Benedict’s Law – Allergy Safety in Schools

Benedict’s Law is the name commonly used to describe new statutory guidance being introduced to improve allergy safety in schools across England. The guidance is expected to come into effect from September 2026 and represents a significant step forward in protecting children with severe allergies.

Background and Purpose

The changes follow a campaign led by the family of Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old boy who tragically died from anaphylaxis at school in 2021 after being given food containing an allergen.

This highlighted serious gaps in how allergies were managed in schools and led to calls for stronger, more consistent safety measures nationwide.

What Benedict’s Law Introduces

The new guidance requires schools to take a structured and proactive approach to allergy safety, ensuring staff understand risks and can respond effectively in an emergency.

1. Whole-School Allergy Policy

Schools must have a clear allergy policy that explains:

• How allergens are managed
• How risks are reduced
• How pupils with allergies are supported

2. Staff Training

All staff must receive allergy awareness and emergency response training, enabling them to:

• Recognise symptoms of allergic reactions
• Respond quickly and confidently

3. Individual Healthcare Plans

Pupils with diagnosed allergies must have individual healthcare or allergy action plans that include:

• Known allergens
• Symptoms to watch for
• Medication required
• Clear emergency actions

These plans must be accessible and understood by staff.

4. Spare Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

Schools must have access to spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs).

These are critical when:

• A pupil’s own device is unavailable or expired
• A reaction occurs in someone with no known allergy

5. Whole-School Responsibility

Allergy safety is not limited to first aiders. All staff must:

• Understand allergy risks
• Know basic emergency actions
• Support a safe environment

6. Inclusion and Risk Management

Schools must actively manage risks while ensuring pupils with allergies are safely included in all activities, including:

• Lessons
• Trips
• Events and celebrations

Why This Matters

Benedict’s Law aims to standardise allergy safety across all schools, reducing variation and improving outcomes.

By strengthening policies, improving training and ensuring access to life-saving medication, the goal is to:

• Reduce the risk of allergic reactions
• Improve emergency response
• Prevent future tragedies

Role of Training

Training is central to making this guidance effective.

Well-trained staff can:

• Recognise symptoms early
• Act quickly and correctly
• Follow school procedures with confidence

Conclusion

Benedict’s Law is about protecting lives through better awareness, preparation and consistency.

For anyone working in schools, understanding and applying these requirements is a key part of keeping pupils safe.