Date: | August 2026 |
Date for Review: | September 2027 |
Author/ Person responsible for this policy: | College Bursar |
Jersey College for Girls & Jersey College Preparatory School
Summary of most recent amendments
Substantial update following guidance received from The Allergy Team (including draft guidance Supporting children and young people with medical conditions and allergy) and expected UK legislation designed to implement ‘Benedict’s Law’.
This policy will be reviewed, and may be further updated, to reflect finalised legislation.
1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This policy outlines Jersey College for Girls & Jersey College Preparatory School’s approach to allergy management, in line with the UK Department for Education’s draft [statutory] guidance published in 2026 (Supporting children and young people with medical conditions and allergy). It also anticipates the likelihood of Benedict’s Law coming into force in 2027.
Benedict’s Law will introduce a consistent national framework for allergy safety in schools, requiring whole-school allergy policies, mandatory staff training, access to adrenaline devices, and the creation of Individual Healthcare Plans for pupils with allergies.
This policy outlines how the whole-school community works to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction occurring, and the procedures in place to respond effectively if one does. It also sets out how we support our pupils with allergies to ensure their wellbeing and inclusion, as well as demonstrating our commitment to being an allergy-aware school.
This policy applies to all staff, students, parents/carers and visitors to the school.
In the absence of a specific allergy law in Jersey, Jersey College follows UK legislation to ensure the same protection is available for allergy sufferers as it is in the UK.
2. WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
Allergy occurs when a person reacts to a substance that is usually considered harmless. It is an immune response and instead of ignoring the substance, the body produces histamine which triggers an allergic reaction.
Whilst most allergic reactions are mild, causing minor symptoms, some can be very serious and cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.
People can be allergic to anything, but serious allergic reactions are most commonly caused by food, insect venom (such as a wasp or bee sting), latex and medication.
An allergy is different to an intolerance. Whilst an intolerance may cause uncomfortable symptoms it does not involve the immune system.
Allergic disease is the most common chronic condition in childhood. On average, one or two children in every class of 30 will have a food allergy so it’s vital the whole school community understands allergy, knows how to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction and knows what to do in an emergency.
A severe allergic reaction can cause risk to life but even a mild to moderate reaction or near-miss can have widespread consequences.
3. DEFINITIONS
ANAPHYLAXIS: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and must be treated as a medical emergency. Symptoms develop rapidly.
ALLERGEN: A normally harmless substance that, for some, triggers an allergic reaction. You can be allergic to anything. The most common allergens are food, medication, animal dander (skin cells shed by animals with fur or feathers) and pollen. Latex and wasp/bee stings are less common allergens.
Most severe allergic reactions to food are caused by just 9 foods. These are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts (which includes nuts such as hazelnut, cashew nut, pistachio, almond, walnut, pecan, Brazil nut, macadamia etc), sesame, fish, shellfish, soya and wheat.
There are 14 allergens required by UK law to be highlighted on pre-packed food, referred to as the “main 14”. These allergens are celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, egg, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, peanuts, tree nuts, soya, sulphites (or sulphur dioxide), and sesame.
ADRENALINE AUTO-INJECTOR (AAI): Single-use device which carries a pre-measured dose of adrenaline. Adrenaline auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis by injecting adrenaline directly into the upper, outer thigh muscle. Adrenaline auto-injectors are commonly referred to as AAIs, adrenaline pens or by the brand name EpiPen. There are two brands licensed for use in the UK: EpiPen and Jext Pen. For the purposes of this Policy, we will refer to them as Adrenaline Devices or ADs to include other adrenaline devices such as EURNeffy (see below).
ALLERGY ACTION PLAN: This is a document filled out by a healthcare professional, detailing a person’s allergy and their treatment plan. [The Schools Allergy Team recommend the BSACI Allergy Action Plan paediatric templates which include versions for: people without a prescribed adrenaline pen, people prescribed with different brands of adrenaline pen. Paediatric Allergy Action Plans - BSACI
ASTHMA: Asthma is a common, long-term condition which effects the lungs. People with asthma have airways that are more sensitive and can become inflamed and narrow on exposure to certain triggers. This can lead to difficulty in breathing.
DESIGNATED ALLERGY LEAD: The member/s of staff responsible for overseeing allergy management across the College and acting as the main points of contact for students, parents and staff. This is referred to as the named senior leader in the statutory guidance.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN/ CRITCAL INCIDENT PLAN: A document that outlines a school’s procedure for managing an emergency and should be fit for purpose to manage a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
EURNEFFY: EURNeffy (also known as Neffy) is a nasal spray which delivers adrenaline. It is a needle-free alternative to an adrenaline auto-injector approved. [Neffy was approved for use in the UK in 2025 and distribution is expected from late September 2025.] Adrenaline Nasal Spray (ANS).
INDIVIDUAL HEALTHCARE PLAN / MEDICAL CARE PLAN: A detailed document outlining an individual student’s condition, history, treatment, risks and action plan. This document should be created by schools in collaboration with parents/carers and, where appropriate, students. All students with an allergy should have an Individual Healthcare Plan / Medical Care Plan (IHCP / MCP) and it should be read in conjunction with their Allergy Action Plan (AAP), if this is a separate document.
RISK ASSESSMENT: CYPES policy is that a detailed risk assessment (RA) must be undertaken for any child who is known to have allergic reactions. Template document available. Completed RAs are stored against the relevant individual on Medical Tracker.
This detailed document outlining an activity, the risks it poses, and any actions taken to mitigate those risks. Individual risk assessments will be used to inform the IHCP/MCP/AAP.
Allergy (allergens and allergic reactions) should feature on all risk assessments for events on and off the school site. Even classroom activities that may be considered not to pose a risk, for example science experiments involving eggs, junk modelling with food packaging or making bird feeders where nuts are mixed in with the seeds. If every risk assessment considers allergy at the planning stage of an activity, risks are more likely to be mitigated and there will be time to ensure activities can go ahead. From January 2026 all new/ reviewed general risk assessments will reflect allergies.
SPARE ADRENALINE DEVICES: Following amendments to Jersey Law in October 2025, schools are now legally able to directly procure spare AAIs for use in an emergency, from a pharmaceutical supplier without a prescription, meaning the pharmacy will be supplying schools rather than individuals.
AAIs are available in different doses and schools must consider the ages of the pupils who are at risk of anaphylaxis when deciding which doses to obtain as spares. Schools may wish to seek appropriate medical advice from the pharmacy when making this decision.
Any additional AAIs held by the school should be in addition to those already prescribed to a child.
4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Both Jersey College for Girls (JCG) & Jersey College Preparatory School (JCP) take a whole-College approach to allergy management.
4.1 Named Allergy Governor
The Named Allergy Governor is Alison Morgan. The Named Allergy Governor works in partnership with the Designated Allergy Lead to ensure allergy safety is overseen at governing body level. They are responsible for:
o Ensuring allergy-related risks are included on the College/ School’s risk register and actively managed by the governing body;
o Providing strategic oversight of the College’s Allergy Safety Policy, ensuring it is reviewed at least annually and published on the College/ School’s website;
o Acting as the governing body’s named point of contact for allergy-related matters;
o Satisfying themselves that the College/ School’s allergy management arrangements meet legal and statutory requirements and reflect best practice;
o Receiving regular updates from the Designated Allergy Lead and ensuring the governing body is appropriately sighted on allergy compliance; and
o Reviewing records of allergic reaction incidents and near-misses and ensuring the College/ School acts on any learnings to reduce the risk of future incidents.
4.2 Designated Allergy Lead
They report to the Principal and the Named Allergy Governor.
The Designated Allergy Lead at JCG is Natalie Hopkins, Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The Designated Allergy Lead at JCP is Margaret Wende, Admin Assistant.
The above Designated Allergy Leads are supported by Allergy Champions; these individuals can provide direct support to students, act as a point of contact for allergy related issues, liaise between departments and report to the Designated Allergy Leads.
Jersey College Allergy Team | ||
Designated Allergy Leads | ||
Natalie Hopkins (JCG) Assistant Headteacher | Julie Forsyth College Bursar | Margaret Wende (JCP) Administration Assistant |
JCG Allergy Champions | JCP Allergy Champions | ||
Alice Veitch | Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) | Gerry Gray | Pastoral Support |
Grant Hawthorne | Executive Chef | Rachel Winston-Jones | School Business Manager |
Karly Jouny | Head Chef | ||
Jo Jarrett | Admin Supervisor | Kate Robertson | College Registrar |
JCG Foundation Allergy Champions | Martyn Cotrel & Sue Paton | ||
Named Allergy Governor | Alison Morgan | ||
The Designated Allergy Leads, supported by other members of the Jersey College Allergy Team, are responsible for:
Ensuring the safety, inclusion and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors with an allergy
Taking decisions on allergy management across the school
Championing and practising allergy awareness across the school
Being the overarching point of contact for staff, students and parents/carers with concerns or questions about allergy management
Ensuring allergy information is recorded, up-to-date and communicated to all staff (although they have ultimate responsibility, the collation of information may be delegated to another member of staff, for example the Allergy Champions)
Making sure all staff are appropriately trained, have good allergy awareness and realise their role in allergy management (including what activities need an allergy risk assessment)
Ensuring staff, students and parents/carers have a good awareness of the College’s Allergy Safety Policy, and other related procedures
Reviewing the College/ School’s stock of spare adrenaline devices (checking each school has an appropriate number for each setting, that they hold the correct dose/s, that spare adrenaline devices are stored appropriately) and ensuring staff know where they are;
Keeping a record of any allergic reactions or near-misses, reporting these to the governing body and GoJ as appropriate, investigating the incidents and ensuring that the findings of investigations into incidents are used to update relevant policies and procedures;
Regularly reviewing and updating the Allergy Safety Policy; and
Ensuring there is an Anaphylaxis Drill at least once a year and that lessons learned are used to update the Allergy Safety Policy and procedures as appropriate.
At regular intervals the College Designated Allergy Lead will monitor implementation of this policy, review procedures and report to the SLTs at JCG and JCP and the Named Allergy Governor.
4.2 Allergy Champions
The Allergy Champions with designated student welfare/pastoral roles are responsible for:
Collecting and coordinating the paperwork (including Allergy Action Plans and Individual Healthcare Plans/Medical Care Plan) and information from families to ensure arrangements are in place before the pupil starts, or within 2 weeks for a mid-year transfer, liaising with the Registrar as needed;
Working with the Designated Allergy Lead/s to keep an updated list of staff with allergies (and creating an individual healthcare plan if necessary) and ensuring arrangements are in place to support them;
Support the Designated Allergy Lead on how this information is disseminated to all College staff, including the Catering Team, occasional staff and staff running clubs;
Ensuring the information from families is up-to-date, and reviewed annually (at a minimum), coordinating medication with families and ensuring medication is in date; [Whilst it’s the parents/carers responsibility to ensure medication is up to date, the Allergy Champions also have systems in place to check this and notify the parents when they see the expiry date is approaching.]
Keeping an adrenaline device register to include adrenaline devices prescribed to students and the College/ School’s stock and location of spare adrenaline devices, including brand, dose and expiry date;
Replacing the spare adrenaline devices when necessary; and
Providing on-site adrenaline device training for staff and students/ children and refresher training as required e.g., before school trips.
4.3 Registrar
The Registrar is likely to be the first to learn of a student or visitor’s allergy. They should work with the Designated Allergy Team to ensure that:
There is a clear method to capture allergy information or special dietary information at the earliest opportunity; this should be in place before a school visit, an Open Day or Transition Days if food is offered or likely to be eaten.
There is a clear structure in place to communicate this information to the relevant parties (i.e., student guidance team, catering team)
Visitors (for example at Open Days and events) are aware of the catering set up and if food is to be offered and plans for medication if the child is to be left without parental supervision
There is liaison with the student/ child’s previous school, or future school to ensure a smooth transition between settings.
4.4 All staff
All College and Jersey College Foundation staff, to include teaching staff, student guidance teams, support staff, occasional staff (for example, supply staff, sports coaches, music teachers and those running breakfast and afterschool clubs), are responsible for:
Championing and practising allergy awareness across the school;
Reading, understanding and putting into practice the Allergy Safety Policy and related procedures, and asking for support if needed;
Being aware of students (and staff, when necessary) with allergies and what they are allergic to;
Considering the risk to students with allergies posed by any activities and assessing whether the use of any allergen in activity is necessary and/or appropriate;
Ensuring students always have access to their medication including carrying it on their behalf if necessary; this practice will be age appropriate and therefore vary between JCG and JCP;
JCP children: in the classroom, accessible predominantly by staff, and when outdoors/on trips, a designated bag should be used to hold these
Little Leopards/Creative Minds: in the designated location, accessible predominantly by staff, and when outdoors/on trips, a designated bag should be used to hold these
Being able to recognise and respond to an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
Taking part in training and anaphylaxis drills as required (at least once a year) and to tell a manager if you have not received any in the last 12 months
Considering the safety, inclusion and wellbeing of students with allergies at all times
Preventing and responding to allergy-related bullying, in line with JCG/JCP’s anti-bullying policy
Ensure any incidents are reported and investigated as per CYPES Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy
4.5 All parents/carers
All parents and carers (whether their child has an allergy or not) are responsible for:
Being aware of and understanding the College’s Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy and considering the safety and wellbeing of students with allergies
Providing the appropriate Designated Allergy Lead or Champion (see website for details) with information about their child’s medical needs, including dietary requirements and allergies, history of their allergy, any previous allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. They should also inform the College of any related conditions, for example asthma, hay fever, rhinitis or eczema
Considering and adhering to any food restrictions or guidance the College has in place when providing food, for example in packed lunches, as snacks or for fundraising events
Refraining from telling the school their child has an allergy or intolerance if this is a preference or dietary choice
Encouraging their child to be allergy aware
4.6 Parents/carers of children with allergies
In addition to point 4.5, the parents and carers of children with allergies should:
Work with the School/College to establish an Individual Healthcare Plan/Medical Care Plan and provide an accompanying Allergy Action Plan
If applicable, provide the College or their child with two labelled adrenaline pens and any other medication, for example antihistamine (with a dispenser, i.e., spoon or syringe), inhalers or creams
Ensure medication is in-date and replaced at the appropriate time
Ensure their child has access to their allergy medication, including two adrenaline devices, if prescribed, on the journey to and from College/ school;
Update the College with any changes to their child’s condition and ensure the relevant paperwork is updated too;
The College will take an up-to-date photograph of their child, to accompany a Risk Assessment completed in collaboration with the parent / carer, or in the case of older students at JCG, the student (if appropriate) for it to be shared appropriately as part of their allergy management. To ensure relevant information is in place before the student starts with the College, where possible, the photo will be taken on transition day and retaken as and when needed.
Support their child to understand their allergy diagnosis and to advocate for themselves and to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction occurring e.g., not eating the food they are allergic to.
Please also see Appendix 1: Parent / Carer Notice - Food Allergies and Food Intolerance
4.7 All students
All students at the College should:
Be allergy aware
Understand the risks allergens might pose to their peers and respect measures to support them;
Learn how they can support the wellbeing of their peers and be alert to allergy-related bullying; and
Older students will learn how to recognise and respond to an allergic reaction and to support their peers and staff in case of an emergency
The following measures can also help reduce the risk of allergen exposure to children with food allergies:
Drinks and lunch boxes provided by parents for children with food allergies should be clearly labelled with the child’s name
Children sharing and trading food, food utensils and food containers should be avoided
Food for birthday parties or treats should not be given to children with food allergies without parental engagement and permission
Use of food in crafts or cooking classes, science experiments and special events must be considered and may need to be restricted depending on the allergies of particular children and their age. Where possible alternative options should be made available.
All of the above will be done in an age-appropriate way.
4.8 Students with allergies
In addition to point 4.7, students with allergies are responsible for:
Knowing what their allergies are and how to mitigate personal risk; this will depend on age and very young children will require support from appropriate adults
Avoiding their allergen as best as they can
Understand that they should notify a member of staff if they are not feeling well, or suspect they might be having an allergic reaction
Where age-appropriate, to always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with them. They must only use them for their intended purpose
Understand how and when to use their adrenaline auto-injector
Talking to the Designated Allergy Lead/Champion or a member of staff if they are concerned by any College processes or systems related to their allergy
Raising concerns with a member of staff if they experience any inappropriate behaviour in relation to their allergies
Ensuring they have their medication with them on the journey to and from College/ School.
Students permitted to leave the College site during the school day should know what to do if they have an allergic reaction off College premises. This should include how to treat themselves and raise the alarm to get help. Students leaving the College during the school day should sign out/in at reception, in accordance with existing protocols.
5. INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION
5.1 Register of students with an allergy
The College has a register of students and record of staff who have a diagnosed allergy. This includes children and staff who have a history of anaphylaxis or have been prescribed adrenaline devices, as well as students and staff with an allergy where no adrenaline devices have been prescribed.
5.2 Individual Healthcare Plans/Medical Care Plan
Each student with an allergy has an Individual Healthcare Plan/Medical Care Plan. The information on this plan includes:
Known allergens and risk factors for allergic reactions and any adaptations needed;
A history of their allergic reactions;
If the student/ child has asthma and any other medical conditions and necessary detail;
Details of the medication the student has been prescribed including dose, this should include adrenaline devices, antihistamine etc.;
A copy of parental consent to administer medication, including the use of spare adrenaline devices in case of suspected anaphylaxis, and asthma inhalers;
A photograph of each student and emergency contact details; and
A copy of their Allergy and/or if relevant, Asthma Action Plan. See definitions for the BSACI templates.
6. ASSESSING RISK
Allergens can crop up in unexpected places. Staff (including visiting staff) will consider allergies in all activity planning and include it in risk assessments. Some examples include:
Classroom activities, for example craft using food packaging, science experiments where allergens are present, food tech or cooking
Bringing animals into the College, for example a dog or hatching chick eggs can pose a risk.
Running activities or clubs where they might hand out snacks or food “treats”. Ensure safe food is provided or consider an alternative non-food treat for all students.
Planning special events, such as cultural days and celebrations.
Inclusion of students with allergies must be considered alongside safety and they should not be excluded. If necessary, staff should adapt the activity. The College will ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
7. FOOD, INCLUDING MEALTIMES & SNACKS
7.1 College Catering
The College is committed to providing safe and inclusive meals for all students, staff and visitors, including those with food allergies.
Due diligence is carried out with regard to allergen management when appointing catering staff
All catering staff and other staff preparing food will receive relevant and appropriate allergen awareness training; refreshed at least annually;
Senior catering staff are available to discuss the provision of allergen safe meals with parents/carers;
Anyone preparing food for those with allergies will follow good hygiene practices, food safety and allergen management procedures
The catering team will endeavour to get to know the students with allergies and what their allergies are, supported by relevant College staff.
The catering team will endeavour to provide varied meal options to students and staff with allergies.
See Food Allergies & Food Intolerances section of Food Hygiene Policy & HACCP Plan. The College has robust procedures in place to identify students with food allergies, these are:
Photographic records exist of the students and pupils with confirmed allergens.
The POS (point of sale) system for the tills has a secondary function of being able to identify those students with allergens. Staff responsible include the member of staff on duty along with the Executive Chef.
In case of any changes/new staff, a search on the student’s profile can be performed by key individuals. Any doubt, the customer will be guided to non-allergenic options.
Dishes and menus containing the main 14 allergens (see Allergens definition) will be clearly labelled using full words, not symbols or abbreviations. Other ingredient information will be available on request;
Food containing the main 14 allergens (see Allergens definition) will be clearly identified for students, staff and visitors to see. Other ingredient information will be available on request;
Information on allergens will be available for students and staff to check independently;
For students or staff with allergies to food other than the “main 14” they are strongly advised to check ingredients carefully. JCP children will be guided by accompanying staff.
Pre-packaged food will comply with UK PPDS legislation (Natasha’s Law) requiring the allergen information to be displayed on the packaging;
Where changes are made to the ingredients this will be communicated to students with dietary needs by the most appropriate DAL or Allergy Champion.
School’s policy on products with Precautionary Allergen Labelling or “May Contain’ labelling is as follows:
Any product that is used in the creation of a recipe, used to produce the food for consumption and that has the ‘may have or may contain’ label, will be listed as an allergy as the catering department cannot accept responsibility for food manufacturers not being wholly compliant.
Food provided at out of school or after school club automatically follow these procedures listed above, to ensure a safe environment for the visitors, staff, students and pupils alike.
The College catering service takes all practicably possible measures to avoid using any nuts or food with nuts as an ingredient
Food Allergy or Intolerance Notices are displayed at the College’s catering facilities, i.e., the Dome, Hector’s Café and at both vending machines (Chesshire staircase and Sixth Form Centre). Please see Food Hygiene Policy & HACCP Plan for further information.
7.2 Food brought into school
As an Allergen Aware environment, the College takes the health, safety and inclusion of all students and staff as a priority. To minimise the risk of allergic reactions, as much as practicably possible, we operate a nut-restricted policy – this has been in place for many years at both schools.
We ask all to adhere to the following principles please:
No food containing nuts or nut products (including nut oils and nut-based spreads such as Nutella, peanut butter, or almond paste) should be brought into school under any circumstances.
Families are reminded to check ingredient labels carefully before sending food into school.
Homemade food should not contain nuts or nut ingredients.
We encourage all members of our community to avoid sharing food items brought from home.
Packed Lunches and Snacks
Drinks and lunch boxes provided by parents for children with food allergies should be clearly labelled with the child’s name;
Students may bring packed lunches and snacks from home; however, these must comply with our nut-restricted policy.
We encourage healthy, balanced food choices in line with our whole-school wellbeing ethos.
Sweets, chocolate, and high-sugar drinks should be occasional treats rather than daily items.
Birthday Cakes and Celebration Treats
Food for birthday parties or treats should not be given to children with food allergies without parental engagement and permission;
To protect students with allergies and intolerances, the class teacher will take responsibility to ensure there is a suitable alternative for any student with an allergy, also using the opportunity, as deemed appropriate, to use it as an educational opportunity for the class group;
Birthdays and other celebrations can be alternatively acknowledged in non-food-based ways (e.g., a song, badge, or certificate);
If a year group or tutor group wishes to celebrate with food, this can be arranged through the College catering team, who can ensure compliance with allergen guidance.
School Trips, Sports Fixtures, and Off-Site Activities
Students and staff must continue to follow the nut-restricted policy when taking food off-site for school trips, fixtures, or events.
Packed lunches provided by the school caterers will be allergen-checked and clearly labelled.
When visiting other schools or venues, staff will communicate our allergen protocols in advance.
Parent–Teacher Events and Fundraisers
Food provided at College events (such as PTA functions, open days, or fundraising activities) must comply with our allergen and nut-restricted policy.
Homemade food items for sale or sharing must be clearly labelled using full words, not symbols or abbreviations, with ingredients and potential allergens;
Wherever possible, food should be sourced through the College’s catering team to ensure safe preparation and handling.
7.3 Food bans or restrictions
We are an Allergen Aware College. We have students with a wide range of allergies to different foods, so we encourage a considered approach to bringing in food.
We try to restrict all nuts as much as possible on the College site and check all foods coming into the kitchen.
All food coming onto School/College premises or taken on a school trip or to a match/performance/event should be checked to ensure nuts are not an ingredient in another product. Please check the label on all foods brought in. Common foods that contain these goods as an ingredient include: packaged nuts, cereal bars, chocolate bars, nut butters, chocolate spread, sauces.
7.4 Food hygiene for students
Students are expected to wash their hands with soap and warm water before and after eating;
Sharing, swapping or throwing food is not allowed
Purchasing food on behalf of other students is not encouraged
Water bottles and packed lunches should be clearly labelled
Food preparation areas around the whole college are expected to follow the Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) protocols, including HACCP. This includes staff and student rest areas. Random inspections and audits are carried out periodically which highlights any areas for concern and to remedy. These areas include staff kitchen areas at both JCG and JCP and the Sixth Form Centre kitchen at JCG.
8. SCHOOL TRIPS AND SPORTS FIXTURES
Staff leading the trip will have a register of students with allergies with medication details. They should also be aware of any members of staff with allergies who is accompanying the trip.
Allergies will be considered on the risk assessment and catering provision put in place
Parents/carers may be consulted if considered necessary, or if the trip requires an overnight stay
Staff (and some students, if appropriate) accompanying the trip will be trained to recognise and respond to an allergic reaction
Allergens will be clearly labelled on catered packed lunches and any other form of catering. Visitors, staff, students and pupils with allergies that are not part of the currently14 listed allergens will be accommodated for to the best of the catering team’s ability. All current and future allergens are under constant review and will be updated accordingly, with a view to keeping our visitors, staff, students and pupils safe. Any recipes used are available for inspection.
If attending Match Tea at another school, details of their dietary requirements will be sent ahead to ensure they have a safe meal.
See Adrenaline Pens section for School Trips and Sports Fixtures
9. INSECT STINGS
Those with a known insect venom allergy should:
Be known to staff
Avoid walking around in bare feet or sandals when outside and when possible, keep arms and legs covered
Avoid wearing strong perfumes or cosmetics
Keep food and drink covered
The College Site Team will monitor the grounds for wasp or bee nests. Students (with or without allergies) should notify a member of staff if they find a wasp or bee nest in the College grounds and avoid them.
10. ANIMALS
It is normally the dander (flakes of skin), saliva or urine that causes a person with an animal allergy to react.
Precautions to limit the risk of an allergic reaction include:
A student with a known animal allergy should avoid the animal they are allergic to
If an animal comes on site a risk assessment will be done prior to the visit
Areas visited by animals will be cleaned thoroughly
Anyone in contact with an animal will wash their hands after contact
If an animal regularly visits the site, for example, the Principal or Headteacher’s dog/s, students, parents/carers and staff will be made aware, and consideration and adaptations will be made
School trips that include visits to animals will be carefully risk assessed
11. ALLERGIC RHINITIS/ HAY FEVER
For JCP: Also see Medications in School Policy.
Students with diagnosed hay fever should have this noted on their Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP).
Parents/carers must provide any prescribed or recommended medication (e.g., antihistamines, nasal sprays) in its original packaging, clearly labelled, along with written consent for administration.
Medication will be stored and administered in line with the Medicines in School Policy.
Where possible, students should take medication at home before school to minimise disruption.
Staff should be aware of common symptoms (e.g., sneezing, watery eyes, congestion) and support students by:
Allowing access to tissues and water.
Permitting short breaks if symptoms are severe.
Outdoor activities during high pollen periods should be risk assessed; consider:
Scheduling activities earlier in the day.
Encouraging students to wear hats and sunglasses.
Keeping classroom windows closed when pollen counts are high.
Parents should inform the school of any changes in medication or severity of symptoms.
12. INCLUSION AND MENTAL HEALTH
Allergies can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing. Students may experience anxiety and depression and are more susceptible to bullying.
Staff are alert to the possibility of allergy-related bullying and are proactive in safeguarding the wellbeing and inclusion of students with allergies;
No child should be excluded from taking part in a school activity, whether on the College premises or a College trip because of their allergies;
Students with allergies may require additional pastoral support including regular check-ins from their Teacher/Student Guidance Team/Pastoral Support etc;
Affected students will be given consideration in advance of wider school discussions about allergy and school Allergy Awareness initiatives;
Bullying related to allergy will be treated in line with the JCG/JCP’s anti-bullying policy; and
Uniform policies take into account that students may need emergency medication near them at all times.
13. ADRENALINE PENS
Following amendments to Jersey Law in October 2025, schools are now legally able to directly procure spare devices for use in an emergency, from a pharmaceutical supplier without a prescription, meaning the pharmacy will be supplying schools rather than individuals.
Spare devices are available in different doses and schools must consider the ages of the pupils who are at risk of anaphylaxis when deciding which doses to obtain as spares. Schools may wish to seek appropriate medical advice from the pharmacy when making this decision.
Spare devices can be administered through clothing, including tights or trousers, and clothing does not need to be removed in an emergency.
Any additional devices held by the school should be in addition to those already prescribed to a child.
See CYPES Allergy Management in School and School Nurseries for more information.
13.1 Storage of adrenaline devices
Students prescribed with adrenaline devices should always have easy access to two, in-date devices. How this is managed is dependent on the school and the age-appropriateness of the student.
JCG Students
Students are expected to always carry their devices and ensure that a friend or adult knows where their bag is if left unattended (e.g., outside the hall during an exam).
At JCP
AAIS are managed by the school. Relevant pupils have two spare devices stored in school, and they are always kept close to the child (e.g., in the classroom or as they move around indoors or outdoors). Each set is clearly labelled and stored with the child’s Allergy Action Plan.
Consideration will be given to pupils who travel independently to/from school or attend off-site activities. This will be considered collaboratively between the school and parent/carer.
Parents/carers are strongly advised to make the school aware of any change to the child’s usual transition to/from school.
Spot checks will be made to ensure adrenaline devices are where they should be and in date. Such checks will be made and findings recorded by a member of the College Allergy Team.
Adrenaline devices must not be kept locked away
Adrenaline devices should be stored at moderate temperatures (see manufacturer’s guidelines), not in direct sunlight or above a heat source (for example a radiator)
Used or out of date pens will be disposed of as sharps
Spot checks will be made to ensure adrenaline pens are where they should be and in date. Such checks will be made and findings recorded by a member of the College Allergy Team.
Adrenaline pens must not be kept locked away
Adrenaline pens should be stored at moderate temperatures (see manufacturer’s guidelines), not in direct sunlight or above a heat source (for example a radiator)
Used or out of date pens will be disposed of as sharps
13.2 Spare Adrenaline Pens
Following amendments to Jersey Law, schools are now legally able to directly procure spare devices for use in an emergency, from a pharmaceutical supplier without a prescription, meaning the pharmacy will be supplying schools rather than individuals.
Spare devices are available in different doses and schools consider the ages of the pupils who are at risk of anaphylaxis when deciding which doses to obtain as spares. Schools may wish to seek appropriate medical advice from the pharmacy when making this decision.
Any additional devices held by the school should be in addition to those already prescribed to a child.
Emergency Anaphylaxis kits
Spare devices in schools should be stored as part of Schools an emergency anaphylaxis kit, which should include:
Extra devices
Instructions on how to use them
Instructions on storage
Manufacturer’s information
A checklist of AAIs, identified by their batch number and expiry date, with monthly checks recorded
Guidance about arrangements for replacements
A list of children to whom the AAI can be administered
An administration record
Any spare devices held should be kept separate from any child’s own prescribed devices. The spare devices should be clearly labelled to avoid confusion.
The College has a number of Emergency Anaphylaxis kits on the campus, to be used in accordance with government guidance. The kits are clearly signposted and are stored in the following locations:
JCP:
On the wall between the school office and the rest of the school, above the evac slide and next to the defibrillator.
JCG
1) in College House, the Dome near the Emergency Defibrillator and large screen |
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1) in JADAT – Food Tech Store (between J2 and J3 classrooms) |
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1) in Roberts – ground floor – in lobby area of South Staircase |
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13.3 Adrenaline pens on school trips and match days
No student with a prescribed adrenaline device will be able to go on a school trip without two of their own devices. It is the trip leader’s responsibility to check they have them.
Adrenaline devices will always be kept close to the students, e.g., not stored in the hold of the coach when travelling or left in changing rooms.
Adrenaline devices will be protected from extreme temperatures.
Staff accompanying the students will be aware of students with allergies and be trained to recognise and respond to an allergic reaction.
Consider whether to take spare adrenaline devices to off-site activities. This should be recorded as part of the risk assessment process.
14. RESPONDING TO AN ALLERGIC REACTION /ANAPHYLAXIS
See Appendix 2 on recognising and responding to an allergic reaction.
If a student has an allergic reaction they will be treated in accordance with their Allergy Action Plan and a member of staff will instigate the school’s Emergency Response Plan [see Appendix 2].
If anaphylaxis is suspected adrenaline will be administered without delay, lying the student down with their legs raised as described in the Appendix. They will be treated where they are, and medication brought to them.
A student’s own prescribed medication will be used to treat allergic reactions if immediately available.
This will be administered by the student themselves, if age appropriate or by a member of staff. Ideally the member of staff will be trained, but in an emergency, anyone will administer adrenaline.
If the student’s own adrenaline device is not available or misfires, every effort will be taken to source an adrenaline device belonging to another student in an attempt to save life.
If anaphylaxis is suspected but the student does not have a prescribed adrenaline device or Allergy Action Plan, a member of staff will ensure they are lying down with their legs raised, call 999 and explain anaphylaxis is suspected. They will inform the operator that a spare or another student’s adrenaline device may be available for use and follow instructions from the operator. The MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) says that in exceptional circumstances, a spare adrenaline device can be administered to anyone for the purposes of saving their life.
If, after 5 minutes, there is no improvement, a second adrenaline device should be administered, and the emergency services will be contacted again to tell them this has been done.
The student will not be moved until a medical professional/ paramedic has arrived, even if they are feeling better.
Anyone who has had suspected anaphylaxis and received adrenaline must go to hospital, even if they appear to have recovered. A member of staff will accompany the student in an ambulance and stay until a parent or carer arrives.
15. TRAINING
15.1 The College is committed to training all staff annually to give them a good understanding of allergy. This training covers all staff, including teaching staff, support staff, catering staff, site staff and Foundation staff. This training includes:
Understanding what an allergy is;
How to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction occurring;
How to recognise and treat an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis;
How the College manages allergy, for example understanding the Allergy Safety Policy, Critical Incident/ Emergency Response Plan, documentation, communication etc;
How to treat an asthma attack using a reliever inhaler*;
How to check who has an allergy, and how to use an IHP and Allergy or Asthma Action Plan;
Where prescribed adrenaline devices are kept (both prescribed and spare devices) and how to access them;
The importance of inclusion of students with food allergies, the impact of allergy on mental health and wellbeing and the risk of allergy related bullying;
Understanding food labelling;
How to report an allergic reaction or near miss; and
Taking part in an anaphylaxis drill.
15.2 The school will carry out an anaphylaxis drill once a year. This includes:
An exercise simulating an event where a student or member of staff has an allergic reaction and testing the whole school response.
16. ASTHMA
It is vital that students with allergies keep their asthma well controlled, because asthma can exacerbate allergic reactions. Poorly managed asthma increases the severity of an allergic reaction.
Staff will be aware of common asthma triggers which may include airborne allergens such as pollen, house dust mite, mould spores or pet dander and food allergens.
Where relevant, an Asthma Action Plan will be in addition to an Allergy Action Plan. The Asthma Action Plan will be included in the pupil’s Individual Healthcare Plan and will include medical and parental consent for staff to administer medicines, including an emergency reliever inhaler in the event of an asthma attack.
Children and young people known to have asthma should have their own reliever inhaler at school at all times and on the journey to and from school.
Where a student is able to manage their asthma themselves, they should keep their inhaler on them. If they cannot, it should be stored in a clearly labelled, easily accessible location.
For JCP: Also see Medications in School Policy.
17. REPORTING ALLERGIC REACTIONS
The College will log allergic reaction incidents and near-misses as soon as is feasible after they occur. Clear reporting procedures, including how incidents are investigated, discussed and learnt from are included in the Food Allergies & Food Intolerances section of Food Hygiene Policy & HACCP Plan.
Each record should include: who was affected, what happened, when and where, why the incident occurred (as far as is known), how staff and the student responded; what was done to support the individual; whether emergency services were called and how the incident concluded; any learning from the incident.
All incident reports should be shared with:
The student’s parents/carers, who will be given the opportunity to discuss the incident and contribute their views to the review; and
The Named Allergy Governor and the governing body, so they can consider what lessons to learn and whether policy changes are required.
Any learning from an incident should be shared appropriately with staff so they can act on it.
As a registered food business, the College will cooperate with Environmental Health and provide information relating to any food safety incident, including incidents involving allergens, where requested.
Following any incident or near miss the College will meet with the student and their parents/carers to ensure they are confident the setting remains safe.
The College recognises the impact of an incident or near miss not just on the individual and their family, but also on staff who responded and students who witnessed it and will offer appropriate support.
14. LINKS TO OTHER POLICIES AND RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:
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