The Department has processes in place in Tasmanian Government schools to manage the needs of children who experience allergies and asthma.  It is important for you to inform the the school if your child has any asthma or allergies – not just those diagnosed as severe or food allergies.

Where to start

If your child has asthma and/or an allergy, you should discuss this with your child’s teacher.

If your child has a severe allergy and is at risk of anaphylaxis you should notify the school at enrolment, or as soon as a diagnosis is made.

For you and your child

Every student who is known to be at risk of anaphylaxis should have an Anaphylaxis Action Plan completed by their medical practitioner before your child starts school or as soon as the condition is diagnosed.  

Students with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan completed by their medical practitioner before your child starts school or as soon as the condition is diagnosed. Medical Action Plans and Medical Management plans should be reviewed and updated in line with national peak body recommendations and/or when your child’s condition or medical needs change.

You will need to provide the school with any medication needed to treat your child’s asthma/anaphylaxis in its original packaging as well as the completed Authorisation to administer Student Medication form.

What to expect from your school

An individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan will be developed by the school in consultation with you and health professionals when an adjustment is required for your child’s medical condition. The Anaphylaxis Action Plan will be held at the school and to inform relevant staff will be informed of your child’s individual asthma/anaphylaxis needs.

 The school will use the information you have provided when planning class activities and excursions to ensure your child’s needs are met during these activities.

Where can I get more information?

• Talk to your child’s teacher, principal or School Health Nurse
• Allergy Aware; a hub for allergy aware resources and support for schools and children’s education and care services to prevent and manage anaphylaxis.
• Allergy Facts; a support organisation helping individuals and carers in managing allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis.
• The National Allergy Strategy; a partnership between the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA).
• Asthma Australia