Scenario: Excluding Peanut and Egg Based Foods

[eshasharma]

Hi again,
I have attempted the scenario. Could anyone please tell me if my response if alright and if anything needs to added. I have two questions though. Can someone please help.
Scenario - Policy Development
Two newly enrolled children at a Community Preschool have severe allergies – one to peanuts and peanut-based products and one to eggs (including egg cartons). In response Brenda, the new director, decides to review and update the allergies/ anaphylaxis policy. Brenda believes that reviewing the policy herself will save time. Brenda then sends through a copy of the policy to all parents advising them that peanut-based and egg-based foods are not allowed in children’s meals. Brenda is surprised by the strength of some parents’ reactions – some parents are unhappy to be told they can no longer provide these foods to the children. It is apparent that the exclusion of peanut and egg products has never been implemented.
Q - What procedure should Brenda have followed when reviewing the policy?
A - Brenda should have consulted stakeholders for their input when developing and reviewing the policy. She should have considered what foods cause allergic reaction to the children and what foods should not be allowed at the service.

The table below has a list of questions relating to planning for policy development.
Q - Define the issue or need for developing/reviewing the policy.
A - The policy needs to be updated with foods that cause allergic reaction to the children and foods that are not allowed the service any further.

Q - Who is the policy for (who are the stakeholders)?
A - Children, their families, employees, management and interested parties.

Q - What information is required to develop the policy i.e. what research should Brenda undertake?
A - Brenda should consider the current legislation and regulations, who is the policy for, what is the purpose of developing and reviewing this policy

Q - How does the policy relate to the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework?
A
QA2 : 2.1 : Each child’s health is promoted
2.1.1: Each child’s health needs are supported
2.1.4: Steps are taken to control the spread of infectious diseases and to manage injuries and illness, in accordance with recognised guidelines.
2.2.1: Healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the service are nutritious and appropriate for each child.
2.3.2: Every reasonable precaution is taken to protect children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury.
EYLF- LO3
Promote continuity of children’s personal health and hygiene by sharing ownership of routines and schedules with children, families and the community.
Discuss health and safety issues with children and involve them in developing guidelines to keep the environment safe for all.
Model and reinforce health, nutrition and personal hygiene practices with children.


Q - How could Brenda engage in discussions with identified stakeholders?
A - Brenda should organise for meeting with parents and staff members. She should raise the concern and the need for reviewing the policy. She can provide a draft policy for all the families and staff to provide in their input. She can then work on what feedback can be considered while reviewing the policy.

Q - What might Brenda need to consider when providing information to stakeholders?
A - Brenda should consider if the information is easy to understand to all the stakeholders. Relevant information to be translated for people who do not have English as their first language.

Q - What is the ethical dilemma Brenda faces in relation to this policy? (NOT SURE)
A -

Q - What could Brenda do to address the concerns of parents in relation to this policy?
A- Brenda should explain to the parents about the children having severe allergic reaction and should make them understand that such foods cannot be allowed in the cetre?? Is this right?

THANK YOU.

[Lorina]

Yes, you're on the right track with your responses!

You can also include that the ethical dilemma is that these foods are only now being excluded from the centre based on the 2 new children's allergies. Previously these foods have never had to been excluded from the service. However, you need to make the centre a safe environment for all children involved at the centre.

Here is some more info on policy development:

Effective Policy Development
Sample Policies

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina

[Unicorn1120]

Thanks soo much, it really helped me!

[Lorina]

You're welcome!

,
Lorina

[Unicorn1120]

LOL!!!


Unicorn1120