Anyone who’s seen it or experienced it knows how fast an allergic reaction can escalate.
For many pupils, allergy symptoms are mild, such as itching, watery eyes, or sneezing. In some cases, however, reactions can intensify within minutes and become severe and potentially life-threatening, a condition called anaphylaxis (or anaphylactic shock) that requires immediate medical attention.
Recognising early symptoms can significantly impact a child's safety, as anaphylaxis occurs more frequently in schools than in any other setting outside the home.
Last week, we covered Benedict’s Law, the new school allergy safety bill that is expected to come into effect in September 2026.
An allergy is the response of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance. These substances, known as allergens, are mistakenly identified by the immune system as a threat.
1. First exposure to the allergen: A person first comes into contact with a substance that their immune system may later react to. Typically, there may not be an allergic reaction to the substance at this stage, but the immune system identifies it as a potential threat.
2. Antibody production: Because it identifies the substance as a potential threat, the immune system produces antibodies, such as immunoglobulins (IgE).
3. Sensitisation: The immune system “remembers” the allergen, a process called sensitisation. This is why someone may not experience an allergic reaction the first time they are exposed to an allergen, but they may have one if exposed to it again.
4. Repeat exposure: When encountering the allergen again, the immune system recognises it and responds. The antibodies trigger the body’s defence system, which mistakenly treats the allergen as a threat.
5. Chemical release and symptoms: This immune response causes chemicals, such as histamine, to be released by blood cells. This causes a range of symptoms affecting the skin, airways, stomach, and/or circulation.
Ultimately, it is this immune response to a perceived threat that can sometimes lead to a life-threatening reaction.
💡 Good to know
For many pupils, allergies are already known and documented through medical records, and under Benedict's Law, schools will be required to have an Individual Healthcare Plan (ICP) in place for pupils with allergies. However, a child may experience their first allergic reaction at school, even if no allergy has previously been diagnosed.
Schools can expose pupils to a variety of allergens:
Schools are not expected to diagnose allergies, but teachers and staff play an important role in noticing symptoms and responding quickly. Symptoms can appear within minutes of exposure but may also develop gradually.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction may include:
Younger children may struggle to describe what they are feeling and may instead appear distressed, agitated, itchy, or uncomfortable.
In some cases, an allergic reaction can develop into anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include:
Clear procedures and coordinated responses can help ensure that pupils receive appropriate care quickly.
Allergic reactions can be frightening. Reassure the child and keep them comfortable while assessing symptoms. If they have a known allergy, follow their Individual Healthcare Plan.
If a pupil’s healthcare plan indicates that medication should be given, follow the school’s procedures and the instructions provided.
Keep the pupil under observation and record:
Symptoms can change quickly during an allergic reaction. Clear and accurate documentation ensures families are aware of what happened and supports continuity of care, as healthcare professionals may use incident records to diagnose an allergy.
If a severe allergic reaction is suspected, 999 should be contacted immediately, and the pupil’s emergency medication should be administered according to their care plan.
If you suspect a pupil is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction:
Use an adrenaline auto-injector. Do not wait to see if things improve, as anaphylaxis can progress quickly.
Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think a pupil is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction.
By September 2026, schools will be required to stock adrenaline auto-injectors for emergency situations. Schools can access these through providers such as our partner, Kitt Medical, which offers subscription supplies of adrenaline pens.
❗ Always contact emergency services after using an adrenaline auto-injector.
❗Do not offer food or drinks as this could potentially make the condition worse.
❗ Do not ask or allow them to stand or walk, even if they seem to feel better. Standing up can cause a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure (cardiovascular collapse). Even after receiving adrenaline, they must remain resting. Standing up too soon can cause symptoms to return or worsen.
While schools are not expected to diagnose medical conditions, parents rely on them to share observations and concerns about their child’s health.
When discussing allergic reactions:
Using neutral, supportive language helps ensure conversations remain collaborative and focused on the child’s wellbeing.
We’ve carefully crafted these resources to help you, your colleagues, and parents recognise allergic reactions early and respond quickly and confidently.