AQW 44412/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 21/04/2026
Answered On Date: 01/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has made any assessment of whether current arrangements for managing severe allergies in schools adequately support equal access to education for affected pupils.

Answer:

My officials have received correspondence and met with parents and organisations representing pupils with allergies where the lived experience of pupils with severe allergies and their families has been heard. The information shared will be considered as part of the review of the current guidance. This review has been paused due to competing priorities.

Schools have a responsibility to follow the extant guidance “Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs” and make reasonable adjustments to meet the individual pupil medical needs, including those with severe allergies/anaphylaxis. First Aid and Administration of Medication policies should be in place.