A new law aimed at strengthening allergy safety in schools across the UK is set to come into force from September 2026. Known as Benedict’s Law, the legislation will introduce clear legal requirements for how schools support children and young people living with allergies.
What is Benedict’s Law?
Section 72 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (commonly referred to as Benedict’s Law) will require schools to take a more structured and consistent approach to managing allergies.
Under the new legislation, schools will need to:
- Have an allergy and anaphylaxis policy in place
- Provide individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies
- Record allergic reactions appropriately
- Store in-date adrenaline auto-injectors on site
- Hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors on the premises
- Ensure staff receive training in allergy awareness, recognising reactions, and administering adrenaline
These measures will place a legal duty on schools to implement practices that help protect pupils with allergies.
Why is this change important?
Until now, schools have only been advised, rather than required, to implement allergy safety measures. This has led to inconsistencies in how allergies are managed across different settings.
Benedict’s Law aims to create a safer and more consistent approach nationwide, ensuring that all children and young people with allergies are better protected during the school day.
The law is named in memory of Benedict Blythe, who tragically experienced a fatal allergic reaction at school. Following his death, his parents established the Benedict Blythe Foundation and have campaigned to make allergy safety a legal requirement in schools.
What will change for schools?
The introduction of Benedict’s Law marks a shift from recommended guidance to mandatory practice. From September 2026, schools will be legally required to:
- Train staff in allergy awareness and emergency response
- Maintain individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies
- Keep in-date adrenaline auto-injectors on site.
In addition, the Secretary of State will publish guidance to support schools in implementing these requirements within six months of the Bill receiving approval.
How the Sadie Bristow Foundation can help
The Sadie Bristow Foundation supports schools, nurseries, and organisations through practical allergy awareness sessions. These sessions provide:
- Clear guidance on allergy management
- Strategies to help prevent allergic reactions
- Hands-on training using adrenaline auto-injector devices
We also offer ongoing support to help schools confidently implement the new requirements and create safer environments for children with allergies.
Have your say
A consultation on the Supporting Children and Young People with Medical Conditions and Allergy guidance is now open until Friday 1 May.