SCHOOLCHILDREN on Wednesday (February 11) presented Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan with handwritten letters about the importance of food allergy awareness in schools.
Around 30 Year 6 pupils from St Michael’s R.C Primary School, Pontypridd, were accompanied at the Senedd by Mick Antoniw MS, Senedd Member for Pontypridd, and the founders of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBEs.
The First Minister Eluned Morgan said: ‘I was really pleased to meet Natasha’s parents and children from St Michael’s RC Primary to hear about the importance of raising allergy awareness in schools and understanding guidelines to keep children safe.”
Senedd Member for Ponytpridd Mick Antoniw MS added : “I would like to extend my thanks to The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation for their sterling work in providing free food allergy awareness resources to schools.
“It’s clear from my meeting with St Michael’s R.C Primary School, and hearing from the children directly, how important it is to provide an inclusive and safe food environment in schools.“
Approximately one in 13 children has a food allergy and 20% of food allergic reactions occur in schools.
Research carried out by the NASUWT teachers’ union, in collaboration with Natasha’s Foundation, shows that 67% of teachers have had no allergy awareness training, and one in five teachers has never been taught how to use and administer an AAI. (3)
To help fill this knowledge gap, Natasha’s Foundation developed the £1million Allergy School programme, a suite of free educational resources designed to transform understanding of food allergies in schools so that children with food allergies feel empowered, included, and protected.
Joanna Taylor, Headteacher of St Michael’s R.C Primary School, said: “As an educator, who has food allergies myself, the resources provided by Allergy School have been invaluable in creating a safe and inclusive environment for children with allergies.
“I’ve been delighted that our pupils have had the chance to share their own experiences with the First Minister, bringing this vital issue to the heart of our government.“
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, co-founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and Natasha’s mum, added: “We recognise that schools are seeing more children with food allergies come through their doors than ever before and the challenges that can bring.
“Allergy School helps to improve understanding and awareness of food allergies and just how serious they can be – and we are delighted that so many schools and teachers have already downloaded these free resources.
“We would urge schools across Wales to make use of these free resources, so that all children can be fully involved in activities in and out of the classroom. Simply go to www.allergyschoool.og.uk to download for free.”
