Anaphylaxis
Policy Statement
Kidz Klub believes the safety and wellbeing of children who are at risk of anaphylaxis is a whole-community responsibility. We aim to provide an environment which is safe and healthy where children at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of the programs and experiences offered at the service. We will ensure all staff are equipped with adequate knowledge and training of allergies, anaphylaxis and emergency procedures to enable them to respond immediately and appropriately.
Procedure
The Centre will ensure there is at least one educator present at all times that children are being educated and cared for at the service who has undertaken approved anaphylaxis management training, as per Regulation 136.
All educators will be required to undergo approved Anaphylaxis Management Training, as specified by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Training will be updated every 3 years as required.
Parents will be required to inform the Centre of any child diagnosed by a medical practitioner as being at risk of anaphylaxis, at the time of enrolment. This information is recorded on the enrolment form. Parents are reminded of this requirement through the Family Handbook. Parents will be required to provide a copy of the Anaphylaxis Action plan, as authorised by the medical practitioner (Regulation 90).
Permission will be required from parents to have the action plan displayed in a location visible and accessible to staff responsible for the child. Any medication required such an adrenalin pen or antihistamine must be supplied by the parents in a hard plastic box, clearly marked with the child’s name and any additional relevant information must be kept with the medication at all times.
The Centre Coordinator will ensure that any child who has been prescribed an adrenalin pen is only allowed to attend the centre if their medication has been made available to educators. All medication must be stored in an area easily accessible to staff (not locked away) but inaccessible to children and away from any direct heat source.
When off service grounds, any adrenalin pens for children on the excursion must be carried and administered only by educators adequately trained in anaphylaxis management. All educators, including relief staff and volunteers, will be informed of the currently enrolled children who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis upon employment. Educators will be responsible for familiarising themselves with the children diagnosed. In the event of an anaphylactic reaction occurring where a child has been diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis, staff will follow the instructions on the child’s action plan. Following an anaphylactic reaction, the centre administrator and staff are to be notified. A review of this policy is to be undertaken and amended as required.
In the event of an anaphylactic reaction occurring where a child has been diagnosed as only being allergic, staff will:
• Call an ambulance immediately “000”
• Commence first aid measures as advised by 000/health care professional
• Contact the parent/guardian
• Contact the person to be notified in the event of illness if the parent/guardian cannot be contacted
Medication may be administered to a child without authorisation in case of an anaphylaxis emergency (Regulation 94). If medication is administered under this regulation, the approved provider or nominated supervisor of the education and care service must ensure that the following are notified as soon as practicable:
• a parent of the child
• emergency services
Staff must ensure that all anaphylaxis medication administered is recorded in a medication record. Parents/guardians of children diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis must be provided with a copy of the Anaphylaxis Policy on enrolment (Regulation 91).
If parental permission is given, the Centre must notify the other families using the service of a child at risk of anaphylaxis being enrolled in the service (Regulation 173).
The child’s name will not be mentioned. This can be done in the newsletter and will be displayed on the noticeboard. If relevant, policies and practices in relation to specific needs of individual children will be developed and implemented.
Food Allergies
If a child has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis directly relating to certain foods:
• Parents will be required to provide an outline of the child’s current diet on a Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan/Severe Allergies Form (see D-15 Allergies Policy)
• A listing of children with food restrictions will be placed in the kitchen to remind staff
• Allergy boards detailing the alternate food items to be served to children with allergies will be written and displayed prior to food preparation and service.
• A list of what the child cannot eat will be recorded, as well as alternatives of what the child can eat
• Food will be served in different coloured bowls, plates and cups used only for children with allergies.
• Children at risk of anaphylaxis are to be served first or separately.
• All staff are to make themselves aware of the record on an ongoing basis
All children’s individual needs such as allergies, anaphylaxis, dietary requirements etc. will be addressed in the menus. Practices and procedures in relation to safe food preparation and consumption will be reviewed each time enrolment for a child with a risk of anaphylaxis is accepted at the centre.
Kidz Klub is currently a nut aware Centre in line with the anaphylaxis requirements of attending children. Where possible, the Centre will reduce the risk of exposure to allergens and provide alternatives during mealtimes where an allergen may be present. Any staff members who have been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis by a medical practitioner must advise the Centre Coordinator. This will be recorded on their emergency details form and any additional information recorded on file.