The key requirements include:

• A whole-school allergy safety policy

  • Every school must have a published allergy safety policy that explains how allergies are identified, managed and reviewed. 

• Mandatory staff training

  • All staff must receive allergy awareness training, including:

    • recognising mild and severe allergic reactions

    • recognising anaphylaxis

    • when and how to administer adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs)

    • calling emergency services and post-incident procedures.

  • Training should be refreshed regularly (at least annually is expected). 

• Spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs)

  • Schools are expected to stock spare emergency AAIs that are readily accessible in addition to pupils' prescribed devices.

  • Staff must know where they are stored and how to use them. 

• Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs)

  • Pupils with significant allergies should have an up-to-date IHP detailing:

    • allergens

    • symptoms

    • emergency treatment

    • medication location

    • parental and healthcare contacts. 

• Emergency procedures

  • Schools should have clear protocols for:

    • immediate administration of adrenaline when anaphylaxis is suspected

    • calling 999 without delay

    • informing parents

    • recording and reviewing incidents. 

• Learning from incidents

  • Serious allergic reactions and near misses should be recorded and reviewed so that procedures can be improved. 

• Whole-school risk management

  • The guidance encourages schools to consider allergy risks across:

    • catering and food technology

    • classroom activities

    • school trips

    • clubs and events

    • communication with parents and pupils. 

What's different from previous guidance?

Previously, schools already had duties to support pupils with medical conditions, and they were permitted to purchase spare AAIs. From September 2026, the new statutory guidance introduces much more specific expectations around allergy management, including:

• mandatory whole-school allergy policies

• routine allergy training for all staff

• availability of spare AAIs

• stronger governance, documentation and incident review. 

The aim is to ensure consistent, life-saving protections for children with severe allergies across schools in England. 

Read more about Benedict's Law:

Benedict's Law - Benedict Blythe Foundation