Key Summary
- The UK is introducing the first statutory allergy safety guidance for schools.
- Schools will be required to stock adrenaline auto-injector pens (AAIs).
- Teachers will be provided with appropriate training.
The UK government has introduced its first-ever dedicated, statutory allergy safety guidance for schools, which is set to become fully operational this September.
Under the new regulations, schools will be legally expected to implement and maintain clear allergy policies and individual healthcare plans.
A central requirement of the guidance is that schools must stock life-saving adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), as “spares” to use in emergencies.
Teachers and other school staff will be required to have training to promote rapid action during an allergic reaction.
The outcome of a consultation on the initiative, held after the plan was first announced in March, has been published.
In a section describing ‘next steps’ for the scheme, the Department for Education said more work is needed and that further guidance for schools is planned. “We recognise that further work is needed to clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of education settings and of healthcare professionals. We will take this forward with the Department of Health and Social Care before publishing updated statutory guidance for education settings on supporting children and young people with medical conditions in due course.”
The report recognised that many schools, colleges and early years settings already have strong arrangements in place to support children and young people with medical conditions.
These reforms, collectively known as "Benedict's Law," are a direct result of campaigning by Helen and Peter Blythe following the tragic death of their son, Benedict, who suffered a severe allergic reaction at school in 2021. It was reported that he had asthma and a number of allergies, including cow’s milk, eggs, nuts and kiwi fruit.
The government introduced the law as a commitment to reducing the risk of a similar tragedy happening again.
By establishing nationwide standards, the mandate ensures that each school is equipped with training, emergency plans, and adrenaline devices.
According to the NHS, these routine procedures and increased staff confidence will help more children to fully participate in school life safely.
Education Minister, Olivia Bailey, said: “Every child deserves to feel safe and included, but too many families have had to fight for basic protections that should simply be there.
“Today marks a significant moment for children with allergies and their families across the country – with Benedict’s Law making sure that every school has the training, plans and equipment needed to keep every child safe.
"This change is thanks to the tireless efforts of Helen and Peter Blythe, who have turned unimaginable tragedy into lasting change that will protect thousands of children for generations to come."
Helen Blythe, Co-Founder of the Benedict Blythe Foundation and Benedict's mother, said: "The publication of this guidance is the beginning of a new era for allergy safety. It will improve the safety of hundreds of thousands of children and ensure around one and a half million adults working in schools have the knowledge and confidence to recognise an allergic reaction and respond quickly in an emergency.”
Sarah Knight, CEO of The Allergy Team, which supports some schools with allergy training, said: “Since the consultation began, we’ve supported thousands of teachers and school leaders through free webinars and training, and we’ll continue that work through the summer.”
