariki and kaiako will wash hands before preparing and/or eating kai.

  • Tables used for lunch-time will be sprayed and wiped down both before morning kai and after lunch.

  • Kaiako are aware that some craft materials, such as playdough, may contain allergens that could trigger an allergic reaction. This is therefore considered as part of the Risk Assessment for tamariki with severe allergies.  

  • We are a nut-free preschool will not provide kai containing nuts or nut products. We also ask that parents/whānau/caregivers who provide a packed lunch for their tamaiti do not include items containing nuts or nut products. We are especially vigilant with this when we have a tamaiti with a known nut allergy

  • We follow guidance by the NZ Food Safety along with the allergy and anaphylaxis guidelines for Early Childhood Services and School (Allergy NZ).

  • If a tamaiti has an allergic reaction to kai, a bee/wasp sting, plant etc, kaiako will act quickly and administer the appropriate treatment. Parents/whānau/caregivers will be informed and the incident, which will be recorded in the Accident/Illness Book  

  • If the tamaiti requires specialist treatment, e.g. an Epi-Pen, all kaiako will receive specific medical training to be able to administer this treatment to the tamaiti.  

  • If the allergic reaction is severe, the Head Kaiako will summon an ambulance immediately.

  • Whilst waiting for the ambulance, kaiako will contact the parents/whānau/caregivers and arrange to meet them at the hospital.

  • The Head Kaiako/person responsible will accompany the tamaiti to the hospital.

  • Kaiako will remain calm at all times; tamariki who witness an allergic reaction may well be affected by it and may require lots of reassurance.

  • Ongoing training and education for kaiako about food allergy management, anaphylaxis and use of adrenaline injectors will be made available.

  • All incidents will be recorded, shared and signed by parents/whānau/caregivers at the earliest opportunity.  

  • Kaiako may also require support following an incident.

  • Any instances of severe allergic reaction will be reported to the Ministry of Education.

Date:  May 2025

Next review date: May 2027

         

                                                                                                                                     

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