WITH schools reopening after the summer this week, research reveals 35% parents in the South West who have children with allergies fear for their safety when starting school.

Valid concerns, as shockingly 20% said their children have had an allergic reaction whilst at school, and only 26% believe their school runs education sessions for students or pupils on the importance of understanding food allergies.

Further than that, 5% of parents said they choose to home-school their child due to safety concerns.

The data also revealed the percentage of parents who fear for their child’s safety in the following settings:

From parties (28%), to play dates (17%) and school trips (12%), children with allergies face exclusion and are missing out on core-childhood activities as parents fear for their child’s safety.

At a time when food allergies are on the rise among children, the research drives home the increasing need for parents, schools, and community spaces to receive education and updated knowledge on allergies. 

Research from Allergy UK reveals on average, most school classes in the UK will have at least one or two children with a food allergy, with allergies to peanuts, cows milk and egg most common. In addition, research also shows that 20% of serious allergic reactions to food happen whilst a child is at school and these reactions can occur in children with no prior history of food allergy, proving there is a clear need for greater awareness around such an important issue.

Mike Woods, CEO and Founder of Just Love is a parent with children who have severe food allergies. Just Love was founded to create allergen-free celebration cakes which his children, and other children who suffer from food allergies, could freely enjoy alongside their classmates at parties as he understood first-hand what it was like for them to be left out. Just Love’s mission is to bring people together with cake without compromising on deliciousness.

Woods said: 'Parties at school or school trips are an important part of growing up, but following our recently conducted research we know that a huge percentage of kids and parents are still being restricted by fear of food allergies. Our mission is bringing people together with cake, creating inclusive celebrations, where people with food allergies and other dietary needs are not made to feel different or left out whatever the setting.'