Guidelines for early childhood services and schools

Guidelines for early childhood services and schools

1. Allergy New Zealand published the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Early Childhood Services and Schools in 2011 as a resource for educators, staff, public health nurses and school nurses, as well as students, parents and caregivers. These are currently being reviewed and updated. However they can be downloaded here as a pdf.

While most of the content is still valid, please note:

i) The ASCIA Anaphylaxis Plans: refer to https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/ascia-action-plan-for-anaphylaxis

ii) The only adrenaline autoinjector available in NZ is the EpiPen (the Anapen is no longer made). Schools can register with www.epiclub.co.nz to receive a free education kit.

iii) Schools and ECEs have new guidelines to follow under the 2015 Health & Safety at Work Act:

http://www.education.govt.nz/school/running-a-school/health-and-safety/

http://www.education.govt.nz/school/running-a-school/health-and-safety/implementing-the-health-and-safety-at-work-act-a-guide-for-early-learning-services/]

iv) Allergy New Zealand’s guidelines include the strategies recommended by ASCIA. These were updated in 2015 and published: “ASCIA guidelines for prevention of anaphylaxis in schools, pre-schools and childcare: 2015 update”

2. EpiPens in First Aid Kits

Many schools ask for advice on this. There are regulatory issues which we have asked the Ministries of Health and Education to clarify. It is recommended schools & ECEs seek advice from the Ministry of Education. ASCIA’s guidelines are available here: https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/adrenaline-autoinjectors-for-general-use

3. High Health Needs Funding
School-age students with complex health needs may be eligible for High Health Needs Funding through the Ministry of Education. It is important to note that the school is responsible for making the application, in consultation with the parent/caregiver, and will need up-to-date medical information from the child/student’s medical specialist. Further information can be found on the Ministry’s website.

4. Tips and Strategies
Allergy New Zealand’s National Volunteer Network has compiled some practical tips for implementing guidelines in schools. Read them here.