Benedict’s Law introduces mandatory, statutory allergy safety requirements for schools in England to protect pupils and staff after Benedict Blythe died due to an anaphylactic reaction which occurred in his primary school.
It focuses on clear allergy policies, staff training, access to emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), and individual care plans, ensuring schools are better prepared to prevent and respond to emergencies.
Who does the new legislation apply to?
Schools in England that must comply with allergy safety requirements include:
- State-funded primary and secondary schools
- Academies and free schools
- Special schools and alternative provision settings
- Independent schools
Early years settings and nurseries and 16-19 academies are excluded, although campaigns are ongoing.
When does the new legislation come into effect?
Benedict Blythe’s family have been campaigning for the changes since his death, and in summer 2026 the government’s statutory guidance on the new law was published. Schools must be fully compliant by the end of the Autumn Term 2026. Independent schools have until the end of the Spring Term 2027.
Which school staff members need allergy and anaphylaxis awareness training?
The guidance is very clear that every staff member and volunteer must complete allergy and anaphylaxis training in case any child at school needs emergency assistance.
Charity Anaphylaxis UK explains it clearly: “Schools are now expected to take clear, demonstrable action to improve allergy awareness, prevention, and emergency response.”
Each individual should understand the school’s Allergy Policy and have completed training; this includes but is not restricted to:
- Teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- Office Staff
- Caretakers
- Kitchen Staff
- Governors
- Volunteers
- Transport Support/Drivers
Does existing Paediatric First Aid and First Aid at Work training cover the new safety requirements?
No. The guidance is clear that existing Paediatric First Aid and First Aid at Work qualifications are not enough to cover the new requirements set out in Benedict’s Law.
Some schools might believe they have the right provision in place due to The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance which outlines workplace first aid provision such as the right equipment, facilities and personnel. However, this guidance does not provide the correct level of understanding of allergy, anaphylaxis and asthma to ensure compliance with Benedict’s Law.
Implementing the statutory guidance by the end of the Autumn Term 2026 is likely to be a huge undertaking for staff, but the law will bring schools and pupils closer to a consistent set of national protections. As Anaphylaxis UK says, this is “not optional best practice but expected compliance for all schools in England.”
Which courses can ITS offer you?
A soon to be launched Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness (RQF) qualification will help schools achieve compliance.
As an awareness qualification, it will contain no practical assessments but will be structured directly in line with the legislation and give individuals the confidence to act in an emergency.
Quick guide to Qualsafe’s soon to be launched Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness qualification:
- This will sit in Qualsafe’s First Aid suite
- Total Qualification Time: 2 hours
- Suitable for all staff and volunteers in a school
- Perfect for inset days
- Annual requalification required, in line with the legislation.
Source Qualsafe Awards 12:08:2026
First Aid Training 