Changes Around Anaphylaxis and the Treatment in Schools
Recent legislative changes have placed a stronger emphasis on anaphylaxis awareness in schools, aiming to create safer educational environments for children with severe allergies. Schools are now required to implement comprehensive allergy policies, including staff training on recognising the signs of anaphylaxis, administering adrenaline auto-injectors, and maintaining clear emergency procedures. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the risks faced by pupils with life-threatening allergies and the need for proactive measures.
A significant development is the introduction of Benedict’s Law, which mandates that all schools stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors and ensure that staff are competent in their use. Named in memory of a five-year-old child called Benedict Blythe who tragically lost his life due to anaphylaxis, the law underscores the importance of rapid response and preparedness. It also encourages schools to create inclusive policies that involve students, parents, and healthcare professionals in the management of allergies.
The changes in law must conform to the following:
⁃ Mandatory Staff Training: Annual training for all school staff (including teachers, assistants, and lunch supervisors) on how to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and safely use adrenaline auto-injectors.
⁃ Emergency Medication: Schools must keep in-date, spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) on-site for emergency use.
⁃ Individual Allergy Plans: Every pupil with allergies must have a personalised healthcare and anaphylaxis action plan.
⁃ Comprehensive Policies: Schools must maintain strict, clearly documented allergy and anaphylaxis policies.
Collectively, these changes not only improve immediate safety but also foster a culture of awareness and responsibility within educational settings, helping prevent future tragedies and ensuring that children with severe allergies can participate in school life with greater security.
Benedict’s Law, which introduces mandatory allergy and anaphylaxis safety requirements in schools across England, is set to come into force from September 2026, ready for the new academic year.
We deliver anaphylaxis awareness, asthma awareness and allergy awareness courses, aimed at kids.
We recently did it for capital children’s care and the Compass group of schools