Health Focus - allergens e-training
As part of our series of articles focused on areas of known non-compliance against the National Quality Framework (NQF), this month’s focus is on health practices and procedures (NQS element 2.1.2).
Food allergy affects about one in 10 infants and one in 20 school age children across Australia. Emergency departments report increased rates of infants and young children presenting with anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening.
Anaphylaxis training is critical so staff can recognise signs of an allergic reaction and know what to do if one occurs, particularly in the scenario when a child experiences their first allergic reaction while at an education and care service.
To prevent food allergies, safe food preparation and handling will help reduce risks. Food allergen management training is not included in anaphylaxis training courses. However, the National Allergy Council has developed a free online training for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services - All about Allergens for Children’s Education and Care.
It is recommended that all educators and involved in preparing, serving, or supervising food and mealtimes complete this course.
Allergy aware services work with families to lower the risk of children with allergies having a reaction. To learn more about the National Allergy Council’s best practice guidelines for anaphylaxis prevention and management visit www.allergyaware.org.au.
While the National Allergy Council's best practice guidelines are designed to provide guidance to ECEC and outside school hours care (OSHC) services within Australia, services must consider the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations in conjunction with this guidance.
Previous articles in the series: