As a new term begins this month, staff members in schools will be receiving Allergy and Anaphylaxis training following a new law called Benedict’s Law.

Benedict’s Law is a set of national protections designed to improve allergy safety in schools. The measures are being introduced in England following a campaign led by the family of Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old who died from anaphylaxis at school in 2021. His family established the Benedict Blythe Foundation and worked with clinicians, charities and policymakers to improve the way schools manage serious allergies.

The new framework aims to create a consistent approach to allergy safety across schools. Key measures include schools having a whole-school allergy policy, staff receiving training to recognise and respond to anaphylaxis, and appropriate access to emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). Pupils with diagnosed allergies should also have individual healthcare or allergy action plans, alongside improved communication and record-keeping.

The protections apply to schools in England, including state-funded schools, academies, free schools, special schools, alternative provision and independent schools. The Government is introducing statutory guidance and legislative provisions to place important safeguards within the legal framework for schools.

Benedict’s Law is significant because allergies are common among children and can become life-threatening very quickly. Around two children in every classroom are estimated to have an allergy, while some severe allergic reactions occur in children who have no previous diagnosis.

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1. What is Benedict’s Law, and why was it introduced?

2. What are three key requirements of Benedict’s Law?

3. Which schools does Benedict’s Law apply to?