What is Benedict’s Law?
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Benedict’s Law, formally included within the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act
2026, is a major piece of legislation introducing national protections across England
to improve allergy safety, increase awareness, and help prevent anaphylaxis in
educational settings.
The law was created in memory of Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old child who sadly
died following a severe allergic reaction to milk while at school in 2021. His family,
supported by the Benedict Blythe Foundation and allergy charities, campaigned for
stronger legal protections to improve allergy safety.
The legislation was passed in 2026, with new statutory guidance expected to come
into force in England from September 2026. This is considered one of the most
significant developments in school first aid and safeguarding in a generation.
Please follow the link below for more information:
Why does it matter?
Food allergy safety is a growing priority in schools. Around 1 in 13 children in the UK
has a food allergy, according to Anaphylaxis UK. More than 150,000 adrenaline
auto-injectors have been prescribed to under-17s, as reported by NHS England.
Each year, approximately 20,000 hospital admissions in the UK are linked to
anaphylaxis, based on figures from Allergy UK. The BSACI reports that over half of
severe allergic reactions happen away from home. A NARF estimate also suggests
that fewer than 1 in 3 schools had a formal allergy policy before 2026.
What We Know And What We’re Still Waiting For
The Department for Education ran a public consultation on updated statutory
guidance for supporting children and young people with medical conditions and
allergies.
The consultation closed on 15th May 2026 and the DfE is currently analysing
responses.
A Whole-School Approach: Not Just First Aiders
One of the most important aspects of Benedict’s Law is the emphasis on a whole-school approach to allergy safety.Unlike traditional First Aid requirements which often focus solely on a small number of designated First Aiders, the new guidance makes clear that every member of staff should have awareness and confidence to act.
This represents a significant shift in thinking.An anaphylactic reaction can happen anywhere, at any time, and to any child including those not yet diagnosed. A school cannot rely on one or two trained staff members being available in every situation.
The Four Core Requirements of Benedict’s Law
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 (Part 2 Allergy Safety) places four primary obligations on schools in England:
1. Whole-School Allergy Policy
Every school must develop, publish, and maintain a dedicated allergy policy. This policy must set out clearly how the school identifies, manages, and responds to allergy-related risks across the whole school environment including classrooms, dining halls, sports days, and school trips.
2. Mandatory Staff Training
Comprehensive anaphylaxis and allergy awareness training is required for all school staff and not just designated First Aiders.This includes teachers, teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors, administrative staff, caretakers, and any other adult regularly working on school premises.
The draft statutory guidance indicates training should cover:
Recognising the signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
Responding appropriately in an emergency
Understanding how and when to use adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), such as EpiPen, Jext, and EURneffy.
Our training covers the correct use of all three MHRA-approved adrenaline devices including EURneffy, the recently approved needle-free nasal spray alternative, suitable for adults and children weighing 30kg or more.This is particularly significant for schools, as it provides a less invasive option in an emergency.
3. Spare Emergency Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs)
Schools are legally required to stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors on-site. Crucially, these spare devices may be administered to any child or adult experiencing anaphylaxis in an emergency even if they do not have their own prescribed device.
This provision is significant because it mirrors the legislation that was introduced for schools to hold spare salbutamol inhalers, and is designed to ensure no child dies because a device was unavailable or left at home.
4. Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for All Allergic Pupils
Schools must create and maintain specific, up-to-date Individual Healthcare Plans for every pupil with a diagnosed allergy. These plans must detail the pupil’s known allergens, symptoms, prescribed medication, and the emergency action plan to be followed.
Standalone Anaphylaxis Training
In addition to our First Aid courses, we currently offer anaphylaxis awareness training as a standalone module which is ideal for schools and settings that want to address allergy safety ahead of the formal guidance being published.Once the statutory guidance has been confirmed, we will develop and adapt this module to fully meet and exceed the requirements set out by the Department for Education.
What is EURneffy?
EURneffy is an MHRA-approved adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.Unlike traditional auto-injectors such as the EpiPen and Jext pen, EURneffy is needle-free and is intended for use in adults and children weighing 30kg or more. Our training covers all three devices, ensuring your staff are confident whichever device is available in an emergency.
Should you require further information, or you wish to book a course, contact us:
· 07733919398
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