Benedict’s Law and Allergy Safety in Schools
Benedict’s Law is the name commonly used to describe new allergy safety provisions introduced through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act. The legislation aims to strengthen support for children and young people with allergies in educational settings and improve how schools manage allergy risks, emergency responses, and staff awareness.
As schools prepare for future changes, many school leaders, governors, teachers, first aiders, and early years providers are asking what Benedict’s Law means in practice and whether allergy awareness training or anaphylaxis training will become mandatory.
This page provides the latest information currently available and will be updated as further guidance is published by the Department for Education (DfE).
What Is Benedict’s Law?
Benedict’s Law was introduced following campaigns to improve allergy safety in schools and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions among children and young people.
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act includes provisions relating to:
- Allergy safety policies in schools
- Risk management procedures
- Staff awareness and training
- Emergency response arrangements
- The use and management of adrenaline auto-injectors
- Recording and reporting allergy-related incidents
The legislation gives the State powers to introduce further regulations and statutory guidance relating to allergy management in educational settings.
Is Benedict’s Law Currently in Force?
The legal framework is now in place. However, the Department for Education is still finalising statutory guidance that will explain how schools should implement the requirements.
At the time of writing (June 2026):
- The final statutory guidance has not yet been published.
- The exact training requirements have not yet been confirmed.
- No specific qualification has been mandated.
- Training frequency requirements have not been confirmed.
Schools should therefore monitor developments while beginning to consider how allergy safety arrangements may need to evolve. You can follow the Department for Education updates using this link
What Could Schools Be Required to Do?
Draft guidance published by the Department for Education suggests schools may be expected to adopt a whole-school approach to allergy management.
This could include:
Allergy Awareness Training
Staff may need to understand:
- Common food allergies
- Environmental allergies
- Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions
- Preventative measures
- Risk reduction strategies
Recognising Anaphylaxis
Staff should be able to identify:
- Mild allergic reactions
- Moderate allergic reactions
- Severe allergic reactions
- Anaphylaxis emergencies
Prompt recognition can be critical in preventing deterioration and ensuring appropriate treatment is provided quickly.
Emergency Response Procedures
Schools may be expected to have clear procedures covering:
- Escalation of concerns
- Emergency communication
- Contacting emergency services
- Post-incident management
Adrenaline Auto-Injector Awareness
Staff may need an understanding of:
- When adrenaline auto-injectors are required
- Different types of devices
- Emergency administration procedures
- Storage and accessibility arrangements
Whole-School Allergy Management
Draft proposals indicate that allergy safety should not be limited to designated first aiders.
Instead, schools may need to demonstrate a coordinated approach involving:
- Senior leadership teams
- Teaching staff
- Support staff
- Catering teams
- Educational visits coordinators
- First aid personnel
Will Allergy Awareness Training Become Mandatory?
At present (June 20206), no final decision has been published regarding mandatory training requirements.
However, draft proposals indicate that schools should ensure staff have appropriate knowledge and awareness of allergy management and emergency response procedures.
Until final guidance is published, schools should avoid assumptions about specific training requirements while remaining informed about upcoming changes.
Why Allergy Awareness Training Matters
Food allergies affect a growing number of children across the UK.
For educational settings, effective allergy management can help:
- Protect pupils from avoidable risks
- Improve emergency preparedness
- Support staff confidence
- Demonstrate compliance with safeguarding responsibilities
- Promote inclusive learning environments
Allergy awareness training can help staff recognise symptoms quickly and respond appropriately during an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benedict’s Law
What is Benedict’s Law?
Benedict’s Law refers to new allergy safety provisions introduced through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act to strengthen allergy management and pupil safety within schools.
Will schools need allergy awareness training?
Draft guidance suggests schools should provide appropriate allergy awareness and emergency response arrangements. Final training requirements are still awaiting confirmation (this page was written June 2026)
Will anaphylaxis training become mandatory?
The Department for Education has not yet confirmed whether specific anaphylaxis training will become mandatory.
Will schools need adrenaline auto-injectors?
Current draft guidance references understanding and managing adrenaline devices, including auto-injectors. Final requirements are still pending publication.
When will the new guidance take effect?
Government announcements indicate implementation is expected from September 2026, subject to publication of final statutory guidance.
How Schools Can Prepare Now
While awaiting further guidance, schools may wish to:
- Review current allergy policies
- Update individual healthcare plans where appropriate
- Audit staff awareness levels
- Review emergency procedures
- Ensure allergy information is communicated effectively
- Stay informed about Department for Education updates
Taking proactive steps now can help schools prepare for future requirements and strengthen pupil safety.
Benedict’s Law Updates
As further information becomes available from the Department for Education, this page will be updated with the latest developments relating to:
- Allergy awareness training requirements
- Anaphylaxis training expectations
- School compliance obligations
- Emergency response procedures
- Statutory guidance updates
Allergy Awareness and First Aid Training for Schools
Paradigm First Aid Training supports schools, colleges, nurseries, and educational settings across the North West with accredited first aid training and emergency response education.
If you would like to discuss allergy awareness, paediatric first aid training, or emergency preparedness within your setting, contact Paradigm First Aid Training for further information at info@paradigmfirstaid.co.uk or Enquire below