In March, when the government first opened its consultation on updated allergy safety guidance for schools, the direction of travel was already clear. That guidance has now been published in full, and while the broad shape of the changes hasn't shifted, the detail has sharpened considerably now that the final wording is confirmed.

What has changed since March

The consultation ran from 5 March to 15 May 2026, and the Department for Education published the final statutory guidance on 6 July 2026, under Section 34 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. The guidance is expected to come fully into effect from September 2026, alongside further Regulations that will convert several of its expectations into explicit statutory duties.

What the guidance requires

The final guidance confirms most of what was anticipated in March, with far more precise detail attached. Schools, colleges and PRUs are now required to:

• Maintain a published, dedicated allergy safety policy, reviewed at least annually
• Ensure all staff on site when pupils are present receive allergy awareness training, at least annually. This now explicitly includes permanent, temporary, supply and agency staff, catering teams and regular volunteers, not just teaching staff
• Provide access to "spare" adrenaline auto-injectors, which can now be purchased without a prescription, stocked in pairs at the correct dosage for pupils on site, and kept within five minutes' reach of anywhere they might be needed
• Implement Individual Healthcare Plans for pupils who need them, incorporating any Allergy or Asthma Action Plan issued by a healthcare professional
• Record, report and review serious incidents and near misses relating to allergy safety

The duty to have an allergy safety policy is already a live statutory requirement. Several of the other expectations above, including the specifics of annual training, the named senior leader role, and incident recordin, are set out clearly in the guidance now, with the government confirming its intention to convert these into explicit statutory duties through forthcoming regulations.

Why this matters

For many schools, allergy management has historically relied on a small number of trained staff or informal processes. The published guidance confirms a shift toward:

• Whole-school responsibility, not just first aiders
• Consistent systems and documentation
• Evidence of training and compliance
• Preventative risk management, not just emergency response

This reflects a broader safeguarding mindset: ensuring all staff are prepared, not just a select few.

What this means for staff training

The guidance is direct on this point in a way the consultation was not: "First aid training is not sufficient." Staff need training that goes beyond a general first aid certificate, and should be able to:

• Recognise allergic reactions, including early signs of anaphylaxis
• Understand the difference between food allergy, coeliac disease and food intolerance
• Respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency, including calling emergency services
• Administer adrenaline auto-injectors with confidence, whether prescribed to a named pupil or a school's spare devices
• Understand their role within the school's allergy safety policy
• Know how to report an allergic reaction, incident or near miss

Schools will need training that reflects real-world scenarios, school environments and practical decision-making, rather than a general awareness session bolted onto an existing first aid course.

A shift towards systems and not just skills

The guidance also confirms the emphasis on systems and accountability that was anticipated in March. Schools now need to demonstrate:

• Clear policies with a named senior leader responsible for them. The guidance specifically notes this should not sit with the catering manager
• Effective communication between staff, including induction arrangements for new and supply staff
• Robust record-keeping, including near misses
• Regular review of practice, at least annually, and following any serious incident

Compliance will not be judged solely on whether training has been delivered, but on how well the whole system functions together.

Where things stand now

1. Allergy safety is now a confirmed compliance area and as with safeguarding or fire safety, allergy management is now a core operational requirement for maintained schools, academies and PRUs, with independent and non-maintained special schools expected to follow through separate regulatory standards.
2. Evidence and audit will matter and schools will need to be able to show who has been trained, what systems are in place, and how incidents are recorded and reviewed. Inspectors are expected to consider allergy safety policies and their implementation as part of the wider inspection process.
3. Prevention remains central and reducing exposure to known allergens, through better planning, communication and awareness, sits alongside emergency response as an equal priority in the guidance.
4. Training now explicitly covers all staff which is one of the areas made most precise since March. Training is confirmed to extend to lunchtime supervisors, temporary and supply staff, agency workers, and support staff anyone on site when pupils are present.

A note on where things stand

The guidance has now been published and is no longer subject to consultation. However, several of its expectations including the statutory duty around annual training and the named senior leader role are still due to be formalised through further Regulations. Schools that begin preparing now, rather than waiting for those Regulations, will be in a stronger position when they land.

How schools can prepare now

• Review current allergy policies against the published guidance, not the earlier consultation document
• Identify pupils with allergies and check Individual Healthcare Plans are in place and up to date
• Assess current staff training levels against the guidance's specific staff scope
• Confirm arrangements for spare adrenaline devices, including storage location and five-minute accessibility
• Consider how incidents and near misses are currently recorded and reviewed

Early action now can reduce pressure later and help ensure a smooth transition as the remaining Regulations are introduced.

Final thoughts

Benedict's Law has moved from consultation to confirmed guidance. What was described in March as an expected direction of travel is now published, statutory guidance that schools must have regard to. The message from March holds, just with more certainty behind it:

Allergy safety is now a fundamental part of school safeguarding and compliance.

Why this matters

For many schools, allergy management has historically relied on a small number of trained staff or informal processes.The new direction suggests a move toward:

• Whole-school responsibility (not just first aiders)
• Consistent systems and documentation
• Evidence of training and compliance
• Preventative risk management, not just emergency response

One of the most significant implications is around training. Current proposals indicate that staff should be able to:

• Recognise allergic reactions, including early signs of anaphylaxis
• ​Respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency
• ​Administer adrenaline auto-injectors with confidence
• ​Understand their role within the schools' allergy policy and procedures

Another key theme emerging from the consultation is the importance of systems and accountability. Schools are expected to demonstrate:

1. Allergy safety becomes standard compliance

Much like safeguarding or fire safety, allergy management is likely to become a core operational requirement for all schools.

        2. Increased focus on evidence and audit

Schools will need to show:

          3. Greater emphasis on prevention

Reducing exposure to allergens, through better planning, communication and awareness will be just as important as emergency response.

        4. More consistent training across all staff

Training is expected to extend beyond teaching staff to include:

Fifteen years ago, FabTraining was just a name scribbled in a notebook, a spark of an idea born from a passion for helping others and a belief in doing things the right way. Today, we are proud to stand as one of the region’s most trusted names in first aid and workplace compliance training. We have grown, evolved, and adapted but one thing has never changed: our commitment to empowering people with confidence, skills, and care.

As we mark this major milestone, we are taking a look back at where it all began, the incredible journey so far, and what lies ahead.

From Kitchen Table to Training Hub: The FabTraining Story

In 2010, Bruce launched FabTraining as a side hustle while working full-time. Like many small businesses, it started with one simple goal: to make first aid training more engaging, more practical, and more human.

“It was a ‘sink or swim’ moment,” Bruce reflects. “I saw an opportunity to do things differently and to make training that people actually enjoyed.”

By 2016, that opportunity became a full-time commitment. FabTraining moved from evenings and weekends into a full-time operation, powered by a growing reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations. In 2018, Emma joined the business full-time after years of supporting behind the scenes, bringing a fresh perspective and leading the way in hospitality training.

That same year saw our first dedicated training venue, modest, but ours in that we no longer were relying on businesses having space or spending out on private venue hire. And we didn’t stop there.

Timeline of Milestones:

• 2010 – FabTraining is born (although back then it went by it’s Sunday name of “The First Aid Box Training Solutions”
• 2016 – Bruce takes the leap and goes full time
• 2018 – Emma joins full time; hospitality courses launched
• 2019 – Moved to larger premises due to growing demand
• 2020 – Relocated again to our current home; added health & safety training
• 2020 – Covid strikes: pivoted to online learning and added First Aid for Mental Health
• 2022 – Bruce earns FREC5 qualification; expanded into pre-hospital care training
• 2023 – Secured separate office facilities to support a growing team
• 2025 – Celebrating 15 years of growth, resilience, and impact

Through it all, one thing has remained constant, our dedication to delivering high quality, engaging training that equips people with real world skills.

The Heart of FabTraining: People First

At FabTraining, we don’t just teach courses, we build confidence. Whether it’s a parent learning CPR for the first time, a construction worker brushing up on safety skills, or a schoolchild practicing the recovery position, we focus on making every learner feel capable and supported.

We’ve trained thousands of people across the region, and every session is underpinned by our core values: trust, kindness, flexibility, and fun.

“We know people remember how you made them feel,” says Emma. “So we make sure every training session is welcoming, respectful, and empowering.”

Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with schools, local councils, businesses, and community groups. We’ve introduced initiatives like the Mini Medics programme, taught hundreds of children first aid, and even launched the Fab First Aid Fund to help schools access training at no cost.

And in 2025, we proudly introduced a female CPR manikin to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and make our courses more inclusive.

Why This Milestone Matters

You might be wondering why 15 years matters?

Because it means 15 years of:

• Learners walking away with skills they can use to save a life
• Families feeling safer at home
• Businesses staying compliant and confident
• Children taking their first steps into first aid
• Communities empowered through knowledge

It also means resilience. Like many businesses, the Covid pandemic hit us hard but we didn’t stop. We adapted. We created online content, introduced new courses, and kept training essential workers when it mattered most.

This milestone is also a reminder of how far we’ve come, not just in size or reach, but in impact. From our first tiny training room to the full suite of services we offer today, we’ve built something that truly helps people.

“Training can change lives. Sometimes it even saves them. That’s why we do what we do,” Bruce says.

Help Us Celebrate and Get Involved

To mark our 15th year, we are celebrating in true FabTraining style with gratitude, community spirit, and a few special surprises:

What’s Happening:

• 🎉 Anniversary Blog Series – Sharing memories, milestones, and behind-the-scenes stories throughout the summer
• 📷 #FabTurns15 Social Campaign – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join in
• 💬 Share Your Story – Were you one of our early learners? Worked with us on a project? We’d love to hear your Fab memories. Simply tag us or send us a message
• 🎁 15% Off Training in August – As a thank you, we’re offering 15% off all first aid and compliance training booked during August.

Whether you’ve trained with us once or ten times, supported us through partnerships, or simply cheered us on, thank you. This celebration is for you too.

Looking Ahead: The Next 15 Years

While it’s great to look back, we’re also looking forward.

 Our goals for the future include:

• Expanding our range of environmental sustainability and care sector qualifications
• Growing our team and our training venue capabilities
• Investing in more advanced equipment
• Continuing to innovate, inspire, and train with heart

We are also committed to continuing our community-first approach. That means more support for schools, more free resources, and more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn life-saving skills.

Final Word: Thank You for 15 Incredible Years

15 years in business is no small feat and we couldn’t have done it without you. Whether you’ve sat in one of our training sessions, shared our content, referred a friend, or simply followed along, you’ve played a part in our story.

We hope you will continue to walk alongside us as we take our next steps. And if it’s been a while since you trained with us, why not join us again? There’s always something new to learn and we promise to make it fun.

👉 Explore our courses, claim your 15% discount, and celebrate with us at www.fabtraining.co.uk

👉 Follow the journey on social: #FabTurns15

Here’s to the next 15 years! 🥂