What is Allergy Allies?
Allergy Allies is a hands-on awareness programme created by Free From Families. It helps children and leaders learn how to spot allergy risks, prevent cross-contact, and know what to do in an emergency, in simple, age-appropriate ways.
The programme is divided into three sections for EYFS, KS1, and KS2 (with KS3 & KS4 resources currently in development).
Each set of lessons has been designed to meet national curriculum objectives and comes with:
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An age-appropriate story to introduce allergy awareness.
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Lesson plans and worksheets with suggested answers.
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A ready-made allergy policy — supporting schools with upcoming legislative changes, which may make allergy policies compulsory from the next academic year.
To help schools launch the scheme, a member of the Free From Families team may also be available to deliver a whole-school assembly, introducing the programme and raising awareness before lessons begin.
Who it's for
Allergy Allies has been designed for a wide range of settings:
Why it Matters
👶 1 in 13 babies in the UK will be diagnosed with food allergies.
🏫 Every classroom is likely to have at least one child with an allergy.
🚨 Anaphylaxis can happen anywhere, quick recognition saves lives.
💛 Children with allergies are more likely to be bullied, empathy and understanding reduce this risk.
📜 Benedict’s Law is expected to make allergy policies compulsory in schools. Allergy Allies helps schools prepare now.
Every child deserves to feel safe, included, and understood.
What Children Learn
Allergy Allies gives children the knowledge and confidence to help keep themselves and their friends safe, in ways that are simple, memorable, and age-appropriate.
Understanding Allergies
Kind Choices
Spot the Risk
What allergies are and how they affect children differently.
Why food should stay off shared equipment and how small actions can protect friends.
Recognising where cross-contact might happen in daily play.
Help a Friend
Emergency Awareness
Telling an adult, staying calm, and knowing that support makes a difference.
Understanding how adults respond in an emergency (999, adrenaline auto-injector) — explained in a gentle and age-appropriate way
'Every child knew by the end that just because food is safe for them, this doesn't mean it is safe for others. They could all tell me why we don't swap food and really enjoyed drawing their own safe packed lunches of food they know is safe for them.'
Steph Burns, EYFS Teacher and PSHE Lead