NSW updates allergy and anaphylaxis guidance for ECEC services

The NSW Department of Education has updated its allergy and anaphylaxis guidance for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, encouraging providers to review their policies and procedures following the release of the 2026 Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plans.

The revised guidance supports approved providers and educators in preventing, recognising and responding to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining current medical management plans and individual risk minimisation strategies for children diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis.

The 2026 ASCIA Action Plans introduce revised layouts and clearer clinical guidance to support faster recognition of allergic reactions and emergency responses.

According to the department, the updated plans include improved visual formatting, simplified instructions and revised guidance covering the adrenaline injector devices currently available in Australia. The changes are intended to support consistent responses across education and care settings.

Previous versions of the plans will continue to meet regulatory requirements while services transition to the updated documents in consultation with families and treating medical practitioners.

The department's guidance outlines the different ASCIA plans available for use in ECEC services:

• ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (Red) – for children who have been prescribed an adrenaline injector.
• ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions (Green) – for children with diagnosed allergies who are not considered at risk of anaphylaxis.
• ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (Orange) – a general emergency response guide that can be displayed throughout the service and used if a child experiences anaphylaxis without a previous diagnosis.

The guidance reminds providers that medical management plans should remain current, readily accessible and developed in partnership with families and health practitioners.

Alongside updated action plans, the department reinforces the importance of individual risk minimisation plans for children diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis.

These plans should identify each child's known allergens, outline strategies to reduce exposure within the service and document the procedures educators should follow if an allergic reaction occurs.

The department also encourages services to regularly review food preparation practices, meal supervision, communication with families and staff awareness to minimise the risk of accidental allergen exposure.

The updated resource library also highlights the department's Meal Checkpoint Resource, which supports services preparing food on site.

The resource promotes a two-person verification process before meals are served to children with diagnosed allergies or anaphylaxis, helping reduce the risk of incorrect meals being provided.

The updated guidance provides an opportunity for approved providers and service leaders to review allergy and anaphylaxis management procedures, ensuring documentation remains current and educators understand emergency response processes.

The department reminds services that ASCIA Action Plans, individual risk minimisation plans and communication plans should be understood by all educators, including relief and casual staff, and be readily available should an emergency occur.

The guidance also reinforces existing obligations under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, including requirements relating to medical conditions policies, risk minimisation plans and the administration of emergency medication where required.