Benedict's Law and Allergy Training in Schools: What Schools Need to Know
New Allergy Safety Requirements for Schools
Schools across England are preparing for significant changes to allergy management and emergency response procedures following the introduction of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.
Often referred to as "Benedict's Law", the legislation introduces new provisions designed to improve the safety of children and young people living with allergies while attending school.
Although the legal framework is now in place, many schools are still waiting for final guidance from the Department for Education before implementing any new training requirements.
What Is Benedict's Law?
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 includes a dedicated section covering allergy safety in educational settings.
The legislation gives the Secretary of State powers to introduce regulations covering:
Allergy management procedures
Staff training requirements
Emergency medication and medical devices
Risk assessment and risk management
Recording and reporting allergy incidents
School allergy safety policies
The aim is to create safer school environments and improve the response to allergy-related emergencies.
When Will The New Guidance Be Introduced?
The Department for Education recently completed a consultation regarding updated statutory guidance for supporting pupils with medical conditions and allergies.
While the consultation closed in May 2026, the final guidance has not yet been published.
Current indications suggest that the updated guidance is expected to take effect from September 2026, although schools should be aware that details may change before publication.
Until the final statutory guidance is released, it is not possible to confirm:
Exact training requirements
Which staff members must be trained
How often refresher training will be required
Whether specific qualifications will be mandatory
The precise course content schools will need to deliver
What Training Might Schools Need?
Draft guidance published during the consultation process suggests that schools may be expected to provide allergy awareness and emergency response training to staff.
This could include:
Recognising Allergic Reactions
Staff may need to understand the signs and symptoms of mild to severe allergic reactions, including when a reaction is becoming life-threatening.
Responding to Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can develop rapidly and requires immediate action. Training may include recognising anaphylaxis and understanding emergency procedures.
Using Adrenaline Auto-Injectors
Staff may need practical awareness of adrenaline devices such as EpiPens and other auto-injectors, including when and how they should be used in an emergency.
Whole-School Allergy Awareness
Current draft guidance points towards a whole-school approach rather than training only designated first aiders. This means teachers, support staff, lunchtime supervisors and other school personnel may all require some level of allergy awareness training.
What Should Schools Do Now?
While schools await the publication of final guidance, now is an excellent opportunity to review existing allergy policies and emergency procedures.
Schools may wish to:
Review allergy management policies
Update individual healthcare plans
Check emergency medication procedures
Assess current staff knowledge and confidence
Ensure first aid provision is suitable for allergy emergencies
Preparing early can help schools meet future requirements more smoothly when the final guidance is released.
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Training for Schools
At Life Force First Aid, we work with schools, academies, colleges and educational organisations across London and the South East, providing practical and engaging first aid training.
Our courses can help staff understand:
Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Emergency first aid procedures
Use of adrenaline auto-injectors
Managing medical emergencies in educational settings
Building confidence when responding to life-threatening situations
As further information becomes available regarding Benedict's Law and the new statutory guidance, we will continue to update schools on any training requirements and best practice recommendations.
If you would like advice on allergy awareness training, paediatric first aid training, or first aid provision within your school, please contact Life Force First Aid for further information.