Access to appropriate allergy medication, such as adrenaline auto-injectors, can be more limited in early years settings compared to schools. The law needs to be changed to allow the statutory guidance to enter force in September 2026 to cover early years settings as well as schools.

In early years settings, children are frequently introduced to foods they may not have previously encountered. This increased exposure raises the likelihood of a child experiencing an allergic reaction for the first time while in care. Given the potential severity of allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, we believe it is essential that early years environments are equipped to respond promptly and effectively, with training and access to emergency medication.