King praises school allergy scheme after teen death

King Charles has sent a message of support for a new allergy awareness programme for schools, launched by the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse.

Natasha, from Fulham, west London, died in July 2016 aged 15, following a severe allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger sandwich containing sesame.

The £1m "Allergy School" was developed in part with the King's Foundation charity and aims to train teachers and other school staff to better understand and deal with food allergies.

The King said he was "delighted" about the new scheme and said it was "so important" to keep children with food allergies safe.

After Natasha's death, the law was changed to require all food outlets to provide a full ingredients list and allergy labelling on food pre-packaged for direct sale.

However, a recent survey by the teachers' union NASUWT and the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF) suggested many teachers had little food allergy awareness to deal with issues arising in schools.

The King said: "Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities.

"I am particularly heartened that my King's Foundation has been closely involved with the project, helping all of us to become more aware of the many ways we can support one another."

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, Natasha's mother and founder of NARF, said the survey findings were "shocking" and exposed the barriers faced by children with food allergies.

"Finding a nursery where Natasha would be safe was extremely difficult. Natasha at times was bullied at school because of her food allergies and this was incredibly stressful and isolating for both her and our family."

The scheme will extend to nurseries and clubs as well as schools and includes educational films, first aid advice, lesson plans and assembly packs developed in partnership with The King's Foundation, St John Ambulance, the children's charity Coram Life Education and Tesco Stronger Starts.

Mrs Ednan-Laperouse added: "Government, schools, teachers, parents and pupils need to come together to support children with food allergies in this country.

"Today we are kickstarting that process," she added, saying the new programme would "ensure all children are safe and able to participate fully at school".

Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, said the recent survey of teachers was "important".

"It is essential that children and staff in schools with food allergies get the help they need to keep them safe," he added.

Stephen Morgan, early years education minister, welcomed the work of the charity and said: "The safety of our children is the most important thing both in and outside of school.

"I encourage all settings to make use of engaging programmes such as these, alongside taking the necessary steps to manage allergy risks as clearly set out in the government's allergy guidance."

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