Benedict's Law: What Schools and Education Providers Need to Know
Published Aug 19, 2026
Preparing Your School for Stronger Allergy Safety Requirements
From September 2026, schools and education providers across England will be expected to meet new statutory requirements designed to improve the safety of children with allergies. Commonly known as Benedict's Law, these changes represent one of the most significant developments in allergy management within education settings for many years.
Named in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who tragically died following an allergic reaction at school, the legislation has been introduced to ensure that every school has robust systems in place to protect pupils with severe allergies.
For school leaders, governors, trusts and early years providers, now is the time to review existing arrangements and ensure staff are prepared for the changes.
What is Benedict's Law?
Benedict's Law strengthens the way schools manage allergies by introducing statutory guidance that all schools in England will be expected to follow. The aim is to create consistent standards across education settings and reduce the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions.
Whilst many schools already have excellent procedures in place, the new requirements ensure that allergy safety becomes a consistent expectation rather than simply good practice.
What Will Schools Need to Do?
Although schools should always review the latest Department for Education guidance, the key expectations include:
Developing and publishing a clear allergy management policy.
Ensuring all staff receive appropriate allergy awareness training.
Maintaining spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) for emergency use.
Having effective Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for pupils with allergies.
Ensuring staff can recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and respond quickly and confidently.
Reviewing catering procedures, food labelling and communication with parents.
Recording, reviewing and learning from allergy incidents and near misses.
These measures are intended to improve both prevention and emergency response, helping schools create a safer environment for every child.
Why This Matters
Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, with thousands of children attending school every day with the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Anaphylaxis can develop within minutes and requires immediate treatment. Every member of staff—not just first aiders—should understand:
The common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
When an allergic reaction becomes an emergency.
How to administer an adrenaline auto-injector.
The importance of calling emergency services without delay.
Having confident, well-trained staff can make a critical difference in an emergency.
Don't Wait Until September
Although the new statutory guidance comes into effect from September 2026, schools should begin preparing now.
Reviewing policies, refreshing staff knowledge and ensuring appropriate emergency procedures are already in place will help your organisation meet the new expectations with confidence.
Early preparation also provides reassurance to parents, governors, inspectors and, most importantly, the children in your care.
Find Out More
Stronger protections for children with allergies in school - GOV.UK
Proposal on support for pupils with medical conditions at school government response