Plans to make schools more allergy safe announced

The government has announced new plans to strengthen allergy prevention and preparedness in schools.

This means life-saving allergy pens must be stocked by schools for the first time, compulsory training for teachers, and a requirement for each school to have a dedicated allergy policy.

The plans come after campaigners fought for change, including Helen Blythe, mother of Benedict Blythe, who tragically lost his life to an allergic reaction at school.

Replacing previous non-statutory advice, the consultation on the new guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions and allergies is now open, ahead of coming into force in September 2026.

The training for teachers will cover recognition of symptoms, emergency response and the use of adrenaline devices — alongside improved incident recording and lessons learnt processes.

Schools will need to have a policy for supporting children with medical conditions, including Individual Healthcare Plans to record specific arrangements for individuals like an allergy management plan

Helen Blythe and Peter Blythe, parents of Benedict Blythe and founders of the Benedict Blythe Foundation, said: "For four years, we have campaigned for Benedict’s Law so that no child faces the preventable gaps in allergy safety that cost our 5-year-old son his life.

"We are grateful the government has listened, and that from September schools will be required to have allergy pens, training and policies in place — protections that were not there when Benedict joined his school.

"Knowing that future children will enter a system far safer than the one he did is a powerful and lasting legacy for our son Benedict."