Schools in England must now provide allergy awareness training for all staff, following the introduction of new statutory guidance.
Earlier this month, the Department for Education announced that allergy awareness training and a stock of spare adrenaline auto-injectors for emergencies will be compulsory for all schools in England.
The plans will come into force in September, with the views of parents, teachers and experts being sought ahead of the new academic year.
Campaign to improve allergy awareness and safety in schools
It follows a dedicated campaign to improve allergy safety in schools, named Benedict’s Law.
Benedict Blythe, from Lincolnshire, was just five years old when he died following an anaphylactic reaction at school in December 2021. He was given milk containing cow’s milk protein at school, despite a recorded allergy.
His mother, Helen, said a “catalogue of errors” contributed to her young son’s tragic death, and this is supported by the inquest, carried out last year, which found the school failed to identify Benedict’s symptoms in time, meaning that the medication that could have saved his life was not administered soon enough.
Helen and her husband Peter founded the Benedict Blythe Foundation and have campaigned tirelessly alongside the National Allergy Strategy Group for the implementation of consistent, life-saving protections in schools for children with food allergies and anaphylaxis.
In 2024, the Benedict Blythe Foundation sent a freedom of information request to schools in England. They found that 70% did not have the recommended allergy safeguards in place, while half did not keep adrenaline pens and spare auto-injectors on site.
New statutory guidance on allergy awareness will save lives
Following the DfE announcement, made on 5th March 2026, Helen and Peter Blythe are hopeful that the new statutory guidance will save lives, saying:
“For 4 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.”
Benedict’s Law attracted cross-party support and Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey said ministers believe it “is reasonable for schools to pay for out of core budgets,” adding the government is “committed to working with schools to make that as easy as possible.”
However, despite her assertions that many schools in England have “great policies” and “are already doing a lot of this,” the General Secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, Paul Whiteman, argues that the new guidance will require new funding.
He adds that the new guidance is “very welcome,” as schools need comprehensive advice, and says all settings “want to be as inclusive as possible while also ensuring they can continue to fulfil their safeguarding duty and keep every child as safe as possible whilst in their setting.”
Guidance part of wider reforms to school food system
The guidance on allergy awareness forms part of the government’s wider work to reform the school food system, which also includes expanding free school meals to an additional 500,000 children this September.
Charity Anaphylaxis UK says that 680,000 children in England are living with allergies.
The DfE estimates that 500,000 days of learning were lost last year due to allergy-related illnesses or medical appointments. The government therefore hopes that the new statutory guidance will not only save lives but also help keep more children in school.
Allergy awareness is vital
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 6,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.
Their portfolio includes the Level 2 Award in Allergy Awareness, Anaphylaxis and Emergency Medication as well as training in Inhalers and Nebulisers.
Common signs and symptoms of allergic reactions can include:
- Sneezing and/or an itchy, runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watering eyes
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest and/or a cough
- Raised, itchy red rash
- Swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face
- Nausea
- Worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms for those who have these conditions
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
- Coughing or wheezing
- Feeling faint, lightheaded or dizzy
- Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency; you must always call an ambulance if you suspect someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock.
Some of the most common allergens include:
- Grass and tree pollen (an allergy to these is known as hayfever)
- Dust mites
- Animal skin or hair
- Food – common food allergens include nuts, shellfish, eggs, cow’s milk, gluten, soy or types of fruit
- Insect bites and stings
- Medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and certain antibiotics
- Latex
- Mould
- Household chemicals, such as those found in detergents
If you live with an allergic condition or are supporting or caring for someone with an allergy, you may need to consider the following useful tips for helping to manage allergies:
- Practice good housekeeping by keeping your environment clean and tidy. This is particularly important for people who suffer with mould and dust mite allergies
- Use an air purifier to reduce any airborne allergens
- Ensure you have stock of relevant emergency medication where appropriate and that you are aware of how to use it correctly. Schools are able to keep stock of spare adrenaline auto-injectors to use in emergency situations without the need for a specific prescription for a specific child. If you work in a school, make sure you are aware of the guidance. For milder allergic reactions, antihistamines may help. Always consult a pharmacist and read the package instructions and guidance
- When preparing food, ensure you ask other diners if they have any food allergies or intolerances. If someone does have a food allergy, you must ensure the allergen is not present in the food and that equipment used to make the food does not come into contact with the allergen. For some severe food allergies, even being in the same room as the allergen can trigger a reaction
- Provide emotional support for people living with allergic conditions, as many will experience anxiety and stress linked to their allergy. You can help to alleviate anxiety by providing a safe environment and you can also practice positive strategies for managing anxiety, such as mindful breathing or muscle relaxation
If you suspect you or someone you care for may have an allergy, you should contact your GP in the first instance. You can find out more information about allergies on the NHS website.
Allergies can impact every aspect of life
A trainer from FRT says:
“Allergies can be very serious and can impact every aspect of a person’s life.
“It is therefore very important that those who work with and support children and young people have an awareness of allergies and the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. Training and information are particularly important. Prompt action is vital when someone has a severe allergic reaction.”
Download our free ‘Managing Allergies’ infographic with advice and guidance about helping to manage allergies or support people living with allergies.
For more information about the training available, please call FRT today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or e-mail info@firstresponsetraining.com.