Benedict's Law: Allergy Safety in School - Statutory Guidance

As Benedict’s Law is now in place, here's an update on what is available re guidance and training Allergy safety in schools - GOV.UK.

From September 2026, schools are required to have whole school allergy awareness training.

Paediatric First Aid does cover allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and the administration of adrenaline auto-injectors, such as EpiPen devices. However, it is not sufficient on its own to meet the requirements associated with Benedict’s Law. The new guidance specifically states that first aid training alone is not sufficient.

The requirement is broader than training designated first aiders. Schools are expected to arrange whole-school allergy awareness and emergency-response training at least annually for all staff who are present when pupils are on site. This includes permanent and temporary staff, supply and peripatetic staff, agency workers, regular volunteers, catering staff, and staff supervising breakfast or after-school clubs.

The training should ensure that staff:

• Understand allergies and the risks they present
• Recognise the symptoms of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
• Know how to respond in an emergency, including calling 999 and informing parents
• Know how to locate and administer prescribed or spare adrenaline devices
• Have training in using the relevant devices
• Understand the school’s allergy safety policy
• Know how to access and follow Allergy or Asthma Action Plans
• Understand how to reduce the risk of exposure to known allergens
• Know how to report allergic reactions, serious incidents and near misses

Training (all staff) is only one part of the wider requirements. Schools will also need to:

• Have a dedicated, published allergy safety policy (template here)
• Identify a named senior lead
• Ensure appropriate Individual Healthcare Plans and Allergy Action Plans are in place (template here)
• Make suitable arrangements for prescribed and spare adrenaline devices
• Record and learn from serious incidents and near misses

In relation to training, Bolton Council offer: 

• Paediatric First Aid Training: booking via Bolton Under Fives Forum (BUFF) boltonunder5@tiscali.co.uk 
• A digital Food Allergy Awareness Course is available for all council staff via Me-Learning, staff just need to log on and find the course, enrol, and launch the course. 

Non council staff can access this course, however there is a course/licence fee of £30 per person (the licence gives access to over 200 digital courses covering many subjects including Food Allergy Awareness).
 
Some settings and schools have already purchased Me-Learning licences, and the updated course is already in their library.

For more information around Me-Learning in general and what courses are available contact amy.taylor9@bolton.gov.uk 
or to purchase a Me-Learning licence, send the following information to learninganddevelopment@bolton.gov.uk

• Full name
• Valid email address
• Name of organisation
• Address of organisation for billing purposes

In addition, there is a free course 'Allergy and Anaphylaxis Training for Schools' currently available that provides an awareness of what Benedict’s Law is. You can access more information about this here: Free Allergy Training For Schools | City & Guilds Assured.