Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Guidelines to assist schools in managing severe allergies.

Anaphylaxis

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes.

Conditions of compliance

The Children's Services and Education Legislation (Anaphylaxis Management) Amendment Act 2008 came into effect on 14 July 2008.

All schools across Victoria must by law have an anaphylaxis management policy if they have a student enrolled who has been diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis. This policy must include procedures for: 1. individual management plans for each child at risk; 2. a communication plan to inform staff, parents and students about anaphylaxis and the school's anaphylaxis management policy; and 3. staff training and emergency response.

Ministerial Order 90 Anaphylaxis Management in Schools (PDF) sets out clearly what steps schools must, at a minimum, take to ensure the safety of students at risk of anaphylaxis in their care. These requirements, from 14 July 2008, will form the basis of a minimum standard for school registration under Part IV of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

Any school that has a student or students at risk of anaphylaxis must have the following in place:

• an Anaphylaxis Management Plan for each student, developed in consultation with the student's parents/carers and medical practitioner
• prevention strategies for in-school and out-of-school settings
• a communication plan to raise staff, student and school community awareness about severe allergies and the school's policies
• regular training and updates for school staff in recognising and responding appropriately to an anaphylactic reaction, including competently administering an EpiPen�.
• The Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Victorian Government Schools have been developed to assist government schools in planning for and supporting students with severe allergies. Independent Schools Victoria recommends the adoption of the guidelines for independent schools that have students at risk of anaphylaxis.
• The guidelines are divided into five sections:
• the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's policy
• facts about anaphylaxis
• the roles and responsibilities of principals, school staff and parents/carers
• management and prevention strategies
• communicating with staff, students and parents/carers.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be putting the health of students at risk. There is also the possibility of litigation in the event of a serious incident. Compliance with Ministerial Order 90 is a requirement for school registration.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Other links:

DEECD: Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide Section 4.5 Students with Anaphylaxis

DEECD: Student Health - Anaphylaxis

DEECD: Ministerial Order 90 Anaphylaxis Management in Schools (PDF)

Submitted 12/18/2006, edited 6/4/2008.