From September 2026, all schools are required by law to have a dedicated Allergy Safety Policy, to train all staff in allergy awareness and emergency response, and to stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) for use in an emergency. These requirements, commonly known as Benedict's Law, are set out in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.

The new guidance is intended to improve the safety of children and young people living with allergies while they are at school. It ensures all schools in England adopt a consistent approach to allergy management, emergency preparedness and staff training.  This change will positively impact the many children and young people attending schools. Families should continue to provide their child's prescribed medication and ensure their child's Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) is kept up to date, as spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) do not replace a pupil's own prescribed devices.

Policies

Allergy safety in schools statutory guidance July 2026

[pdf 2MB]