Schools encouraged to use new allergen code

The Schools Allergy Code has been launched by the Benedict Blythe Foundation, The Allergy Team and Independent Schools' Bursars Association (ISBA), in the wake of the tragic death of five-year old Benedict Blythe.

Benedict Blythe was allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, sesame and chickpeas and tragically died at school.

The Code is a guide to best practice in achieving a whole school approach to allergy safety and inclusion.

All schools are encouraged to use the Schools Allergy Code to ensure good allergy management in their setting.

The code sets out a number of vital steps schools can take to keep pupils safe, including allergy awareness training for teachers, dedicated lessons and assemblies on allergies and the need for schools to have comprehensive allergy and anaphylaxis policies in place, as well as individual plans for children with allergies.

Schools can also join the Schools Allergy Register to be recognised for adopting the code and undergoing assessment by The Allergy Team.