We provide care for healthy children and promote health through identifying allergies and preventing contact with the allergenic substance and through preventing cross infection of viruses and bacterial infections.

 

Procedures for children with allergies

• When parents start their children at the nursery they are asked if their child suffers from any known allergies. This is recorded on the registration form.

• If a child has an allergy, a risk assessment form is completed, and a care plan is drawn up by the SENCO to detail the following:

•  The allergen (e.g., the substance, material or living creature the child is allergic to such as nuts, eggs, bee stings, cats etc.)

•  The nature of the allergic reactions e.g., Anaphylactic shock reaction, including rash, reddening of skin, swelling, breathing problems etc.

•  What to do in case of allergic reactions, any medication used and how it is to be used (e.g., EpiPen)

•  Control measures – such as how the child can be prevented from contact with the allergen.

•  Review

• A copy of the care plan is kept in the child’s personal file and a copy is placed in the medication cabinet where staff can see it.

• The local school nurse or specialist nurse trains staff in how to administer special medication in the event of an allergic reaction.

• Generally, no nuts or nut products are used within the Nursery.

 

Parents are made aware so that no nut or nut products are accidently brought in, for example to a party or in a packed lunch. Insurance requirements for children with allergies and disabilities. The insurance will automatically include children with any disability or allergen, but certain procedures must be strictly adhered to as set out below. For children suffering life threatening conditions or requiring invasive treatments; written confirmation from your insurance provider must be obtained to extend the insurance. Details of any children attending the setting who require medication or have a disability are passed on to our insurance company to ensure that they are insured and able to attend. At all times the administration of medication must be compliant with the Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and follow procedures based on advice given in Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings (DfES 2005) Oral Medication Asthma inhalers are now regarded as “oral medication” by insurers and so documents do not need to be forwarded to your insurance provider.

• Oral medication must be prescribed by a GP and the instructions clearly written on them.

• Parents must provide clear written instructions on how to administer such medication. 36

• All risk assessment procedures need to be adhered to for the correct storage and administration of the medication. The SENCO will complete a care plan for each child who is in receipt of medication.

• The Nursery must have the parents or guardian’s prior written consent. This consent must be kept on file. Lifesaving medication and invasive treatment Adrenaline injections (EpiPens) for anaphylactic shock reactions (caused by allergens to nuts, eggs etc.) or invasive treatments such as rectal administration of Diazepam (for epilepsy). As part of our care plan, we will have:

• A letter from the child’s GP/consultant stating the child’s condition and what medication if any to be administered.

• Written consent from the parent or guardian allowing staff to administer medication.

• Proof of training in the administration of such medication by the child’s GP, a district nurse, children’s nurse specialist or a community paediatric nurse or paediatric first aid training which includes this.

• Key person for special needs children – children requiring help with tubes to help them with everyday living e.g., breathing apparatus, to take nourishment, colostomy bags etc. • As part of the care plan, we would receive prior written consent from the child’s parent or guardian to give treatment and/or medication prescribed by the child’s GP.

• Our key person would be trained to ensure that they have the relevant medical training/experience, which may include those who have received appropriate instructions from the school nurse or specialist nurse. Regular one-to-one workers have completed one-to-one training. 

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