Benedict’s Law: A New Era of Allergy Safety in Schools
From September (2026), Benedict’s Law marks one of the most significant changes to allergy management in schools for many years, Benedict’s Law: What Schools Need to Know.
For thousands of children living with severe allergies, the changes are more than just new guidance; they could save lives.
While many schools already have excellent procedures in place, Benedict’s Law reinforces an important message:
Allergy awareness isn’t just the responsibility of the first aider or school nurse. It is everyone’s responsibility.
Whether you’re a teacher, teaching assistant, lunchtime supervisor, receptionist, sports coach, caretaker or office administrator, every member of staff who interacts with pupils has a vital role to play.
What Is Benedict’s Law: What Schools Need to Know
Benedict’s Law has been introduced following the tragic death of Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old boy who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school.
The legislation aims to improve allergy awareness, emergency preparedness and access to life-saving medication in educational settings.
The law places greater emphasis on schools being prepared to recognise and respond quickly to anaphylaxis while creating safer environments for children with allergies.
The overall aim is simple:
No child should lose their life because adults around them did not recognise the signs of an allergic reaction or know what to do.
Why Is This So Important?
Food allergies are becoming increasingly common.
Across the UK:
- Around 2 children in every classroom are likely to have a food allergy.
- Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have risen dramatically over recent decades.
- Severe reactions can happen within minutes.
- Some children experience anaphylaxis for the very first time at school.
One of the biggest myths is that allergies only happen during lunchtime.
In reality, allergic reactions can occur:
- During classroom activities
- Science experiments
- Art lessons
- Cookery sessions
- PE
- School trips
- Breakfast clubs
- After-school clubs
- Fundraising events
- Birthday celebrations
Allergy risks exist throughout the school day.
What Does Benedict’s Law Mean for Schools?
Although every school will already have safeguarding responsibilities, Benedict’s Law strengthens expectations around allergy management.
Schools should ensure they have:
Up-to-date allergy policies
Policies should be reviewed regularly and understood by all staff, not simply stored in a folder.
Clear Individual Healthcare Plans
Every pupil with severe allergies should have:
- documented allergens
- medication requirements
- emergency procedures
- emergency contact details
- personalised care plans
These should be accessible to relevant staff.
Spare Adrenaline Auto Injectors
Where appropriate, schools should ensure spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are available, stored correctly and staff know:
- where they are kept
- who can access them
- when they should be used
Emergency Procedures
Every member of staff should know:
- who to call
- where medication is located
- when to call 999
- who meets the ambulance
- who contacts parents
- how incidents are recorded afterwards
Why This Isn’t Just a First Aider’s Responsibility
One of the biggest misconceptions schools have is:
“Our first aiders are trained, so we’re covered.”
Unfortunately, emergencies don’t work like that.
The first adult with the child is rarely the designated first aider.
It could be:
- a teacher
- lunchtime supervisor
- sports coach
- office staff
- receptionist
- teaching assistant
- cleaner
- music teacher
- supply teacher
Every second matters during anaphylaxis.
Waiting several minutes for someone else to arrive could significantly affect the outcome.
Every Member of Staff Needs Training
Benedict’s Law supports a whole-school approach.
That means anyone who has interaction with pupils should understand:
- which children in their care have an allergy
- what allergies are
- common allergens
- reducing risks
- recognising allergic reactions
- recognising anaphylaxis
- how to summon help
- when to administer an adrenaline auto-injector
- basic emergency procedures
Staff don’t all need to become allergy experts.
They simply need enough confidence to recognise when something isn’t right and act immediately.
What Training Should Schools Provide?
Annual allergy awareness training should cover far more than simply showing staff what an EpiPen looks like.
Good training should include:
Understanding Allergies
Staff should understand:
- food allergies
- insect sting allergies
- medication allergies
- latex allergies
- hidden allergens
- asthma
- coeliac disease
Recognising Anaphylaxis
Staff should recognise symptoms including:
- difficulty breathing
- persistent coughing
- wheezing
- swelling of lips, tongue or throat
- hoarse voice
- difficulty speaking
- pale or floppy appearance
- dizziness
- collapse
- loss of consciousness
They should also understand that:
Not every reaction starts with hives.
Using Adrenaline Auto-Injectors
Staff should have practical experience using trainer devices, including:
- EpiPen
- Jext
- EURneffy adrenaline Spray
They should understand:
- when to use them
- how to administer them
- what happens afterwards
Calling Emergency Services
Staff should know exactly what information to provide when calling 999 and understand that:
Adrenaline should never delay calling an ambulance.
Post-Incident Procedures
Training should include:
- monitoring the child
- preparing for a second dose if required
- recording the incident
- informing parents
- reviewing procedures afterwards
Every incident and near miss provides valuable learning.
What About New Staff?
Schools experience regular staff changes throughout the year.
New starters, temporary staff and supply teachers may never have worked with children who have severe allergies.
Schools should ensure allergy awareness forms part of:
- staff induction
- safeguarding induction
- annual refresher training
- temporary staff briefings
Lunchtime Staff Need Training Too
Many serious allergic reactions occur during meal times.
Midday supervisors should understand:
- preventing cross-contamination
- recognising symptoms
- supervising children appropriately
- responding confidently in an emergency
Often, they are the first adults to notice something is wrong.
School Trips Present Additional Risks
Educational visits introduce new environments and unfamiliar risks.
Schools should plan carefully by considering:
- emergency medication
- trained staff attending
- access to emergency services
- catering arrangements
- travel considerations
- communication plans
Planning ahead can prevent avoidable emergencies.
Creating an Allergy-Aware Culture
Benedict’s Law isn’t simply about compliance.
It’s about creating a culture where children feel safe.
Schools can promote this by:
- educating pupils about allergies
- discouraging food sharing
- encouraging children to speak up if they feel unwell
- displaying emergency procedures where appropriate
- supporting inclusion rather than isolation
- reviewing risks regularly
Children with allergies should never feel excluded from learning or school life.
Confidence Saves Lives
One of the biggest barriers during emergencies isn’t lack of equipment.
It’s hesitation.
People worry:
- “What if I’m wrong?”
- “Should I wait?”
- “What if someone more qualified arrives?”
Quality training removes that hesitation.
Staff who understand anaphylaxis are far more likely to act quickly and confidently.
How Often Should Schools Train?
Best practice is for all staff to receive annual allergy awareness training, with additional training for:
- new staff
- supply staff where appropriate
- those supporting pupils with healthcare plans
- first aiders requiring practical updates
Regular refreshers help ensure knowledge remains current and confidence stays high.
Benedict’s Law Is About More Than Compliance
At its heart, Benedict’s Law isn’t about paperwork.
It isn’t about policies sitting on a shelf.
It is about ensuring that every adult in school understands that recognising an allergic reaction quickly and responding immediately can make the difference between life and death.
When the whole school shares responsibility, children with allergies are safer, staff feel more confident, and parents have greater peace of mind.
That is exactly what Benedict’s Law is designed to achieve.
How HMB Training Services Can Help
At HMB Training Services, we deliver 90-minute Allergy Awareness and Anaphylaxis training designed specifically for schools, academies and nurseries.
Our sessions cover:
- Benedict’s Law and what it means for schools
- Recognising allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Practical use of adrenaline auto-injectors (trainer devices)
- Spare adrenaline auto-injector guidance
- Whole-school responsibilities
- Emergency procedures and best practice
- Annual certification for all attendees
- Twilight sessions available to minimise disruption to the school day
Our training is engaging, practical and designed to give every member of staff the confidence to respond quickly and appropriately should an allergy emergency occur.
Because when it comes to anaphylaxis, every second counts and every member of staff matters.
Frequently Asked Questions – Benedict’s Law: What Schools Need to Know
Is allergy awareness training now mandatory for all school staff?
Benedict’s Law increases expectations around allergy safety and preparedness. Schools should ensure that everyone who has contact with pupils understands how to recognise and respond to an allergic reaction. Training the whole staff team is considered best practice.
Does every member of staff need training?
Yes. Teachers, teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors, office staff, receptionists, sports coaches, cleaners, caretakers and leadership teams may all be the first adult on the scene during an emergency.
How long does allergy awareness training take?
Our school-based Allergy Awareness and Anaphylaxis course takes approximately 90 minutes, making it ideal for staff meetings or twilight sessions.
How often should schools refresh their training?
Annual refresher training is recommended to keep staff knowledge up to date and ensure confidence in responding to an emergency.
Can schools hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors?
Yes. Eligible schools can obtain and hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors, provided they meet the legal requirements and have appropriate policies and procedures in place. A spare auto-injector is mandatory to be on site for non-diagnosed and diagnosed children with anaphylaxis
What is the difference between an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis?
An allergic reaction may cause symptoms such as itching, hives or swelling. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction that can affect breathing and circulation and requires immediate treatment with adrenaline and an urgent 999 call.
For more information, contact us on 01543 453338
Email – info@hmbtrainingservices.co.uk
Book your Allergy Awareness Course here
View our courses here – https://hmbtrainingservices.co.uk/our-courses
