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Benedict’s Law: What it Means for Schools and How to Prepare

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness for the risks surrounding allergies and severe allergic reactions in schools, with many calls to introduce stronger precautions for students. As a result of the campaigning Benedict’s Law has been developed with its new guidance coming into force in September 2026.

The legislation aims to reinforce how schools prepare and respond to severe allergic reactions, encouraging them to take a proactive approach to allergy awareness, prevention and emergency response.

Although the guidance is not yet in force until September, it’s important that schools begin reviewing their current arrangements now to be prepared for the new academic year. For many schools, this will not mean having to start from scratch but bringing in the new guidance to their existing strategies.

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What is Changing for Schools?

On the 6th of July the Government released the official new guidance and policies being enforced under Benedict’s Law. The changes make schools place a greater emphasis on allergy preparation across several key areas.

Access to Emergency Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens)

Although many schools already choose to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors (brand name EpiPen®) for emergency use, in 2024 the Benedict Blythe Foundation found that almost half of UK schools did not have any spare.

Under the new changes, schools will be required to have emergency medication readily available on-site. Keeping the spare injectors appropriately stored, with staff trained to understand when and how it should be used.

Mandatory Staff Training

Having emergency medication available is only one vital step in strengthening the guidance. Within the new legislation all staff must be appropriately trained to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and allergic reactions.

Schools throughout England will need to ensure that staff receive frequent allergy awareness and anaphylaxis training, at least annually. This extends beyond first aiders and will include all staff present during times when students are scheduled to be on site, meaning teachers, lunch staff, regular volunteers and the like would be included. This regular, high-quality training helps staff recognise symptoms early, understand emergency procedures and respond calmly in vital situations.

Reviewing School Policies

The new guidance also requires a school wide allergy policy to be implemented, improving on existing policies relating to allergies, medicines management and emergency procedures. The legislation states your policy should set out “the
arrangements to reduce the risk of individuals coming into contact with their known allergens (e.g. food or contact allergens) and sets out emergency response plans for cases of anaphylaxis”

Every school should have clear guidance surrounding food management, school trips, extracurricular activities and stronger communication with parents. Ensuring these policies are up to date and consistently applied across the school to create a safer environment.

Focus on Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs)

Individual Healthcare Plans already play an essential role in supporting pupils with medical conditions, but schools are set to place even greater emphasis on keeping these documents accurate, accessible and up to date.

An effective IHP must clearly outline the child’s allergy, known triggers, emergency medication, signs of an allergic reaction and the actions staff should take if an emergency occurs. The level of detail will vary depending on the level of support needed for each child and regular reviews with parents and healthcare professionals help keep information current as the child’s needs may change.

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How Schools Can Prepare Now

While some schools already have a strong allergy strategy in place, it is reported that 70% of schools fall short of the current allergy safeguarding. Making it crucial to take the chance to review your existing arrangements before the new changes take effect in September.

Preparing early not only supports confidence within your school but also ensures you avoid any last-minute panic. Many schools are opting to secure their training ahead of time and for all our Smartlog customers we have two training options to get you prepared:

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Looking Ahead

The latest changes included in Benedict’s Law reflect a growing sentiment to improving allergy safety within schools. By storing spare adrenaline auto-injectors, reviewing policies, investing in staff knowledge and ensuring pupils IHP’s remain up to date, your school must meet the new guidance and legislation, to keep education a safer environment for everyone.