By Harry Freemantle

SCOTTISH schools have been called by campaigners to introduce allergy training for all teachers on how to acknowledge and respond to allergic reactions within classrooms.

And the plan has the full backing of His Majesty King Charles, whose foundation, is backing the campaigning families.

Ayrshire mum-of-two, Marie McEwan, whose children have allergies, believes this is a huge step forward and will be a relief to parents.

Marie McEwan, who believes teachers do not always understand the severity allergies can have on children told uwsnews: “I don’t think teachers realize how severe it can be. I think they do now, but I don’t think they did in the past.

“I’ve got a son that’s got food allergies, so anything that could educate teachers is a good thing and the King getting involved with it as part of the King’s Foundation, is a good thing.”

Marie explained how good South Ayrshire council supports primary schools in tackling allergies in school: “The age of my child, he still is entitled to a free school dinner, so they are very much on the case.”

However there are issues in secondary schools and the mum believes teachers should receive the training: “I think most secondary school kids know what they can eat and what they can’t eat, but there probably still should be some awareness in case there is an illegitimate reaction.”

A study conducted by the NASUWT teacher’s union said that 95% of teachers teaching in schools have students in their class that has an allergy with a staggering 67% of them having no form of allergy training.

The King’s Foundation has been working hard to make people more aware of of how children in schools can be supported.

King Charles 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.”

Marie discusses how good South Ayrshire council supports primary schools in tackling allergies in school. “the age of my child, he still is entitled to a free school dinner, so they are very much on the case. South Ayrshire Council have been good and anything that’s not in the diary that I’ve approved food-wise.”

Secondary schools are different however, they should still recieve the training. Marie states: “I think most secondary school kids know what they can eat and what they can’t eat, but there probably still should be some awareness in case there is an illegitimate reaction.”