What does the law mean for those living with allergies?
What is the law?
Section 72 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, also referred to as
Benedict’s Law will introduce new requirements to strengthen allergy safety in schools. The legislation will require schools to have an allergy and anaphylaxis policy in place, ensure that pupils with allergies have individual healthcare plans, which include recording allergic reactions, and storing in-date adrenaline auto-injectors on site. It will also require schools to stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors on the premises, and staff must receive training in allergy awareness, recognising allergic reactions, and administering adrenaline auto-injectors. The measures are expected to come into force in September 2026, placing a legal duty on schools to implement these practices to help ensure the safety of pupils with allergies.
Why is it necessary?
Until now, schools have only been advised to put measures in place to protect pupils with allergies. As a result, it has been up to each school to decide whether to train staff and implement practices to prevent allergic reactions. With this law, schools will become safer settings for children and young people with allergies, as it will be compulsory to have measures in place. This will ensure better protective measures are there to protect them against possible allergic reactions. Benedict Blythe experienced a severe allergic reaction while at school. Following his death, his parents founded the Benedict Blythe Foundation with the aim of making it a legal requirement for schools to put appropriate measures in place to protect pupils living with allergies.
What changes does it introduce?
The most significant change introduced by this law is that measures previously recommended will now become mandatory. From September 2026, schools will be legally required to ensure that staff are trained in allergy awareness and that individual healthcare plans are in place for pupils with allergies. Furthermore, they will be required to store in-date adrenaline auto-injectors on site. These measures aim to improve protection and safety for children living with allergies.
What does it mean to schools?
School staff will be required to receive training in allergy awareness, recognising allergic reactions, and administering adrenaline auto-injectors. Schools will also need to create individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies and ensure that in-date adrenaline auto-injectors are available on site. The legislation also requires the Secretary of State to publish guidance for schools on how to implement these measures within six months of the Bill receiving approval.
How our charity can support schools
The Sadie Bristow Foundation delivers allergy awareness sessions where attendees learn about the basic concepts of allergies, how to help prevent allergic reactions, and practical strategies for managing allergies within the school community. The sessions also include hands-on practice using adrenaline auto-injectors training devices. In addition, the Foundation is available to support schools that need guidance in implementing these practices.
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A consultation on the Supporting Children and Young People with Medical Conditions and Allergy guidance is now open until Friday 1 May.
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