5.2 Recognise why it is important to follow carers’ instructions in respect of their child’s food allergies or intolerances

This guide will help you answer 5.2 Recognise why it is important to follow carers’ instructions in respect of their child’s food allergies or intolerances.

Food allergies and intolerances are different conditions, yet both can have an impact on a child’s health and wellbeing. A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a harmless substance in food as though it is harmful. This can cause a range of symptoms from mild skin rashes to severe breathing difficulties. An intolerance is when the body has difficulty digesting or processing certain foods. Symptoms are generally less severe than allergic reactions but can still cause discomfort or illness, such as stomach pain, diarrhoea or headaches.

Children may have allergies or intolerances to common foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish or fish. Some children may react strongly, even to tiny amounts of the offending food. For others, the reaction may take time to appear. Both conditions require careful management.

Recognising the difference between the two can help staff understand why instructions from carers must be followed accurately. Mistakes could trigger a reaction that could be distressing or dangerous for the child.

The Role of Carers’ Instructions

Carers know their child and their medical needs better than anyone. They have firsthand knowledge of what foods are safe and what must be avoided. Carers often receive medical guidance from doctors, allergy specialists or dieticians, and will pass this to staff to protect the child.

These instructions may include:

• Foods or ingredients to be avoided completely
• Cross-contamination risks to watch for
• Approved substitute foods or brands
• Instructions for preparing and storing food
• Emergency response steps if a reaction occurs

Following these instructions exactly is a matter of health and safety. Even minor deviations could lead to harm.

Why Accuracy Matters

A child with a severe peanut allergy will react to even trace amounts of peanut protein. This could appear through residue on a surface or in cooking oil that has been reused. A child with lactose intolerance could experience substantial stomach pain if enough milk is consumed. Accurate following of carers’ instructions helps prevent these outcomes.

Accuracy also supports trust between the setting and the family. If carers see that staff respect and follow directions, they feel more confident leaving their child in the setting.

Potential Consequences of Not Following Instructions

There are serious risks if instructions are ignored or applied inconsistently.

Possible outcomes include:

• Mild to severe allergic reaction such as rash, swelling or vomiting
• Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency that can affect breathing and blood pressure
• Emotional distress for the child and family
• Hospital admission
• Long-term loss of trust from the family
• Complaints or legal action against the setting

One mistake could put a child’s life in danger. Staff must keep this in mind at all times.

Supporting Safe Practice in the Workplace

A childcare setting should have clear policies for managing allergies and intolerances. Workers should be trained to follow these policies and to apply carers’ instructions accurately.

Good practice includes:

• Keeping written allergy action plans for each child with a diagnosed allergy or intolerance
• Ensuring all staff, including temporary workers, know which children have allergies and what steps to take
• Labelling food clearly
• Avoiding cross-contamination in preparation and serving
• Washing hands and cleaning surfaces thoroughly before handling food
• Checking ingredient labels carefully every time

Working as a Team

All staff have a role in keeping children safe. Information about a child’s allergy or intolerance should be shared appropriately with all staff who may prepare or serve food to that child, as well as staff who may supervise mealtimes.

Teamwork means:

• Communicating clearly at handovers
• Checking details if unsure
• Following the same agreed steps every time
• Supporting each other to avoid mistakes

Following Legal and Regulatory Requirements

UK childcare providers have a legal duty to protect children from harm. Health and safety laws, the Equality Act 2010 and food safety regulations all relate to this duty. Failing to follow carers’ instructions could breach these laws.

There is also statutory guidance from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which states that providers must be alert to any health needs of children in their care and act to meet those needs. This means taking allergies and intolerances seriously and following all given instructions.

Avoiding Cross-contamination

Even if the allergen is not in the actual dish being served, it can be transferred from surfaces, utensils, hands or other foods. This is known as cross-contamination.

Simple but important steps are:

• Using separate chopping boards and knives for allergen-free food
• Storing allergen-free food away from allergen-containing food
• Washing hands before and after handling food
• Using dedicated equipment where needed

Carers may have precise instructions on preventing cross-contamination, and these must be respected.

Recognising Signs of a Reaction

Following carers’ instructions reduces risk, but workers must still be able to spot the signs of an allergic reaction or intolerance. Quick action could save a life.

Signs of allergic reaction can include:

• Itchy skin or rash
• Swelling of lips, eyes or face
• Coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty breathing or speaking
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

Signs of intolerance vary but often involve digestive discomfort such as bloating, cramps or diarrhoea after eating certain foods.

Carers’ instructions often include what symptoms to look for in their child. They may also provide action steps and medication such as antihistamines or an adrenaline auto-injector.

Responding to an Emergency

If a child does have a reaction, staff must act fast. Carers’ instructions on emergency response should be followed exactly. Staff must be trained to use any provided medication such as an Epipen and to call emergency services when needed.

In some cases the emergency plan may include specific steps like:

• Sit or lay the child in a certain way
• Avoid giving certain foods or drinks
• Contact the carer immediately after calling 999

Practising these steps can help staff respond without panic.

Record Keeping

Accurate records help track and manage food allergies and intolerances. These include medical forms, consent forms, allergy action plans and records of training. Any incident involving a reaction should be documented and shared with carers.

Keeping clear records helps other professionals provide care and shows that the setting is organised and safe.

Working in Partnership with Carers

Staff and carers should have open, respectful communication. Carers appreciate regular updates and a willingness to double-check details. Staff should never guess if unsure which foods a child can have.

Good partnership involves:

• Asking questions if instructions are unclear
• Updating carers about any changes in menus or suppliers
• Reporting any food incidents straight away
• Being transparent about how allergen-free food is handled

Supporting the Child’s Emotional Wellbeing

For some children, living with an allergy or intolerance can bring worry or feelings of being different. Staff can support wellbeing by including every child in mealtime routines while keeping their food safe.

This can include:

• Offering safe alternatives that look similar to what other children have
• Avoiding making the child feel singled out
• Teaching all children about safe food habits in a positive way

Continual Training and Awareness

Staff training should be refreshed regularly. Guidelines and best practice can change, and children’s needs can change too. All workers should know the latest safe handling methods for allergens and food intolerances.

This can include:

• Attending allergy awareness training
• Practising emergency procedures
• Reviewing ingredient lists for regular menu items
• Learning about new allergen-free products

Final Thoughts

Following carers’ instructions about a child’s food allergies or intolerances is a matter of safety, trust and professionalism. These instructions are based on medical advice and personal knowledge that only the carers and medical professionals have. A child’s life can depend on workers getting it right every time.

By listening to carers, following policies and applying what you have learned, you help keep children safe and healthy. You also support their emotional wellbeing and make families feel secure in the care you provide. Every small step, from checking labels to cleaning work surfaces, plays a part in protecting the child.