Allergy & Anaphylaxis Awareness for Schools

The important medical difference between an allergy and an intolerance, and why it matters so much in a school setting.

The foods and other triggers that most often cause serious reactions in children, and the hidden places allergens can turn up.

What happens in the body during anaphylaxis, why it's a medical emergency, and why adrenaline given early is the answer.

Why an allergic reaction can return hours after apparent recovery, and why every case of anaphylaxis must go to hospital.

The emotional side of allergies for a child, and how to keep pupils safe while still helping them feel included.

Where allergens hide in school — The many places allergens appear across the school day, from the dining hall to the classroom, science lab and craft table.

Cross-contamination: direct and indirect — What cross-contamination is, the difference between direct and indirect, and how easily an allergen can spread.

Preventing cross-contamination — Simple everyday routines — clean hands, surfaces and equipment — that prevent the majority of incidents without singling anyone out.

Reading labels and notifiable allergens — The 14 allergens that must be declared by law, why label-reading is a core safety skill, and the golden rule when you're unsure.

Consequences of poor allergen control — An honest look at why allergen control matters, and what's at stake for children and for schools when it's not taken seriously.

Signs of a mild to moderate reaction — How to recognise the early signs of an allergic reaction and why staying alert to escalation matters.

Signs of anaphylaxis — the ABC danger signs — The most important lesson in the course: the Airway, Breathing and Consciousness danger signs that mean a reaction has become life-threatening.

Emergency response — the immediate steps — Exactly what to do when a child shows signs of anaphylaxis, step by step, from lying them down to giving adrenaline and calling 999.

After the emergency — What happens after adrenaline is given: handover to paramedics, hospital, contacting parents, recording the incident and supporting staff.

The correct position — Why positioning matters so much in anaphylaxis, and the single rule to remember: keep them low.

Practice scenario — putting it together — A real-world lunchtime scenario to bring the emergency response together and build your confidence to act.

What is an adrenaline auto-injector? — What an auto-injector is, how it delivers life-saving adrenaline, and why it's designed for anyone to use.

How to use an EpiPen and Jext  — A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of using an EpiPen and Jext safely in an emergency.

Spare auto-injectors in school — Why schools hold spare auto-injectors under Benedict's Law, and how they should be stored and made accessible to all staff.

Storage, checking and expiry — How to store and check auto-injectors so they're ready to work when they're needed most.

Adrenaline nasal spray — A look at adrenaline nasal sprays as a newer, needle-free option, and the principle that never changes.

The whole-school allergy policy — Why a whole-school allergy policy sits at the heart of Benedict's Law, and the parts that apply to your role.

Individual healthcare plans — What an individual healthcare plan contains, and why knowing the plans for children in your care is essential.

Allergy bullying and safeguarding — Why allergy bullying is a serious safeguarding concern, and how to recognise, challenge and report it.

Managing allergies on trips, clubs and events — How to keep pupils with allergies safe and included beyond the classroom — on trips, at clubs and during celebrations.

Communicating with parents and carers — How good communication and partnership with parents builds the trust that keeps allergic children safest

Keeping skills up to date — Why allergy and emergency skills fade without practice, and simple ways to keep yours sharp.

Course summary — A round-up of everything you've learned, from recognising reactions to your duties under Benedict's Law.

Closing and certification — A final word, your next steps, and how to complete the assessment to earn your certificate.