The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation has launched their new Allergy School programme, which features a comprehensive online training course provided free of charge by Ilkley-based online training provider High Speed Training.
The free, national programme aims to transform understanding of food allergies in schools so that children with food allergies feel empowered, included and protected.
Allergy School has been developed in partnership with The King’s Foundation, St John Ambulance and the children’s charity Coram Life Education, and features practical resources for nurseries, primary schools and out-of-school clubs and groups looking after children aged 3 to 11 in the UK, to encourage greater awareness and understanding of food allergies.
High Speed Training’s free course, The Allergy and Anaphylaxis in Schools, was created in partnership with leading industry experts and covers the symptoms and treatment of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, how to use adrenaline auto-injectors to treat anaphylaxis and guidance on implementing allergy policies in schools. Since its launch hundreds of schools and almost 30,000 courses have been ordered.
Natasha’s Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, was set up by Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBEs after their daughter Natasha died aged 15 from a food allergic reaction in 2016. Through campaigning, education and research, the charity’s mission is to make allergy history, starting with food allergy, and improve the lives of the millions of people in the UK living with food allergies.
New research by the NASUWT 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.
Jan Parnell, Education Director at The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, said:
"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."
As Royal Founding Patron of The King’s Foundation and Royal Patron of St John Ambulance, His Majesty King Charles has sent a message of support 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.
“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, said:
“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