Boy with nut allergy banned from school because he is a 'health and safety risk'

His new school didn't agree. Concerned that none of the staff was trained to cope if the 11-year-old had an allergic reaction, the headmaster banned him – on health and safety grounds.

George, who was diagnosed with a nut allergy at 18 months, carries an emergency adrenaline injection, known as an EpiPen, and wears a medical tag to alert carers to his condition.

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When he began at Howden School in East Yorkshire, his mother informed the comprehensive about the allergy.

A file with medical notes was forwarded from his primary.

If the boy went into severe anaphylactic shock it could render him unconscious and he would need assistance using the EpiPen.

He had been at school for only four days when the head summoned his mother for a meeting.

He told her George must go home as no policies were in place to deal with his condition.

Judith Hall-Lambert, who has three other children, said: "Howden School is saying nobody could take charge of his EpiPen because staff don't know how to use it.

"They won't let him back in school until everything has been sorted out and he is classed as safe.

"If he went back now they say he would be a health and safety risk."

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George, who was near the top of his class in his SATs tests, is receiving 15 hours a week tuition at home.

But Mrs Hall-Lambert, 37, of Eastrington, near Goole, added: "George is being discriminated against because he has a nut allergy.

"He is a bright kid and this could set back his education."

She dismissed an offer for him to attend the inclusion unit at the school, as it is predominantly for children with behavioural problems.

"George is well-behaved and there is no reason for him to be in that unit.

"He is entitled to a mainstream education like everyone else," she added.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said arrangements had been made to send him to school full-time, but his mother had decided not to send him.

"The school is following guidance from the local authority and the Government in ensuring that George can access his entitlement to education in a safe environment."

Head Andrew Williams said staff were working towards an acceptable solution.

"My main concern is to ensure that we meet the health and welfare needs of all students in our care."