Benedict’s Law: What It Means for Schools and Parents

Last updated: July 2026

Benedict Blythe was just five years old when he died from anaphylaxis at school in December 2021.

Benedict had several diagnosed allergies, including a severe allergy to cow’s milk. Following his death, his family established the Benedict Blythe Foundation and began campaigning for stronger, more consistent allergy safety protections in schools.

That campaign became known as Benedict’s Law.

Following years of campaigning by Benedict’s family, allergy organisations, healthcare professionals and families across the country, Benedict’s Law has now moved from a campaign into legislation.

🚨 Major July 2026 Update

Benedict’s Law is now part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026.

On 6 July 2026, the Department for Education published its final statutory guidance on allergy safety in schools, together with templates schools can use to create:

an allergy safety policy
Individual Healthcare Plans for pupils with allergies
staff training records
records relating to adrenaline auto-injectors

The new requirements will come into effect in England from September 2026.

This is a significant change. Schools will no longer be relying solely on general medical-condition guidance or voluntary good practice. They will have a legal duty to put appropriate allergy safety arrangements in place and must have regard to the new statutory guidance.

The measures currently apply primarily to state-funded schools in England, including maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units.

The guidance may also be useful for early years settings, colleges and independent schools, but the precise legal duties applying to different types of education setting may vary.

Campaigners continue to call for consistent protections for children across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What Is Benedict’s Law?

Benedict’s Law is the name given to a set of national protections intended to improve allergy safety in schools.

Its purpose is to ensure that schools have proper systems in place to:

identify and support pupils with allergies
reduce the risk of accidental allergen exposure
recognise and respond to anaphylaxis
provide rapid access to emergency medication
train staff appropriately
record and learn from allergic reactions and near misses
include children with allergies fully in school life

The central principle is that a child’s safety should not depend on their postcode, individual members of staff or whether a particular school has chosen to adopt voluntary best practice.

What Will Schools Be Required to Do?

Under the new law and statutory guidance, schools will be expected to take a whole-school approach to allergy safety.

Have a Dedicated Allergy Safety Policy

Schools must have a policy specifically covering the management of allergies.

This is separate from the school’s wider medical conditions policy and should explain how the school will protect, support and include pupils with allergies.

The policy should be published on the school’s website and communicated to staff, pupils and parents.

It should be reviewed at least once every year and following a serious allergic incident or near miss.

Appoint Responsible Leaders

The guidance expects responsibility for allergy safety to be clearly assigned.

Schools should identify:

a named senior leader responsible for allergy safety
a named member of the governing body or trust with oversight of the allergy safety policy

This is intended to make accountability clearer and ensure allergy safety is monitored at leadership level.

Provide Regular Allergy Awareness Training

Whole-school allergy awareness training should be provided regularly and at least annually.

Training should include teaching staff, support staff, catering staff, lunchtime supervisors and anyone responsible for pupils during breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, trips or other activities.

Staff should understand:

common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction
how to recognise anaphylaxis
when and how to administer adrenaline
how to call for emergency medical assistance
where emergency medication is stored
how the school reduces the risk of allergen exposure
the effect allergies can have on a child’s wellbeing

New staff should receive allergy information as part of their induction, and schools must also consider how supply and temporary staff are informed and trained.

Stock Spare Adrenaline Devices

Schools are expected to stock spare adrenaline devices for emergency use.

These may include adrenaline auto-injectors, such as EpiPen or Jext devices, and potentially other approved adrenaline-delivery devices.

Spare devices should:

be stored somewhere readily accessible
not be locked away where access could be delayed
be stored in appropriate dose strengths
remain within their expiry dates
be available in pairs where a second dose may be required or a device misfires

The guidance states that emergency adrenaline should be capable of reaching the person who needs it rapidly.

Schools must also have clear arrangements explaining when and by whom a spare device may be used.

Ensure Rapid Access to Prescribed Medication

Children who have been prescribed adrenaline should have rapid access to their own devices throughout the school day.

This includes during:

lessons
lunch and break times
sports activities
clubs
external visits
residential trips
travel to and from activities organised by the school

The guidance encourages children and young people to keep their prescribed adrenaline devices with them in their school bags where appropriate, including at primary school.

Schools should not rely on medication being stored in a distant office if that could cause a dangerous delay.

Use Individual Healthcare Plans

Children should have an Individual Healthcare Plan, often called an IHP, where their allergy:

has a functional impact on them at school
places them at risk of harm
requires arrangements that are additional to or different from the school’s general arrangements

The IHP should explain exactly how the child will be supported and what staff must do in an emergency.

It should include or refer to the child’s current Allergy Action Plan, medication instructions and relevant advice from healthcare professionals.

The school is responsible for drawing up the IHP in partnership with:

the child or young person
their parents or carers
relevant healthcare professionals
appropriate members of school staff

An IHP should be treated as a live working document. It should be reviewed at least annually and updated whenever the child’s condition, medication or medical advice changes.

Record and Learn From Incidents and Near Misses

The new guidance places much greater emphasis on recording allergic reactions and near misses.

A near miss could include a situation where:

the wrong food was nearly served
a child’s medication could not immediately be found
allergy information was not passed to a supply teacher
a child was accidentally exposed but did not develop serious symptoms
an emergency procedure was not followed correctly

Schools should record what happened, inform parents and consider what changes are needed to prevent it happening again.

Reviews should be carried out in a learning-focused and no-blame manner while still identifying failures and taking appropriate action.

Information provided later by children, parents or healthcare professionals should also be considered, as some reactions may not become fully apparent until the child has returned home.

Reduce the Risk of Allergen Exposure

Schools should take reasonable steps to reduce the likelihood of children coming into contact with their known allergens.

This should cover:

food prepared or supplied by the school
food brought into school by pupils, parents or staff
classroom cooking and food-based activities
celebrations and fundraising events
breakfast and after-school clubs
school trips and residential visits
contact or airborne allergens where relevant

Schools should also provide clear and reliable allergen information about food they serve.

The guidance does not suggest that every school must become completely free from particular allergens. Instead, each school should properly assess its risks and introduce practical measures that reflect the needs of its pupils.

Support Wellbeing and Inclusion

Allergy management should not simply be about emergency medication.

Schools should consider the emotional and social impact of living with allergies, including:

anxiety about eating at school
fear of having a reaction
isolation during food-related activities
allergy-related bullying
children being excluded from trips, celebrations or clubs

Children with allergies should be able to participate as fully and safely as possible in school life.

Schools should not create unnecessary barriers or routinely require parents to accompany their child on trips simply because the child has an allergy.

Why This Matters to Families

For families managing serious allergies, school can be one of the most worrying parts of everyday life.

Children spend many hours away from home. They may eat food prepared by others, use shared equipment, attend clubs and trips and take part in activities where allergens are present.

Parents are placing enormous trust in a school’s systems every day.

Before Benedict’s Law, standards could vary considerably. Some schools had excellent procedures, confident staff and strong communication. Others relied heavily on individual members of staff or policies that were not consistently followed.

The new law is intended to create clearer national expectations so that essential protections do not depend on local practice or goodwill alone.

What Should Parents Do Before September 2026?

Parents do not need to wait until the new school year to begin discussing the changes.

Schools should now be preparing their policies, staff training, medication arrangements and Individual Healthcare Plans.

Ask to See the School’s Allergy Safety Policy

Ask whether the school has drafted or published its dedicated allergy safety policy.

From September 2026, the policy should be available on the school’s website.

Check that it explains:

who is responsible for allergy safety
how staff are trained
how emergency medication is managed
how incidents and near misses are recorded
how allergen risks are reduced
how pupils are supported on trips and during extracurricular activities

Review Your Child’s Individual Healthcare Plan

Make sure your child’s IHP reflects their current needs.

Check that it includes:

all diagnosed or suspected allergies
common symptoms your child experiences
their current Allergy Action Plan
medication names and doses
where medication will be kept
who will be responsible for supporting them
what should happen during trips and activities
emergency contact details
any changes advised by healthcare professionals

Check Your Child’s Medication

Confirm that your child’s adrenaline devices:

are the correct dose
are clearly labelled
are within their expiry dates
are stored in line with the manufacturer’s instructions
can be reached rapidly

Ask how the school will obtain, store and monitor its spare adrenaline devices.

Ask About Training

Ask when whole-school allergy awareness training will take place and how often it will be refreshed.

You may also wish to ask:

whether catering and lunchtime staff are included
how supply teachers will receive the information
whether staff practise using trainer devices
who has received more detailed emergency-response training
how new staff are trained after joining the school

Discuss Trips, Clubs and Special Events

The same safety arrangements should apply outside the normal classroom.

Ask how the school will manage:

school trips
residential visits
sports days
breakfast and after-school clubs
cooking activities
parties and celebrations
food brought into school
travel to external events

Keep Important Communication in Writing

Following meetings or telephone conversations, send a brief email recording what has been agreed.

This gives parents and schools a shared record and helps prevent misunderstandings.

Questions to Ask Your Child’s School

You may find it useful to ask:

Has the school published its dedicated allergy safety policy?
Who is the named senior leader responsible for allergy safety?
Which governor or trustee has oversight of the policy?
When will all staff receive allergy awareness training?
How will supply, temporary and newly appointed staff be informed?
Does my child need an Individual Healthcare Plan?
When will my child’s plan next be reviewed?
Is my child’s current Allergy Action Plan attached to their IHP?
Where will my child’s prescribed adrenaline be kept?
Can my child carry their own devices where appropriate?
How quickly can medication reach my child from different parts of the school?
Will the school stock spare adrenaline devices?
How will expiry dates be checked?
How are catering staff informed about pupils’ allergies?
How are food substitutions and ingredient changes managed?
What arrangements are in place for clubs, trips and residential visits?
How are allergic incidents and near misses recorded?
How will parents be informed if something goes wrong?
What support is available if my child experiences allergy anxiety or bullying?

Template Letter to Send to Your Child’s School

Subject: Allergy Safety Arrangements for [Child’s Name]

Dear [Headteacher’s Name],

I am writing regarding the allergy safety arrangements for my child, [Child’s Name], who is currently in [Year Group/Class].

[He/She/They] has a diagnosed allergy to [allergen or allergens] and has been prescribed [medication, including adrenaline devices where applicable].

Following the publication of the Department for Education’s statutory allergy safety guidance in July 2026, I would be grateful if you could confirm the school’s current arrangements and preparations for September 2026.

In particular, could you please confirm:

whether the school has prepared or published its dedicated allergy safety policy
who the named senior leader responsible for allergy safety is
what whole-school allergy awareness training will be provided
how supply, temporary, catering and extracurricular staff will receive relevant information
whether [Child’s Name] has a current Individual Healthcare Plan
how and where [Child’s Name]’s prescribed medication will be stored and accessed
whether the school will stock spare adrenaline devices
how allergy safety will be managed during trips, clubs, sporting activities and special events
how allergic incidents and near misses will be recorded, reviewed and communicated to parents

I would welcome the opportunity to meet and review [Child’s Name]’s arrangements before the beginning of the new school year.

I am keen to work collaboratively with the school to ensure that [Child’s Name] can participate fully and safely in school life.

Thank you for your time and support.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

For School Staff: What Strong Allergy Management Looks Like

Strong allergy management is not simply a policy stored on a website.

It involves clear systems, informed staff and confident action throughout the entire school.

Good practice includes:

treating the allergy safety policy as an active working document
appointing named leaders with clear responsibility
involving children and parents in developing support arrangements
ensuring IHPs are personalised and regularly reviewed
providing annual allergy awareness training for all staff
including catering, lunchtime, club and temporary staff
practising with adrenaline training devices
ensuring emergency medication can be accessed rapidly
storing spare devices appropriately and checking expiry dates
recording and reviewing reactions and near misses
learning from mistakes without creating a culture in which staff are afraid to report them
considering allergy safety during every trip, event and activity
supporting children’s mental health and responding to allergy-related bullying
enabling children with allergies to participate fully wherever reasonably possible

Most school staff want to protect the children in their care. Strong, consistent systems give them the knowledge and tools needed to do so.

Does Benedict’s Law Apply Across the Whole UK?

The new legislation and statutory guidance described in this guide apply to England.

Education, school health and allergy-safety arrangements are devolved matters, meaning Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own legislation and guidance.

Families outside England should check the current requirements published by their national government, local authority or education body.

The Benedict Blythe Foundation and allergy organisations continue to advocate for strong and consistent protections for children throughout the United Kingdom.

Final Thoughts

The July 2026 update marks a historic moment for school allergy safety.

Benedict’s Law began as a family’s determination to prevent other children and parents experiencing the same devastating loss.

It has now resulted in legislation, statutory guidance and clearer national expectations for schools in England.

From September 2026, schools will be expected to have dedicated allergy safety policies, properly trained staff, effective Individual Healthcare Plans and reliable access to emergency adrenaline.

However, policies alone will not keep children safe.

The real impact of Benedict’s Law will depend on how confidently and consistently the requirements are introduced in every classroom, canteen, playground, club and school trip.

Children with allergies deserve to feel safe, supported and fully included in their education.

Related Guides

📘 Natasha’s Law: What It Means for Food Allergy Safety
Learn how food labelling rules for Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS) foods help people with allergies make safer choices.

🍽️ Eating Out with Food Allergies: A Practical Guide
Tips for asking the right questions, reducing risk, and dining out with greater confidence.

🚨 Anaphylaxis: Signs, Symptoms and Emergency Action
Recognise the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and understand what to do in an emergency.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice.

The exact duties applying to a particular school or education setting may depend on the type of establishment and the legislation in force at the relevant time.

Parents and carers should discuss individual medical needs with qualified healthcare professionals and agree appropriate arrangements directly with their child’s school.

Schools should refer to the final Department for Education statutory guidance, official templates and all other relevant legal and safeguarding requirements.