UK Schools Must Stock Allergy Pens From September Under Benedict's Law

2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 5

September will bring mandatory allergy pens, staff training and whole-school allergy policies to all UK schools under new statutory guidance dubbed Benedict's Law.
The changes follow the 2021 death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction to cow's milk at his primary school after an allergy action plan was not followed.
Department for Education-backed measures also require individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies, addressing gaps identified by the Benedict Blythe Foundation.
Foundation research found 50% of schools in England lack spare medication, a third have no allergy policy and 70% do not have all the safeguards now being introduced.
From 2027, the measures will become statutory duties for state, independent and fee-paying special schools, making the protections a legal requirement across the sector.

Sources

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bbc.co.uk7h ago

Benedict's Law Mandates Allergy Pens, Training in UK Schools

lincsonline.co.uk7h ago

Department for Education publishes new statutory guidance for schools on allergy safety after campaign by Stamford parents in memory of Benedict Blythe, 5

Beyond England, what is preventing the rest of the UK from adopting Benedict's Law to protect all children with severe allergies?

What are the penalties for schools that fail to comply with the new life-saving allergy safety laws after the 2027 deadline?

Is mandating emergency adrenaline pens the best solution, or does it distract from preventing allergic reactions from happening in the first place?

Benedict's Law: Transforming Allergy Safety for Over 1 Million English Schoolchildren by 2026

Overview

Benedict's Law, coming into effect in English schools in September 2026, represents a major step forward for allergy safety. This landmark guidance was driven by the determined campaigning of Helen and Peter Blythe and the Benedict Blythe Foundation, following Baroness Coates’ amendment. The government recognized the Foundation’s strong arguments and agreed that children need the highest level of protection in schools. School leaders describe the new law as fundamental for student well-being. With its implementation, children with allergies will be much safer, and parents can feel more at ease about their children’s safety at school.

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