AQW 44412/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

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.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 21 April 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
21 April 2026
Answer due by
7 May 2026
Answered
1 May 202610 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

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.

Official sources