03/06/2026
What is Benedict's law?
Benedict's Law is a set of new allergy safety requirements introduced following the death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who tragically suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school.
If you work at a school, here are some useful points to help you stay in the loop.
1. Schools will be required to have clear procedures in place for managing allergies and dealing with allergic emergencies.
2. Teachers and other staff should receive training to help them identify and respond appropriately to severe allergic reactions.
3. Emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPens or similar) will need to be available where necessary to support a rapid response.
4. Pupils with diagnosed allergies will need to have individual care plans outlining their specific needs and emergency treatment arrangements.
5. Schools will be expected to maintain accurate records and ensure effective communication regarding allergy-related incidents and risks.
These requirements will become mandatory for all schools in England from September 2026.
You can read more about Benedict's law directly from the Benedict Blythe website.
Benedict’s Law is a set of national protections designed to improve allergy safety in schools. Currently these protections are agreed to come into force in England, but campaigning continues to extend to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These measures ensure that schools have the policies, tr...
