Allergy Policy

Mini Makers - Allergy Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

This Allergy Policy outlines how we manage, communicate, and minimise risks related to allergies. Our aim is to create a safe environment for all participants, especially children, by following UK government guidance and best-practice safety standards.

2. Our Commitment

We are committed to:

•Preventing exposure to known allergens wherever reasonably possible.

•Ensuring clear communication with parents, guardians, and participants.

•Providing safe practices for workshops, events, and activities.

•Responding promptly and effectively to allergy-related emergencies.

3. Information Gathering

Before any workshop or activity, we will:

•Request allergy information from parents/guardians or participants during registration.

•Record all disclosed allergies securely and confidentially.

•Confirm specific allergens including, but not limited to:

•Nuts

•Dairy

•Eggs

•Gluten

•Soy

•Shellfish

•Latex

•Medication allergies

•Environmental allergies (e.g., pollen, animal hair)

No child or participant will be admitted without providing full allergy information.

4. Risk Prevention Measures

We will:

•Avoid using common high-risk allergens in activities or materials whenever possible.

•Ensure all food brought on-site is clearly labelled or disclosed in advance.

•Maintain a strict no-nut policy unless otherwise stated.

•Check all workshop materials, ingredients, and products for allergen warnings.

•Keep areas clean and sanitised to minimise cross-contamination risks.

5. Medication & Emergency Plans

If a participant requires emergency medication (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler):

•Parents must provide instructions and consent forms.

•Medication must be labelled and handed directly to a responsible adult at the session.

•Staff will familiarise themselves with how and when to administer emergency medication.

•In an emergency, we will call 999 immediately, followed by contacting the parent/guardian.

6. Staff Awareness and Training

All staff and volunteers involved in workshops or activities will:

•Be made aware of any participant allergies prior to sessions.

•Receive clear information on emergency procedures.

•Be trained to identify signs of allergic reactions, including:

•Swelling

•Breathing difficulties

•Hives

•Vomiting

•Loss of consciousness

7. Communication With Parents/Guardians

We will keep parents informed about:

•Planned activities involving materials that may pose allergen risks.

•Any incident involving their child.

•Any changes to our allergy policy.

Parents/guardians must update us immediately if allergy information changes.

8. Monitoring and Review

We regularly review this policy to ensure it remains effective and compliant with UK safety guidance.

•Last Reviewed: 30th November 2025

•Next Review Due: 30th November 2026