Schools across England are being advised to prepare for new statutory guidance on allergy and anaphylaxis safety, which will come into force from September. The changes mean schools will need to ensure staff are properly trained to recognise and respond to severe allergic reactions, with clear procedures in place to manage allergies safely.
For many schools, this will mean reviewing staff training, allergy policies and emergency procedures, particularly around the use of adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPens.
Why the Guidance Is Being Introduced
The government has announced the new guidance following growing concern about how schools manage severe allergies, as well as several high-profile child deaths linked to anaphylaxis.
The change is closely linked to the campaign often referred to as “Benedict’s Law”, following the death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe in 2021 after he suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school.
Cases like this have brought national attention to the importance of schools being properly prepared to respond to allergy emergencies.
The issue has been widely reported in the media, including by the BBC, which recently highlighted the government’s plans to introduce compulsory allergy training across schools.
The government has also published proposals outlining how schools should support pupils with medical conditions, including allergies.
What the New Guidance Means for Schools
From September, schools will be expected to take a more structured and proactive approach to allergy safety.
The infographic below highlights the four key areas schools should prepare for.
In practice, this means allergy management is moving from something that has often been treated as best practice or guidance to something schools will be expected to actively demonstrate and implement.
Why Schools Should Start Preparing Now
Although the new guidance will come into effect in September, schools are encouraged to begin preparing as soon as possible.
Many schools may need to review or introduce:
- Formal allergy and anaphylaxis policies
- Structured staff training on recognising allergic reactions
- Opportunities for staff to gain practical experience using adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPens
Support for Schools
SchoolPro Health & Safety can help schools meet these expectations and ensure staff are properly prepared to respond to allergy emergencies.
Schools subscribing to SchoolPro Safety already receive support that can assist with these requirements, including:
- Free anaphylaxis training for all staff
- Guidance on allergy policies, care plans and procedures
- Free EpiPen trainer devices, allowing staff to practise administering adrenaline safely
This support helps schools ensure they are prepared ahead of the new requirements, rather than rushing to put systems in place once the guidance becomes mandatory.
Further Information
You can read more about the new guidance and proposals here:
BBC News-https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp811lgp106o
GOV.UK- Proposal on support for pupils with medical conditions at school – GOV.UK
If you would like to find out more about how SchoolPro Safety can support your school with anaphylaxis training, allergy policies and staff preparedness, please contact our team.