Industry Update; Benedict’s Law
BENEDICT’S LAW; WHAT IT MEANS FOR SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND
New requirements to help keep people in schools safe.
From this September, statutory allergy safety guidance will strengthen how schools in England support pupils with allergies. This guide explains what Benedict’s Law means, which schools are included, how staff should prepare and how schools can respond to an emergency for an allergic reaction including anaphylaxis as well as, how to recognise possible anaphylaxis and why staff training matters.
School Allergy Safety Bill more commonly known as Benedict’s Law, contains the new requirements that aim to create a more consistent approach to allergy management, staff training and emergency preparedness in schools.
For schools, this means that allergy safety is no longer something that should be left solely to a designated first aider or a small number of trained staff. It is a whole-school responsibility.
WHAT IS BENEDICT’S LAW?
Benedict’s Law is named in memory of Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old boy who tragically died following an allergic reaction at school in 2021.
Following Benedict’s death, his family and allergy charities campaigned for stronger protections for children with allergies in educational settings.
The campaign highlighted concerns that allergy management and emergency preparedness could vary significantly between schools. While some schools have robust policies, staff training and emergency medication available, others did not.
The new legislation and statutory guidance will create clearer and more consistent requirements for schools across England.
The overall purpose is simple:
To ensure children with allergies are safer at school and staff are prepared to recognise and respond quickly to an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
To read more about Benedict’s story follow the link below.
Benedict Blythe inquest jury rules ‘accidental’ allergy death – BBC News
WHO DOES BENEDICT’S LAW APPLY TO?
The new requirements apply to schools in England, including:
- All Primary and Secondary schools
- Independent schools
- Nursery settings attached to schools
The requirements place an emphasis on a whole school approach
A whole-school approach means that everyone from, the headteacher and teaching staff to office, catering, transport, lunchtime and premises teams should understand allergy risks, recognise the signs of a serious reaction and know how to respond.
The person who first notices that a child is becoming unwell may not be a trained first aider. Therefore, staff need to understand the signs of a potential serious allergic reaction and know what action to take.
WHAT ARE THE ALLERGY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOLS?
Have a Whole -School Allergy Policy
Schools will be expected to have a clear and accessible allergy policy. This is expected to help ensure that there is a consistent approach to managing allergies throughout the school.
The policy should consider areas such as:
- Allergy awareness
- Risk management
- Communication with parents and carers
- Food and catering arrangements
- School trips and activities
- Emergency procedures
- Incident and near-miss reporting
- Developing individual plans for pupils with allergies
Allergy Awareness and Anaphylaxis training for school staff.
One of the most important aspects of Benedict’s Law is the requirement for all staff to receive appropriate allergy awareness and emergency response training.
Unlike traditional first aid from September 2026, annual anaphylaxis training is mandatory, helping ensure that staff knowledge and confidence remain up to date.
If you are currently unsure if your current qualifications meet the requirements and standards contact a member of our team at info@insafehandstraining.com or call us at 01726 890843 to support you through your enquiry.
Hold Spare Adrenaline Auto injectors.
Schools must hold spare, in-date Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs) for emergency use.
These devices may be lifesaving for someone experiencing anaphylaxis. However, spare devices do not replace a child’s own prescribed medication. Children who have been prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors should continue to have access to their own medication in line with their individual healthcare plan.
Why is Anaphylaxis Training so important in schools?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
It can develop rapidly and requires prompt recognition and treatment.
Possible signs and symptoms can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty speaking or a hoarse voice
- Feeling faint, dizzy or collapsing
- Pale or clammy skin
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- A sudden deterioration in someone’s condition
In an emergency, time matters…
Preparing for Benedict’s Law.
Schools should consider reviewing their current arrangements and asking:
- Do we have a clear and accessible whole-school allergy policy?
- Are all staff appropriately trained in allergy awareness and emergency response?
- Are staff confident using the adrenaline auto-injectors available in school?
- Do we have appropriate spare, in-date adrenaline auto-injectors available?
- Does everyone know where emergency medication is kept?
- Do pupils with significant allergies have clear and up-to-date individual plans?
- Are our procedures for incidents and near misses clear?
- Are we confident that our staff would know what to do if an allergic reaction happened today?
In conclusion Benedict’s Law is designed to create safer, more inclusive schools for pupils with allergies. Because anaphylaxis can develop quickly, clear policies, confident staff and prompt emergency action can save lives.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope it has helped explain what Benedict’s Law means for schools and why allergy awareness, training and emergency preparedness are so important.
Unsure whether your school’s current training meets the new allergy safety requirements? Contact our team at info@insafehandstraining.com or call 01726 890843 for guidance on suitable allergy awareness and anaphylaxis training.
Resources:
Anaphylaxis UK | Supporting people with serious allergies | Anaphylaxis UK
Benedict’s Law – Benedict Blythe Foundation
Benedict Blythe inquest jury rules ‘accidental’ allergy death – BBC News
Allergy safety in schools statutory guidance
