Keeping Children with Allergies Safe in Early Learning Settings
For families of children with allergies or medical conditions, choosing an early learning centre is about more than routines and programs. It is about trust. Parents need to know that their child will be recognised, supported and kept safe at all times.
Recent media coverage and parliamentary discussions have highlighted growing concerns around allergy management and medical training requirements in childcare settings across Australia. These conversations reflect an important reality. More children than ever are entering early learning environments with food allergies, anaphylaxis or medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes.
At Sagewood Early Learning, we believe every child deserves safe, responsive care and every family deserves confidence that their child’s health needs are understood and respected.
Why allergy awareness in early learning matters
Food allergies are becoming increasingly common among young children. Medical experts estimate that around one in ten Australian children will experience a food allergy by the age of one.
In early learning environments, children rely entirely on adults to recognise symptoms, respond quickly and act appropriately. Early signs of an allergic reaction can sometimes be subtle, and delays in treatment can have serious consequences.
That is why ongoing education, awareness and clear processes are so important in early childhood settings.
What experts are calling for nationally
Paediatric specialists and health organisations have raised concerns that minimum training requirements may not be enough to meet the needs of children with complex medical conditions.
Submissions to a Senate inquiry by organisations such as the Australian Paediatric Society and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy have emphasised the importance of comprehensive anaphylaxis training for all childcare staff.
Medical experts have highlighted that children may experience their first allergic reaction while in care, that early recognition of symptoms is critical, and that clear procedures and access to emergency medication can save lives.
Our approach to allergy safety at Sagewood
At Sagewood Early Learning, children’s health and wellbeing are always at the centre of our care.
All Sagewood educators receive allergy awareness and emergency response training, not just the minimum number of staff required under current regulations. This ensures children are supported by trained educators throughout the day, across all rooms and routines.
Our training and processes include:
Anaphylaxis awareness and emergency response procedures
First Aid training, including EpiPen use
Clear medical management plans for children with allergies
Safe food handling and allergy-aware mealtime practices
Regular training refreshers for all educators
Clear escalation and emergency response protocols
We also understand that no two children are the same. Individual care plans allow us to respond appropriately to each child’s needs while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.Ready to visit Sagewood?
The Red Bowl Program at Sagewood Early Learning
As part of our commitment to allergy safety and inclusion, Sagewood Early Learning has implemented our Red Bowl Program.
The Red Bowl Program supports awareness of children with food allergies and dietary needs while still allowing them to participate fully in mealtimes alongside their peers. Children who require modified meals are provided with a clearly identified red bowl, which helps educators, casual staff and visitors quickly recognise and support children with specific dietary requirements.
Through our curriculum, children are also supported to learn about healthy eating and to develop awareness and respect for peers who have different dietary needs. Importantly, children using red bowls are given the same opportunities to self-serve, with confidence that the food provided is safe for them.
To support consistent care:
All children using a red bowl have an ASCIA Action Plan in place
Individual risk assessments are completed to support each child’s needs
Staff, including relief educators and visitors, are made aware of children with dietary requirements through photos and the Red Bowl Program
This approach helps create a mealtime environment that is both safe and inclusive, supporting children’s independence while prioritising their wellbeing.
Supporting families through partnership and communication
We know how stressful it can be for families managing allergies or medical conditions. Our role is to work in partnership with you.
If your child has an allergy, intolerance or medical condition, we encourage open conversations with your centre team. Sharing updates, changes or concerns helps us provide the safest care possible.
We also support families by answering questions about our safety procedures, explaining how allergies are managed day to day, and ensuring families feel heard, supported and reassured.
A shared responsibility for safer early learning environments
Keeping children safe in early learning is a shared responsibility between families, educators, services and regulators. As awareness grows and policies continue to evolve, the focus remains the same. Children deserve environments where their health needs are understood and responded to quickly, confidently and calmly.
At Sagewood Early Learning, we remain committed to providing nurturing, responsive care where every child’s wellbeing comes first.
We’re here to talk
If you would like to learn more about how Sagewood Early Learning supports children with allergies or medical conditions, or if you would like to discuss your child’s individual needs, our team would be happy to talk with you.
We welcome you to book a tour at your local Sagewood Early Learning centre or speak with our team to learn more about our training, safety procedures and approach to care.
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