Starting School/Nursery with Allergies
Helping your family feel confident for one of life's biggest milestones.
Starting school can feel exciting, emotional and, for parents of children with allergies, completely overwhelming.
Questions about lunches, medication, classroom routines, school trips and how your child will be kept safe can quickly feel like they take over.
At Free From Families, we understand because we've been there too.
We've brought together practical resources, guidance and support to help you feel prepared, informed and confident as your child takes this important next step.
You're not doing this alone
Whether your child is starting nursery, Reception or moving to a new school, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Alongside our practical resources, we've created a dedicated Starting School with Allergies WhatsApp group, giving families a safe and supportive space to ask questions, share experiences and connect with others preparing for the same journey.
From understanding Individual Healthcare Plans and school lunches to those inevitable first-day nerves, you'll be surrounded by families who understand exactly how you're feeling.
Our Starting School Resources
We've created a collection of practical guides, checklists and resources to help make starting school with allergies feel a little less overwhelming. Whether you're preparing for your child's first day, meeting with their teacher or understanding what support should be in place, we're here to help.
A practical guide to help you prepare for your child's first day.
​A parent-friendly guide to Benedict's Law, explaining what has changed and what schools should now have in place.
A simple checklist to help make sure nothing gets forgotten before September.
Understanding life from an allergy parent's perspective.
Connect with families who have already been through the journey and ask questions in a supportive community that understands.
Looking for something more?
A beautifully illustrated story helping young children understand allergies, inclusion and feeling different.
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Starting School with Allergies - A Social Story
Helping children understand their allergies and build confidence before starting school.
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Supporting Schools Too
Starting school isn't just a big milestone for families.
Schools also have an important role in helping children with allergies feel safe, included and able to thrive.
Following the introduction of Benedict's Law and the updated statutory guidance, schools have an increased responsibility to ensure they are prepared to support pupils with allergies safely and confidently.
At Free From Families, we've developed a range of resources and training to help schools understand their responsibilities, meet the requirements of the guidance and create safer, more inclusive learning environments for every child.
Our allergy awareness training has been developed to help schools meet the expectations of the new statutory guidance, giving staff the knowledge and confidence to support children with allergies, asthma and eczema safely and effectively.
With the introduction of Benedict's Law, schools now have clear statutory responsibilities when supporting pupils with allergies. Our training and resources have been designed to help schools understand the guidance, meet these requirements and build the confidence to keep every child safe.
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Our clinically reviewed EYFS to Year 6 allergy education programme helps schools teach children about allergies in an engaging, age-appropriate and meaningful way. Through ready-to-use lessons, stories and resources, Allergy Allies helps create safer, kinder and more inclusive school communities where every child feels understood, respected and included.
By increasing awareness and understanding from the very beginning, schools can build a culture where allergy awareness becomes everyone's responsibility.
We're Here Every Step of the Way
Starting school is just the beginning of your family's journey.
Whether you're preparing for September, looking for advice, supporting your child's school or simply want to connect with other families who understand, Free From Families is here to help.
A message from Katie
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'When my own children started school, I remember the sleepless nights, the endless questions and the feeling of handing over the people you love most to someone else. It can feel incredibly daunting.
That's exactly why we've created these resources. My hope is that they help you feel a little more prepared, a little more confident and remind you that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.