Benedict’s Law: What Schools and MATs Need to Know About the Upcoming Allergy Safety Changes.
- Sam Myers
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14
Over recent months, schools and education providers across England may have started hearing more about Benedict’s Law and the increasing focus on allergy safety and anaphylaxis management within educational settings.
Whilst the final statutory guidance is still being developed by the Department for Education, it is already clear that allergy awareness and emergency preparedness in schools is becoming a much bigger national focus ahead of the proposed September 2026 implementation date.
What is Benedict’s Law?
Benedict’s Law is a campaign created following the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died from anaphylaxis at school in 2021 after being given food containing milk despite having a known allergy.
Since then, Benedict’s family, allergy charities, clinicians, and campaign groups have worked closely with government bodies to improve allergy safety standards within schools.
The government has now committed to introducing new statutory guidance for schools in England around allergy safety, emergency medication, and staff training.
What Changes Are Expected for Schools?
Although the final guidance has not yet been fully published, the current proposals and consultation discussions suggest schools will likely need to demonstrate stronger systems around:
- Whole-school allergy policies
- Staff allergy awareness training and hands on auto-injector practice
- Anaphylaxis recognition and emergency response
- Access to emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs)
- Individual healthcare and allergy action plans
- Communication and record keeping around allergies
- Ongoing refresher training for staff
One of the biggest expected changes is around staff training and awareness.
Historically, allergy and auto-injector training has often sat mainly within first aid provisions and qualified first aid staff. In reality, allergic reactions can happen anywhere within a school environment: classrooms, dining halls, playgrounds, corridors, school transport, or educational visits.
The current understanding is that schools may now need broader awareness and preparedness across ALL staff within school settings, not just the qualified first aiders included within staffing ratios.
At Hull Safety Training, practical anaphylaxis management and adrenaline auto-injector familiarisation has always formed part of our first aid training delivery.
However, what now appears to be changing is the expected scale of that awareness within schools and MATs (Multi-Academy Trusts).
This is likely to move allergy management from being seen as the responsibility of the first aider, towards something embedded within wider school safeguarding and staff awareness culture.
That does not mean every member of staff becomes a medical expert.
It means improving confidence around:
- recognising signs and symptoms early
- understanding emergency procedures
- knowing where medication is located
- responding quickly and appropriately until help arrives
Why This Matters
Food allergies in children are increasing, and schools are one of the most common locations for severe allergic reactions outside the home.
Research highlighted during the Benedict’s Law campaign that many school staff have never received formal allergy awareness training.
When it comes to anaphylaxis, early recognition and rapid treatment can be life-saving.
Practical, engaging training can make a huge difference to staff confidence and emergency response.
How Schools Can Start Preparing Now
Whilst schools await the final statutory guidance, there are sensible proactive steps settings can begin considering now:
Review Existing Policies
Check whether allergy procedures are clearly documented, accessible and understood across the school.
Identify Current Training Gaps
Consider which staff currently receive allergy or anaphylaxis training and whether wider awareness sessions may now be beneficial.
Check Emergency Medication Processes
Review where adrenaline auto-injectors are stored, accessibility arrangements and expiry monitoring procedures.
Review Individual Healthcare Plans
Ensure pupils with allergies have up-to-date care plans and emergency procedures in place.
Start Conversations Early
Many schools and MATs are already beginning discussions around implementation, training requirements and operational planning ahead of September 2026.
Helpful Resources for Schools and MATs
Department for Education Updates
Anaphylaxis UK – Benedict’s Law Guidance
Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Benedict Blythe Foundation
Whilst the final details are still evolving, the direction of travel is very clear; allergy awareness and anaphylaxis preparedness are becoming a much bigger focus within schools and educational settings.
Ultimately, the aim is not to create fear or overwhelm staff with legislation.
It is about improving confidence, preparedness and safeguarding to help create safer environments for children with allergies.
As further guidance is released over the coming months, schools and MATs will have a much clearer picture of exactly what implementation will look like in practice.
If your school or MAT would like to discuss practical allergy awareness and anaphylaxis training, please feel free to get in touch.
Hull Safety Training
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