Originally from the UK, Jasween joined OWIS when the school had only 120 students. What drove Jasween to OWIS was seeing the school place children first, championing open communication and having such strong core values – all of which remain true to this day.
If your child has an indoor, seasonal and/or food or nut allergy, you must take extra precautions every day. It’s especially important to find a school that understands allergies, provides a safe environment and offers medical care. Read on to learn how international schools in Singapore handle allergies. This information can help you choose the most appropriate school in Singapore for your child.
Rather than one universal allergy policy, most schools implement their own unique allergy policy that you must carefully review.
It is very difficult to find a school that is completely allergen-free. However, a nut-free school can be an indication that allergies, not just nut-allergies, are taken seriously at the school. Food and beverage options at the school should be nut-free, prepared in a nut-free environment and not exposed to cross-contamination.
OWIS is a nut-free school. Our caterers operate a nut-free canteen for students and staff, too.
Allergy medications can relieve allergic reactions and may even save your child’s life. When you move to Singapore, check the current allergy medicine regulations.
You will definitely need to visit a registered Singapore doctor and obtain a new or renewed prescription for necessary allergy medicine such as an EpiPen or anti-histamines. This authorisation ensures that your child can receive their allergy medicines and is required before the school nurse can administer the medicine your child needs.
Discuss the school’s allergy medication protocols, too. You will need to complete the school’s medication documents. These forms verify the type of allergy your child has and the medicine he or she needs to have access to or take at school.
You may also wish to connect with other parents of children with allergies in Singapore as you protect your child.
Certain areas of the world are naturally lower in outdoor allergens, such as pollen. Relocating to a place like Singapore may reduce your child’s allergies.
Keep in mind, however, that every person reacts differently. While some families in Singapore report an increase in allergic reactions to pollen and other outdoor allergens, our Admissions team member Sherry A. no longer suffers from grass fever symptoms, like itchy and watery eyes, now that she has relocated from Britain to Singapore.
At OWIS, we take all allergies seriously and do our best to protect each child.
At registration, parents complete a medical form that includes their child’s allergen information. You will need to list the type and severity of the allergy, symptoms of an allergic reaction and necessary allergy prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.
Any prescription and over-the-counter medication, including an EpiPen, inhaler or antihistamines, are handed to the school nurse, and you will also need to provide instructions for when the medicine is to be administered.
A prescription letter must be provided if your child requires an EpiPen, inhaler or other prescription allergy medication. This letter has to be provided by a Singapore registered medical doctor.
We take every precaution to prevent allergic reactions and we have a trained registered nurse on the school premises from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The nurse maintains a list of students with serious allergies and an action plan for the management of each child’s allergic reactions.
If your child does have an allergic reaction, the nurse will immediately check your child’s symptoms, review his/her medical records and administer the necessary medicine. If your child’s symptoms subside after he or she takes the medications, you will be contacted.
Depending on the severity of symptoms and your child’s allergy history, the nurse may call an ambulance immediately after administering the medication. A staff member from the school will accompany your child to the nearest hospital, and the school will contact you.
To learn more about OWIS and how we manage your child’s allergies in school, contact us today.
