Minimum standards for anaphylaxis prevention and management in schools and Early Childhood Education and Care

The National Allergy Strategy is engaging with key stakeholders to develop national minimum standards for the prevention and management of anaphylaxis in schools and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).

Australia has been a leader in its approach to the prevention and management of anaphylaxis in schools and ECEC. However, a review of policies and guidelines across Australian states and territories indicates that there are inconsistencies in anaphylaxis prevention and management in schools and ECEC settings.

This project aims to encourage the implementation of consistent minimum standards of care at the state and territory level. Supporting resources will also be developed as required to support the school and ECEC sector.

Consultation process

It is intended that this project will involve 3 key phases of consultation:

Phase 1 – Engagement with key school and ECEC stakeholders both government and non-government

Phase 2 – Engagement with school and ECEC staff via a national online survey

Phase 3 – Engagement with parents and care givers

Phase 1 Consultation

The first consultation phase has commenced with the drafting of the minimum standards for review by key government and non-government representation across the school and ECEC sectors.

A face to face meeting was held on the 19^th February 2020 in Sydney. This meeting enabled school and ECEC representation from across Australia to undertake an initial discussion about the draft minimum standards.

The minimum standards will be updated based on discussions at this meeting and be provided to key stakeholders for review.

Phase 2 Consultation

The second consultation phase will be conducted in late 2020/early 2021 depending on the impact of COVID-19. It is important that we allow enough time for the first consultation phase which is currently being impacted by COVID-19 as key stakeholders in the school and ECEC sector are busy managing the changes in the school and ECEC environment due to social and physical distancing requirements.

A national online survey will provide the opportunity for those working in schools and ECEC services to provide input into the minimum standards.

Phase 3 Consultation

The final phase of consultation will provide parents and carers with the opportunity to engage with us through a national online survey. This consultation will be undertaken in early 2021.

Further information

For further information about this project, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.