AQW 44411/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 21/04/2026
Answered On Date: 11/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any mandatory training currently required for school staff in recognising and responding to anaphylaxis.

Answer:

Educational settings in Northern Ireland have a responsibility to follow the “Supporting pupils with Medication Needs” guidance and make reasonable adjustments to ensure that pupils medical needs, including severe allergies/anaphylaxis, are met.

Where a pupil has an individual healthcare plan, supported by healthcare professionals and agreed with parents and school, this will detail any specific training required to support their medical needs. The pupil and their family should be known to the Paediatric Anaphylaxis Nursing Specialists team who can provide specific support, where it is required.

Since 2022 all EA catering staff receive general Food Safety training, alongside separate Allergen Management training. In addition to this, a Special Diets Management training module was introduced for all catering staff in August 2025. Each module is delivered to new staff upon appointment to their job, and the training is refreshed annually for all catering staff. Special diets and allergens have also been the subject of recent awareness-raising initiatives, including toolbox talks and quality assurance assessments.