The publication of the new statutory guidance under Benedict’s Law marks a major step forward in protecting children with life-threatening allergies. The guidance applies to schools across England. From September 2026, schools will be expected to have a whole-school allergy policy. They must also provide allergy awareness training for all staff. In addition, schools should keep spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) on site and maintain individual healthcare plans for pupils with serious allergies.
What is Benedict’s Law?
Benedict’s Law is named in memory of Benedict Blythe. He tragically died at the age of five after suffering an anaphylactic reaction. The reaction followed accidental exposure to cow’s milk at school.
Since then, his family’s campaign has driven significant change. As a result, schools are now expected to improve how they manage allergies. The aim is to create safer learning environments for the hundreds of thousands of children living with severe allergies across the UK.
What does the new guidance require?
The new Department for Education guidance outlines several important requirements for schools in England.
These include:
- A published whole-school allergy policy.
- Allergy awareness and emergency response training for all staff.
- Spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), such as EpiPens, available for emergencies.
- Individual Healthcare Plans for pupils with serious allergies.
- Clear procedures for recording, reviewing and learning from allergy incidents and near misses.
You can read the full Government guidance on Benedict’s Law here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/allergy-safety-in-schools
Why this matters to first aiders
For workplace and school first aiders, these changes reinforce something we have always believed at Abacus Training. Early recognition and prompt action save lives.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that develops quickly. It can affect breathing, circulation and consciousness within minutes. Common triggers include food, insect stings, medication and latex. Without immediate treatment, it can quickly become life-threatening.
Therefore, first aiders must be ready to act. This applies to teachers, nursery practitioners, sports coaches and anyone responsible for the safety of others.
Knowing how to:
- recognise the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis,
- respond quickly and confidently,
- administer an adrenaline auto-injector correctly, and
- call for emergency medical assistance,
could make the difference between life and death.
It’s not just schools
Although the statutory guidance applies to schools, allergy awareness is important in many settings.
Businesses, childcare providers, leisure centres, hospitality venues, community groups and sports organisations all support people with severe allergies. Therefore, having trained staff provides reassurance to employees, customers, visitors and families. It also helps ensure emergencies are managed safely and effectively.
Furthermore, recognising the signs of anaphylaxis and acting quickly can save a life. Every second counts during an allergic emergency. Knowing how and when to use an adrenaline auto-injector is a vital skill. It is just as important in workplaces and community settings as it is in schools.
How Abacus Training can help
At Abacus Training, we believe confidence comes from quality training. Our Anaphylaxis Awareness course gives delegates the knowledge and confidence to respond during an allergic emergency.
Whether you’re preparing for the new Benedict’s Law guidance or refreshing your first aid skills, we are here to help.
Our course covers:
- Understanding allergies and anaphylaxis.
- Recognising the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
- Emergency treatment priorities.
- Safe use of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs).
- Practical scenarios that build confidence.
- Current best practice and legal responsibilities.
The bottom line
The publication of this guidance is a welcome step towards improving allergy safety. More importantly, it aims to prevent future tragedies.
Benedict’s Law reminds us that preparation, education and confidence save lives. By learning the right skills today, you could help protect someone tomorrow.
If your organisation would benefit from Anaphylaxis Awareness training, we’d be delighted to help.
Just a few hours of training could make all the difference when every second counts.
📞 Contact Abacus Training today to learn more about our Anaphylaxis Awareness course.
https://abacustraining.co.uk/contact-us/#form-section
We can deliver training at your workplace or at our dedicated training centre in Stoke-on-Trent.