How to review your allergy safety policy

Your school(s) must have an allergy safety policy. Download our model policy and checklist so you can be confident everything is covered.

New
on 26 August 2026
Ref: 47005
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. Key facts
  2. What this policy needs to do
  3. 3 key questions to challenge the policy
  4. Download our model policy and checklist

What this policy needs to do

The Department for Education's (DfE's) statutory guidance states that your school's allergy safety policy should set out how:

  • Your school will identify pupils with allergies and minimise the risks of exposure to known allergens
  • Staff will be trained in allergy awareness and emergency response
  • Individuals at risk of anaphylaxis will have access to their prescribed adrenaline devices, alongside 'spare' adrenaline devices
  • Individual healthcare plans (IHPs) will capture specific arrangements (including any allergy action plan and/or asthma plan)
  • Your school will promote the wellbeing and inclusion of pupils with allergies
  • Pupils with allergies will be able to participate in visits and trips
  • Serious incidents and near misses will be identified
  • Your school will share information about pupils with allergies
  • Your school will communicate the policy to staff, pupils and parents/carers, and how it will publish the policy

1. How will you monitor staff training, including whether it's adequate and up to