Food allergies at school and childcare, what to give carers

Updated 29 October 2026 · By IngrediLens

Handing your child over to a school, nursery, childminder or grandparent is hard when they have a food allergy. The best protection is clear information that carers can understand quickly and act on without hesitation. Here is what to prepare.

The essentials pack

1. An allergy action plan, completed with your child's doctor or allergist. In the UK, the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) provides standard plans. In the US, FARE offers a Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan. It should list:
   • the child's name, photo and date of birth
   • the allergens
   • signs of a mild reaction and of anaphylaxis
   • step-by-step actions, including when to give the adrenaline auto-injector and call an ambulance
   • parent and doctor contact details
2. Medication, in date and labelled: adrenaline auto-injectors as prescribed, plus any antihistamine on the plan. Keep a note of expiry dates.
3. A list of foods and ingredient names to avoid, including hidden names, such as casein and whey for milk, or tahini for sesame. Our guides to milk, egg, nuts and gluten can help.
4. Your family's rule on "may contain": does your child avoid foods with a precautionary warning? Say it clearly. See what "may contain" means.
5. A safe snack box labelled with your child's name, for parties and unexpected treats.

Talking to the school or nursery

Arrange a meeting before your child starts, or as soon as the allergy is diagnosed. Ask:

• Who is trained to recognise anaphylaxis and use an auto-injector? Are supply teachers and lunchtime staff told?
• Where are the auto-injectors kept? They should be easy to reach, not locked away, and go with the child on trips and to sports.
• Does the school have spare auto-injectors? In the UK, schools may hold spares for emergencies.
• How are meals handled? Does the catering team get the allergy information, and how do they label food?
• What about food in lessons? Cooking, science, and rewards with sweets.
• What happens on trips, at sports events, and in after-school clubs?
• Is there an individual healthcare plan? In England, schools must have arrangements to support pupils with medical conditions. In the US, a Section 504 plan may apply.

Things carers often forget

• Craft and play materials: play dough often contains wheat, egg cartons and milk bottles can carry residue, and bird feeders often contain peanuts.
• Celebrations: birthday cakes, class parties, festival foods, and treats from other parents.
• Hand washing: soap and water remove allergen residue better than hand gel. Wipe tables before eating.
• Sharing food: young children share. Supervised eating helps.
• Older children: teenagers may feel embarrassed to carry medicine or ask about food. Help them practise.

Recognising anaphylaxis

Make sure every carer knows the signs. The NHS lists, among others:

• swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, wheezing, hoarse voice
• feeling faint, confused, or very sleepy; pale and floppy in babies and young children
• collapse or unconsciousness

These often come with a rash, hives or vomiting, but not always. What to do: use the adrenaline auto-injector straight away, call an ambulance (999 in the UK, 911 in the US, 112 in the EU) and say "anaphylaxis". Then follow the action plan for positioning and a second dose. Never wait to "see if it gets better".

Babysitters, grandparents and holiday clubs

For short-term carers, a one-page card works better than a folder. Include the child's allergens with their other names, a photo of the auto-injector with how to use it, the emergency number, and your phone number. Put it somewhere obvious, such as the fridge or the medicine bag.

Keeping it up to date

Review the plan every year with your child's doctor, and whenever the allergy, medication or school changes. Note any reactions in a reaction diary to share at appointments.

How IngrediLens helps

With Premium, IngrediLens creates a school or caregiver card as a PDF. It lists the allergens your child must avoid, an emergency contact and your own notes, with a reminder to check every label including "may contain" warnings. It is ready to print or share with a nursery, school or babysitter. Add the hidden names from our guides to the notes. Family profiles keep each child's allergens separate, and child mode gives a simple yes / no / check view when older children scan food themselves. The card is a helpful summary and does not replace the action plan from your doctor.