With food allergies now affecting thousands of children across the UK, schools are facing increasing pressure to improve allergy awareness, emergency procedures and staff training. Following several high-profile cases involving fatal allergic reactions in educational settings, many school leaders are now searching for guidance around Benedict’s Law, allergy policies and anaphylaxis training requirements.

For schools, understanding Benedict’s Law is no longer optional — it is becoming an essential part of safeguarding and pupil safety.

What is Benedict’s Law?

Benedict’s Law is a campaign and developing legislative movement created following the tragic death of Benedict Blythe, a school pupil who suffered a fatal allergic reaction. The campaign has focused national attention on the importance of allergy awareness in schools, clearer emergency procedures and improved staff training for anaphylaxis.

We are frequently asked;

• “What is Benedict’s Law?”
• “Benedict’s Law for schools”
• “School allergy law UK”
• “Anaphylaxis requirements for schools”
• “Allergy training for school staff”

they are increasingly looking for guidance on how to better protect children with severe allergies and meet their duty of care responsibilities.

The principles behind Benedict’s Law encourage schools to:

• Improve allergy management procedures
• Ensure staff receive anaphylaxis training
• Strengthen communication with parents
• Have emergency medication available
• Create safer learning environments for pupils with allergies

Why Benedict’s Law Matters to Schools

Food allergies in schools are becoming more common every year. Severe allergic reactions can occur:

• During lunch and break times
• In classrooms
• On school trips
• During cooking activities
• Through accidental cross-contamination

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency that can escalate within minutes.

For schools, this means staff must be able to:

• Recognise the signs of an allergic reaction
• Identify symptoms of anaphylaxis
• Use adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPens
• Call emergency services quickly
• Follow emergency allergy procedures confidently

Many schools are now reviewing their:

• School allergy policies
• First aid procedures
• Staff training programmes
• Safeguarding responsibilities
• Medical emergency response plans

in response to the growing awareness surrounding Benedict’s Law.

Do Schools Need Anaphylaxis Training?

While exact requirements can vary depending on the setting and local guidance, schools have a clear duty of care to protect pupils with medical conditions, including severe allergies.

This makes anaphylaxis training for schools one of the most important forms of first aid training available today.

Training gives school staff the confidence to:

• Recognise allergic reactions early
• Respond immediately during emergencies
• Correctly administer adrenaline auto-injectors
• Reduce panic and hesitation
• Potentially save a child’s life

Importantly, allergy emergencies rarely happen when the “trained first aider” is standing nearby. Wider staff awareness is critical across:

• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Lunchtime supervisors
• Sports staff
• Trip leaders
• Reception teams
• After-school club staff

Allergy Policies and School Safeguarding

Benedict’s Law for school highlights that allergy management is not just a medical issue — it is a safeguarding issue.

Schools should consider:

• Individual healthcare plans
• Clear allergy registers
• Emergency medication access
• Allergy-aware food procedures
• Staff refresher training
• Trip risk assessments
• Communication with parents and carers

Creating a culture of allergy awareness can significantly reduce risks for pupils and provide reassurance to families.

First Aid Training for Schools

At Green Box First Aid Training, we help schools prepare for real-life medical emergencies through practical, engaging and education-focused first aid training.

Our school first aid and anaphylaxis courses help staff:

• Understand Benedict’s Law and allergy responsibilities
• Recognise anaphylaxis symptoms quickly
• Practise using adrenaline auto-injectors
• Improve emergency response confidence
• Support safeguarding and duty of care obligations

We work with:

• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• Independent schools
• Nurseries
• Colleges
• Sports clubs and educational organisations

Looking for Anaphylaxis Training for Your School?

If your school is reviewing allergy procedures, safeguarding policies or staff first aid training following increased awareness around Benedict’s Law, Green Box First Aid can help.

Visit Green Box First Aid Training to learn more about our school first aid courses, allergy awareness training and anaphylaxis training for education staff. Click for courses

For more great resources check out Anaphylaxis UK