(32913) Roles and Responsibilities in Early Years Settings
Keeping children with allergies safe is a shared responsibility. In line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and safeguarding requirements, all staff working in early years settings should understand their role in preventing, recognising, and responding to allergic reactions.
Ofsted expects early years providers to ensure children’s health and medical needs are supported appropriately and that staff understand the procedures needed to keep children safe.
Whole-Setting Responsibility
All staff should:
- Be aware of which children have allergies and understand their individual needs
- Follow care plans, risk assessments, and setting procedures at all times
- Know how to recognise the signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
- Know where emergency medication is stored and how to access it quickly
- Respond immediately in an emergency and never delay treatment
- Understand how to reduce allergen risks during activities, meal times, snack times, and outings
- Take part in regular allergy awareness and emergency response training
- Report, record, and review incidents, reactions, or near misses
It is especially important that temporary, agency, bank, and relief staff are informed about children with allergies and understand emergency procedures before working with children.
Clear systems should be in place to ensure allergy information, medication, and care plans are always accessible to relevant staff.
Designated Lead or Named Person
Although the EYFS does not specifically require an “allergy lead,” many settings choose to appoint a designated person to help oversee allergy management and ensure consistent practice across the setting.
This person may be responsible for:
- Maintaining an up-to-date allergy register and care plan information
- Ensuring staff are aware of children with allergies and understand their needs
- Supporting communication with parents and carers
- Organising allergy and anaphylaxis training and keeping training records
- Monitoring medication expiry dates and reminding parents when replacements are needed
- Ensuring medication is stored safely and accessibly
- Supporting risk assessments for activities, food provisions, and outings
- Reviewing incidents or near misses to help improve practice
A whole-setting approach to allergy awareness helps create a safer, more inclusive environment where children with allergies can feel safe, supported, and able to participate fully in everyday activities.