A SCHOOL’S (Allergy Safety) Bill has been introduced to Parliament by Redditch MP Chris Bloore in a bid to help ensure every school is properly equipped and trained to protect children living with allergies.
The bill – presented under the Ten Minute Rule – would require every school to have a robust, up-to-date allergy management policy created in partnership with parents, pupils and healthcare professionals.
Schools would also have to have mandatory allergy awareness and emergency response training for all school staff and a supply of spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) on-site, treated like defibrillators, to be used in an emergency.
Mr Bloore said: “Every parent deserves the peace of mind that when they drop their child off at school, they’ll come home safe.
“Yet too many families face a postcode lottery, with protections varying wildly from school to school.
“My bill would end this inconsistency by ensuring every school has a clear allergy policy, staff trained to spot and respond to allergic reactions and life-saving medication on hand.
“These are simple, common-sense steps that will save lives and ensure children with allergies are included, not excluded, from everyday school life.”
The bill has been welcomed by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, whose co-founder, Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, said: “We’re delighted Mr Bloore has raised the safety of food allergic pupils in school in Parliament and fully support his bill.
“Around two pupils in every classroom now have a food allergy, yet our research with NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union shows that 67 per cent of teachers have received no formal allergy training.
“These measures would make a real difference, giving thousands of families the peace of mind they so desperately need and deserve.”
The Schools (Allergy Safety) Bill’s Second Reading has been requested for the next parliamentary session.
Visit chrisbloore.co.uk/allergy-safety for more information.
