Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brigitte Bourbon on January 30, 2010 at 9:22am

I have 2 children with several food allergies, eczema and asthma attending primary school. In this situation I feel the key factor is homework and open communication to ensure the whole school is aware of the conditions and able to deal with a life threatening incident. Prior to my children starting at the chosen school I met with the school principal to discuss my children's conditions. I verified and questioned their school policies and action plan to ensure that the school is well prepared in the event of an allergic reaction. I also met with both the school principal and the class teacher to further raise their awareness about what to expect should a reaction occur at school. I was very detailed in every aspects of my children's conditions from the slightest reaction of itchiness and redness to the more severe one of breathing difficulties. I checked the medical/emergency procedures and made suggestions of my own. It is not an easy and comfortable tasks questioning policies and procedures but where the life of your child is concerned there are no boundaries. Luckily for us so far the school has been understanding and co-operative. One of our children is in their second year at the school and the other is starting this year. As a parent you need to be actively involved with the school to ensure all protocols are being followed. Whenever you have made a suggestion/recommendation and the school has told you they will implement this recommendation ensure to follow up on that. Prior to enrolling your child allow enough time to meet and discuss your child's needs. ONLY enroll your child at a school once you feel comfortable that the school will provide a safe learning environment for him/her. Good Luck

Permalink Reply by Tina Mcc on January 30, 2010 at 9:06pm

I have an 11 y.o. daugther who has a severe peanut allergy and also suffers from eczema. She is in high school next year and that worries me more than primary. The first school she went to was a private religious school and she was one of their first with an allergy that was severe. Their response was hard to accept, I expected more and they said that peanut products could not be banned at school. She then went to a state primary school, where they would not ban it either, however, all teachers were trained in the use of an epipen, the tuckshop was peanut free, and the school had a lot more students suffering with allergies in general and the staff seemed to be more in tune with our concern as parents. I have been happy with the schools progress as far as recognising allergies, particularly with anaphylactic children.

Permalink Reply by Jacinda on February 17, 2010 at 12:14am

Are you looking for Primary or older??

Permalink Reply by allergy mum on April 13, 2010 at 6:04pm

Hi

I am the Mum of 2 boys with peanut allergy and found that the promises made by our school, on enrolment of being 'allergy friendly' weren't adequately fulfilled. Instead of complaning, I joined with a couple of otehr Mums at our school whose children have food allergies and we formed an allergy commitee, which is chaired by our principal. We now have a comprehensive school allergy management plan with a checklist for teachers, parents and students.

Which State are you in? I am in Queensland.