Anaphylaxis Management Policy

The Paint Yard is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all children, including those who are at risk of anaphylaxis. 

Purpose:

To minimise the risk of an anaphylactic reaction while children are participating in sessions at The Paint Yard, and to ensure that staff can recognise and respond appropriately to an anaphylaxis emergency.

Scope:

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, children, parents/carers, and visitors at The Paint Yard.

Policy Implementation

1. Enrolment and Medical Information

  • Parents/carers must disclose any allergies and risk of anaphylaxis during the enrolment process.

  • If a child is diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis, parents must provide:

    • A current ASCIA Action Plan (signed by a medical practitioner)

    • An in-date adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen/Anapen)

    • Any other prescribed allergy medication

2. Risk Minimisation

  • The Paint Yard will make reasonable adjustments to reduce risk of exposure to known allergens (e.g., nut products).

  • Food brought on-site will be supervised where possible, and staff may request certain items not be consumed in shared spaces.

  • Signage will be placed at entryways regarding allergy-aware practices.

3. Staff Training

  • All staff must complete annual anaphylaxis management training (ASCIA e-training or equivalent).

4. Emergency Response

In the event of an anaphylactic reaction:

  • Follow the child’s ASCIA Action Plan immediately.

  • Administer the adrenaline auto-injector as directed.

  • Call 000 for emergency assistance.

  • Contact the child’s parent/carer as soon as possible.

  • The incident will be documented and reviewed.

5. Storage of Medication

  • All medications must be clearly labelled with the child's name and expiry date.

  • Adrenaline auto-injectors must be stored in a central, unlocked location known to all staff. It is the parents/guardians responsibility to ensure that staff are aware of the location of the child’s epipen when they arrive at The Paint Yard. 

  • It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure any medication is up to date. 

6. Communication and Review

  • This policy will be available on The Paint Yard’s website.

  • Parents/carers will be informed of any changes to the policy.

  • This policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant incident.

Related Documents:

  • Enrolment Form

  • Child’s Medical Management Plan

  • ASCIA Action Plans