A new Allergy School programme has been launched today by The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF), the UK’s food allergy charity, supported by Coram Life Education.
Arlo the armadillo and Coram Life Education’s Harold the Giraffe learn about food allergies in one of the allergy school films
The Allergy School programme provides free resources to all nurseries, primary schools and out-of-school clubs and groups to encourage greater awareness and understanding of food allergies.
The resources include films, lesson plans and assembly packs created by the charity in partnership with Coram Life Education, The King’s Foundation, St John Ambulance and Tesco Stronger Starts. Coram Life Education, part of the Coram Group, is the leading charity provider of relationships, health, wellbeing, and drugs education to children across the UK, supporting over 55,000 teachers and reaching over 620,000 pupils every year.
Today’s launch comes as new research published by NASUWT, the teachers’ union, in collaboration with NARF, reveals that 95% of teachers now have children with food allergies in their school, yet 67% have had no allergy awareness training. One in five teachers has never been taught how to administer an adrenaline auto-injector which could save a life in a food allergy emergency, and almost two thirds (60%) don’t know or are unsure if their school even has an allergy policy.
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of NARF, whose daughter Natasha died aged 15 from a food allergic reaction, said the survey findings were ‘shocking’ and exposed the barriers faced by too many children with food allergies in Britain’s schools, which can leave them feeling excluded and isolated. Tanya said: “Government, schools, teachers, parents and pupils need to come together to support children with food allergies in this country. Today we are kickstarting that process. Our new Allergy School will transform levels of awareness and understanding of food allergies to ensure all children are safe and able to participate fully at school.”
The Allergy School programme aims to transform understanding of food allergies in schools so that children with food allergies feel empowered, included and protected. The resources – available at www.AllergySchool.org.uk – feature schools, teaching staff and children, sharing their own stories and food allergy best practices. They also introduce Arlo, the friendly, food-allergic armadillo who helps to educate children about food allergies in a positive and engaging way.
Jan Forshaw MBE, Head of Education at Coram Life Education, said: “Awareness of food allergies among the whole community is vital. Children with food allergies are often excluded from events, because of a general lack of knowledge and understanding of the issues they face. They can also experience bullying because their allergy can make them appear different to other children. The lessons and assemblies we have developed with Natasha’s Foundation, work together to help everyone learn about the challenges and risks faced by children with food allergies – focusing on facts and, crucially, on developing empathy and caring, attitudes. We are delighted to be part of this great work.”
His Majesty King Charles today sent a message of support for the launch, saying: “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.”