By Talking Health TV –

The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation has unveiled its pioneering Allergy School programme, designed to transform awareness and understanding of food allergies in schools.

The initiative aims to ensure that children with food allergies feel empowered, included, and protected in educational settings across the UK.

Developed in collaboration with The King’s Foundation, St John Ambulance, and the children’s charity Coram Life Education, the free national programme provides practical resources for nurseries, primary schools, and out-of-school clubs catering to children aged 3 to 11.

The resources encourage greater awareness of food allergies and equip educators with the necessary knowledge to create safer environments for affected pupils.

A key component of the programme is a comprehensive online training course, Allergy and Anaphylaxis in Schools, provided free of charge by Yorkshire-based training provider High Speed Training.

Created in partnership with leading industry experts, the course covers the symptoms and treatment of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, the correct use of adrenaline auto-injectors, and guidance on implementing allergy policies in schools.

Since the launch of High-Speed Training’s free course, hundreds of schools have taken advantage of the initiative, with nearly 30,000 courses ordered to date.

Addressing a Growing Concern

Natasha’s Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, was established by Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE following the tragic death of their 15-year-old daughter Natasha in 2016 due to a severe allergic reaction.

Through education, research, and campaigning, the charity strives to make food allergies a thing of the past and improve the lives of millions affected across the country.

Recent research by the NASUWT teachers’ union, in collaboration with the foundation, highlights the urgent need for increased allergy awareness in schools.

Findings reveal that while 95% of teachers have children with food allergies in their school, 67% have received no allergy awareness training.

Alarmingly, one in five teachers has never been instructed on how to administer an adrenaline auto-injector, a potentially lifesaving action in an allergy emergency.

Furthermore, almost two-thirds (60%) of teachers are unsure whether their school even has an allergy policy in place.

Supporting Safer School Environments

Jan Parnell, Education Director at The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, emphasised the importance of the new programme, stating: “The Allergy & Anaphylaxis training course expands the understanding of food allergies and how to create a safe and inclusive environment for children with food allergies, making it of benefit to all school staff.

“The Foundation’s partnership with High Speed Training ensures that all education settings have access to an in-depth, accredited, allergy awareness course that enhances the Allergy School free resources.”

His Majesty King Charles, as Royal Founding Patron of The King’s Foundation and Royal Patron of St John Ambulance, has also lent his support to the initiative.

In a statement, he remarked: “I am delighted to hear of the launch of ‘Allergy School’, the new educational programme by The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.

“Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities.

“I am particularly heartened that my King’s Foundation has been closely involved with the project, helping all of us to become more aware of the many ways we can support one another, especially the more vulnerable in our society.”

Aslam Khan, CEO of High Speed Training, also underlined the significance of the partnership, stating: “Every child deserves to feel safe at school, regardless of their food allergies. Our partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is a serious commitment to protecting children’s lives.

“By offering our comprehensive Allergy & Anaphylaxis training free, alongside the Foundation’s innovative Allergy School resources, we’re empowering staff with the knowledge they need to create safer learning environments.

“Our partnership isn’t just about training; it’s about giving parents peace of mind and children the freedom to focus on what matters most – learning and growing together.”

For more information on The Allergy School, please visit www.AllergySchool.org.uk.