Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Training for Schools in Cumbria

Practical allergy and anaphylaxis awareness training for school staff, supporting schools across Cumbria with the new statutory allergy-safety requirements introduced for the 2026/27 academic year.

GMC MedSafe delivers on-site training covering allergy awareness, recognition of anaphylaxis, emergency response and the practical use of adrenaline auto-injectors.

Who Is the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Training Course For?

This training is suitable for staff working in primary, secondary and specialist education settings, including:

Teachers and teaching assistants
Senior leadership teams
Administrative and support staff
Lunchtime supervisors
Catering staff
Site and facilities staff
Wraparound and extracurricular staff
Regular volunteers and other pupil-facing staff

The Department for Education expects schools to put allergy-awareness training arrangements in place for all relevant staff, rather than relying solely on designated first aiders.

What Does the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Training Course Cover?

The session combines allergy awareness with practical emergency-response training.

Understanding Allergies

Staff will explore:

what an allergy is
common allergic conditions
common allergens and triggers
the difference between allergy and other adverse food reactions
how allergic reactions can vary between individuals
factors that can increase risk within a school environment

Recognising Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

Staff learn to recognise:

common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction
airway, breathing and circulation problems
signs that a reaction may be progressing towards anaphylaxis
why early recognition and treatment are important

Emergency Response

Training covers what staff should do when a serious allergic reaction is suspected, including:

summoning assistance
calling 999
accessing emergency medication
appropriate casualty positioning
monitoring deterioration
CPR and emergency care where required
handing over to emergency medical services

Adrenaline Auto-Injector Training

Delegates receive practical experience using training devices, covering:

when an adrenaline auto-injector may be required
recognising common AAI devices
safe and confident administration
prescribed AAIs and school-held emergency devices
what to do after adrenaline has been administered

GMC MedSafe uses dedicated trainer devices so staff can practise the process in a safe classroom environment.

How Long Is the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Training Course?

The programme is normally delivered over approximately:

3 hours

Delivery can be arranged around the school day, including INSET days, staff-development sessions and other suitable training periods.

For larger staff groups, multiple sessions can be arranged.

Certification

This is a non-regulated awareness programme designed specifically for school staff.

Delegates receive a Certificate of Attendance, which the school can retain as evidence that the staff member has completed the session.

Because the current DfE allergy-safety guidance expects schools to provide allergy-awareness training regularly and at least annually, this course is designed to support annual staff refresher arrangements rather than act as a three-year regulated qualification.

We are currently in the process of having this course accredited through CPD!

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Training Course Prices and Group Bookings

Training can be provided for individual staff groups or as part of a wider whole-school training programme.

Pricing is based on the number of delegates and sessions required.

For larger schools, multiple sessions can be delivered during the same day to keep training practical while allowing as many staff as possible to participate.

Contact GMC MedSafe for current course pricing and group availability.