Guide

Individual Healthcare Plans for pupils with allergies

When a pupil with an allergy needs an Individual Healthcare Plan, what goes in it, and how it relates to their Allergy Action Plan.

Last reviewed 7 October 2026Checked against the DfE guidanceNot legal or medical advice
Short answer: The DfE guidance says a pupil should have an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) if their allergy has a functional impact on them at school, they are at risk of harm because of it, and they need arrangements that are additional to or different from the school's general ones. The pupil's Allergy Action Plan from their healthcare professional is attached to the IHP.

IHP or Allergy Action Plan?

Allergy Action PlanIndividual Healthcare Plan
Written byThe pupil's healthcare professionalThe school, with the pupil, parents and healthcare professionals
What it coversWhat to do if the pupil has a reactionHow the school supports the pupil day to day, including trips, food and devices
How they fitThe Allergy Action Plan is attached to the IHP

What an IHP usually includes

  • The pupil's allergens and the attached Allergy Action Plan
  • Their prescribed adrenaline devices, and where they are kept
  • Arrangements for meals, snacks, lessons, clubs and trips
  • Consent from parents, including for a spare device to be used
  • Who is responsible for what, and when the plan will be reviewed

Writing and reviewing it

Draft it with the pupil (where appropriate) and their parents, using advice from their healthcare professionals. The DfE publishes an IHP template alongside the guidance. Review it at least every year, when anything changes, and after any reaction.

Questions schools ask

Does every pupil with an allergy need an Individual Healthcare Plan?

No. The guidance says an IHP is needed where the allergy has a functional impact at school, the pupil is at risk of harm and they need arrangements additional to or different from the school's general ones.

Is there an official IHP template?

Yes. The DfE publishes an Individual Healthcare Plan template with the Allergy safety in schools guidance.

Who writes the Allergy Action Plan?

The pupil's healthcare professional. The school attaches it to the IHP and follows it.

Read next

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Official sources

  1. DfE: Allergy safety in schools (statutory guidance, policy template and IHP template), July 2026

Allergy Ledger helps your school record and follow its own allergy procedures. It does not give medical advice and does not replace staff training, the pupil's Allergy Action Plan or Individual Healthcare Plan, or the advice of a healthcare professional. In an emergency always follow the pupil's plan and call 999. Information on this page is general information, not legal advice.