Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he has taken to ensure the safety of children with allergies in schools.
Minister of Education: It is vitally important that effective arrangements are in place to support children and young people with medical needs, including severe allergies and anaphylaxis, so that they can participate fully and safely in education. I recognise that schools would benefit from updated guidance and awareness training on allergy management.
I was pleased to meet with parents and representatives from the National Allergy Strategy Group, including Professor Adam Fox and Dr Caoimhe Glancy from Children’s Allergy Clinic NI, at the launch of the National Allergy Strategy in Parliament Building on 1 June and heard about the experiences of children and young people with allergies in school.
My officials have met with Helen Blythe, Founder of the Benedict Blythe Foundation, on a number of occasions, most recently on 1 June. Officials also met with the National Allergy Support Group on 4 June to discuss the campaign to mandate school allergy policies, training and spare allergy pens in all educational settings.
My officials, in partnership with the Department of Health, Public Health Agency and the Education Authority will consider developments in allergy management in schools when reviewing the current guidance.
ENDS
Your MLA 