Schoolchildren Bring Their Voices to the Senedd for Food Allergy Awareness
Around 30 Year 6 pupils from St Michael’s R.C Primary School, Pontypridd, visited the Senedd
Allergy School Leads the Way in Food Allergy Education in Wales
Yesterday, a group of schoolchildren took an important step in making schools across Wales safer for children with food allergies. Around 30 Year 6 pupils from St Michael’s R.C Primary School, Pontypridd, visited the Senedd to present handwritten letters to Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, highlighting why food allergy awareness in schools matters so much.
The children were joined by Mick Antoniw MS, Senedd Member for Pontypridd, and Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBEs, founders of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s leading food allergy charity.
“I was really pleased to meet Natasha’s parents and children from St Michael’s RC Primary to hear about the importance of raising allergy awareness in schools and understanding guidelines to keep children safe,” - First Minister Eluned Morgan.
“It’s clear from my meeting with St Michael’s RC Primary, and hearing from the children directly, how important it is to provide an inclusive and safe food environment in schools,” - Mick Antoniw MS.
20% of allergic reactions happen in schools.
Why Food Allergy Awareness Matters
Food allergies affect approximately one in 13 children, and 20% of allergic reactions happen in schools. Yet, research conducted by the NASUWT teachers’ union, in collaboration with Natasha’s Foundation, found that 67% of teachers have never received any allergy awareness training, and one in five teachers has never been taught how to use an auto-injector (AAI).
To address this critical knowledge gap, Natasha’s Foundation developed Allergy School, a £1 million educational programme offering free, high-quality resources designed to transform understanding of food allergies in schools.
“As an educator who has food allergies myself, the resources provided by Allergy School have been invaluable in creating a safe and inclusive environment for children with allergies,”
“I’ve been delighted that our pupils have had the chance to share their own experiences with the First Minister, bringing this vital issue to the heart of our government.”
-Joanna Taylor, Headteacher of St Michael’s R.C Primary School.
Allergy School helps keep children with food allergies safe at school
About Allergy School
Allergy School was created by Natasha’s parents, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBEs, following the tragic death of Natasha at age 15 from an allergic reaction to food. Since its launch in February 2025, more than 22,000 people have engaged with the programme. All resources are available in English and Welsh, ensuring schools across Wales can access inclusive, high-quality food allergy education and training.
“We recognise that schools are seeing more children with food allergies come through their doors than ever before, Allergy School helps improve understanding of just how serious food allergies can be and we are delighted that so many schools and teachers have already downloaded these free resources. We would urge all schools across Wales to make use of them, so that every child can be fully included in school life.” -Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, co-founder of Natasha’s Foundation.
Schools can access free Allergy School resources by visiting www.allergyschool.org.uk.