The school allergy plan every family should put in place before term starts

With food allergies affecting around one in 13 children, families are urged to agree emergency plans, train school staff and help pupils recognise the signs of a serious reaction.

Food allergies remain a daily concern for many families, and the issue has become more visible in recent years. In January 2026, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said nearly 30% of adults and children had either seasonal allergies, eczema or a food allergy, with 5.3% of children affected by food allergies specifically. The agency has also said that food allergies are common in schools and can require careful planning because reactions may become severe very quickly.

That is why parents are often urged to build a safety plan before the school year begins. The CDC says children with food allergies should have strict avoidance strategies, an emergency response plan and adults at school who are trained to recognise and respond to symptoms, including anaphylaxis, the severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The agency estimates that about 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, a figure that works out to roughly two students in every classroom.

The first step is to meet with school staff well before the first day of class. That includes the principal, classroom teachers, the school nurse and cafeteria staff, if there is one on site. Families should confirm what allergy protocols the school already has in place and whether a trained nurse or other appropriately prepared staff member will be available throughout the day. Parents should also ask for an individualised allergy and emergency care plan, ideally developed with the child’s healthcare professional, so everyone involved knows what to do if symptoms appear.

Children also benefit from having clear, age-appropriate instructions they can carry or understand themselves. A written guide should identify the allergen, explain how exposure can happen and list the warning signs of a reaction. It should also make clear when to use epinephrine, the medication used to treat suspected anaphylaxis, and when to call emergency services. Health guidance is especially important because symptoms can range from hives or stomach pain to wheezing, swelling, trouble swallowing, confusion or loss of consciousness.

Parents may also need to address the social side of the problem. Children who feel singled out can become anxious or isolated, and classmates may not understand why certain foods are off-limits. Some families ask teachers to explain food allergies to the class in simple terms so children understand the issue and are less likely to tease or exclude a classmate. Parents can also help by sending safe snacks, giving teachers a supply of approved alternatives for classroom events and staying involved if school policies need strengthening.

The bottom line is that food allergies are manageable, but only if schools and families work together. The most effective approach combines clear communication, staff training, emergency readiness and repeated reminders to the child about what to avoid and what to do if something goes wrong. For families dealing with food allergies, preparation is not optional; it is part of keeping a child safe at school and beyond.