Case Study

You have just come from a staff meeting in which you were told that a new child will be starting the setting next week. All staff were advised that this child has severe allergies and so will be bringing an epi-pen or anapen in case they go into anaphylactic shock. You overhear two colleagues saying that the child should not be allowed to come to your setting for health and safety reasons.

• What legislation or other guidance might be relevant to this situation?
• What ‘health and safety’ concerns might there be in having a child with severe allergies at the setting?
• Where might you look for further information and guidance about caring for this child when they are present at your setting?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.