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.

It is this:

"What if I get it wrong?" Usually followed closely by:

"Could I be sued for helping?" It is an understandable concern.

When faced with a medical emergency, most people genuinely want to help. However, the fear of making a mistake, causing harm or facing legal action can sometimes stop people from stepping forward when someone needs assistance most.

The good news is that UK law is generally very supportive of people who act in good faith during an emergency. If you provide first aid within the limits of your knowledge and training, the risk of being successfully sued is extremely low.

First Things First: Doing Nothing Can Be More Harmful

Imagine someone collapses in front of you. They are not breathing normally and have no signs of life. In that situation, doing nothing gives them virtually no chance of survival. Even if you are not completely confident, taking action gives them a chance.

This is why first aid training focuses on building confidence as well as competence. You do not need to be perfect. You simply need to be willing to help.

In many emergencies, early intervention by a bystander can make the difference between life and death. Immediate CPR, using a defibrillator and calling 999 can significantly improve survival rates.

What Does the Law Say in the UK?

Many people search online for terms such as:

• Can I be sued for giving first aid?
• Good Samaritan Law UK
• Legal protection for first aiders
• What happens if I get first aid wrong?

In England and Wales, there is no specific law called the Good Samaritan Act or Good Samaritan Law. However, the legal system recognises that people who step forward during an emergency should not be judged in the same way as trained healthcare professionals working in controlled environments.

In 2015, the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act (SARAH) was introduced. The Act encourages courts to consider whether someone was acting for the benefit of another person or intervening in an emergency when deciding negligence claims.

In simple terms, the courts recognise the difference between someone trying to help in a difficult situation and someone acting recklessly. This means that if you provide emergency first aid in good faith, the law is generally on your side.

What Are Good Samaritan Laws?

Many people have heard of Good Samaritan Laws and assume the UK has one. Good Samaritan Laws are designed to encourage people to help others during emergencies by providing legal protection when assistance is given honestly and without reckless behaviour. Several countries have specific Good Samaritan legislation or legal protections, including:

• United States – Every state has some form of Good Samaritan Law protecting people who provide emergency assistance.
• Canada – Most provinces and territories have Good Samaritan legislation protecting volunteer rescuers.
• Australia – Good Samaritan protections exist across Australian states and territories.
• Ireland – The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides protection for Good Samaritans and volunteer first aiders.

While the UK does not have a specific Good Samaritan Law by name, the legal approach is broadly supportive of people who act responsibly and in good faith during emergencies.

Has Anyone Ever Been Successfully Sued for Giving First Aid?

Despite the fear that many people have, successful legal action against somebody who has provided first aid in good faith is incredibly rare. In reality, there are very few examples of ordinary members of the public being sued simply for attempting to help someone in an emergency. The legal system generally takes a common-sense approach.

If you act honestly, within the limits of your knowledge and training, and with the intention of helping, the risk of legal action is extremely low.

This is one of the reasons why first aid organisations, emergency services and healthcare professionals encourage members of the public to intervene when it is safe to do so.

What If I Break a Rib During CPR?

This is another question we hear regularly and the answer is simple:

Broken ribs are preferable to being dead.

Effective CPR requires chest compressions to be performed hard and fast. Occasionally this can result in bruising or even broken ribs, particularly in older casualties. While nobody wants to cause injury, these injuries are recognised and accepted risks of life-saving treatment. If somebody's heart has stopped, CPR gives them a chance of survival.

Healthcare professionals, ambulance services and first aid trainers all recognise that broken ribs can occur during effective CPR. The priority is restoring circulation and giving the casualty the best possible chance of survival.

What If I Make Things Worse?

Most people overestimate how much harm they can cause and underestimate how much good they can do. Modern first aid training teaches straightforward, evidence-based interventions such as:

• Calling 999
• Performing CPR
• Using a defibrillator (AED)
• Controlling severe bleeding
• Placing an unconscious breathing casualty into the recovery position

These actions save lives every day. Perfection is not the goal. Helping is.

The most important thing is to remain calm, follow your training and do what you reasonably can until professional help arrives.

The Bigger Risk

The biggest risk is often not helping because of fear. Many people who have experienced a cardiac arrest, severe bleeding incident or other medical emergency are alive today because someone nearby was willing to step forward and do something.

They were not doctors. They were not paramedics. They were ordinary people who chose to act.

Without immediate assistance, many casualties would not have survived long enough for emergency services to arrive.

Why First Aid Training Matters

One of the best ways to overcome the fear of helping is through professional first aid training.

Learning practical skills such as CPR, AED use, choking treatment and emergency response procedures can dramatically increase your confidence in a real-life emergency.

First aid training helps you:

• Recognise life-threatening emergencies
• Respond quickly and effectively
• Understand your legal responsibilities
• Use life-saving equipment correctly
• Feel confident helping others when every second counts

The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to take action when someone needs help.

The Bottom Line

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, remember this:

The law is not looking to punish people who genuinely try to help.

It is looking to support reasonable actions taken in difficult circumstances.

You do not need to have all the answers.

You do not need to be perfect.

You simply need the confidence to act when it matters most.

If you provide first aid in good faith, follow your training and do your best to help, the chances of being successfully sued are extremely small. And that is exactly why first aid training is so important.

Because when an emergency happens, confidence can be every bit as valuable as knowledge.

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:

• Is this concussion or fatigue?
• Should we move this player?
• What are the red flags?
• Who takes control?
• When do we call 999?

• Concussion recognition and safe removal principles.
• Spinal injury precautions and when not to move a casualty.
• Fractures and dislocations common in contact sport.
• Cardiac arrest response in a sporting environment.
• Clear communication under pressure.

The start of a new school year is always full of fresh timetables, shiny new uniforms, and the usual whirlwind of activity. But alongside maths, science and English, there is another subject that could be the most important lesson a young person ever learns: CPR and first aid.

CPR in the Curriculum

In recent years, the British Heart Foundation has successfully campaigned to make CPR and first aid a mandatory part of the PSHE curriculum in UK secondary schools. It’s a huge step forward but why was it needed?

• 43% of UK adults (around 23 million people) have never been trained in CPR.
• 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home.
• Sadly, survival rates remain at less than 1 in 10.

By giving students the opportunity to learn these skills at school, we are equipping the next generation with the confidence to act not just in the classroom, but in their homes and communities too.

Why Hands-On Training Matters

Having CPR on the school timetable is fantastic progress. But here’s the truth, confidence comes from doing, not just watching.

It’s one thing to see chest compressions demonstrated on a screen, and quite another to practise them yourself. That moment of hands-on experience, pressing on a manikin, learning the rhythm, using a defibrillator, is where real confidence begins.

At FabTraining, we make sessions practical, interactive and engaging. Our trainers aren’t just teachers, they are experienced front line technicians and first aid specialists who bring real world know how into the classroom. That means every lesson is grounded in reality, not just theory.

Skills That Spread Beyond the School Gates

When a young person learns CPR or first aid, they don’t keep that knowledge to themselves. They take it home, they share it with friends, and  they carry it into their community.

Imagine a teenager who’s learned CPR stepping up when a grandparent collapses, or a pupil calmly responding to a choking sibling. By teaching first aid in schools, we’re not just helping the students we’re creating safer families and stronger communities.

How FabTraining Supports Schools

We are passionate about making first aid accessible to everyone. Through our Mini Medics sessions for younger children and our tailored school foundation first-aider workshops, we help bring the curriculum to life in a way that’s fun, memorable and confidence-building.

Whether it’s a full CPR lesson, a refresher for older students, or interactive workshops for primary pupils, we adapt sessions to suit the age group and the school’s needs. Because we believe every child deserves the skills to save a life.

Let’s Make This Term Life-Changing

This September, let’s go beyond lesson plans and exam prep. Let’s make sure our schools are preparing students not just for the world of work but for the unexpected emergencies that could happen at any time.

👉 Schools: Get in touch with FabTraining to arrange first aid and CPR sessions that really make an impact.

👉 Parents and Guardians: Nominate your child’s school to take part and help create a generation that’s ready to save lives.

Because while not every student will use algebra in adult life, the ability to save a life is a skill that matters to us all.

At FabTraining, we love our modern, fully equipped training venue but not all learning needs to happen in a training room. In fact, some of the best sessions happen in the most unexpected places.

Over the past six weeks alone, we have delivered high-quality, accredited training in some truly unique settings. From a wine tasting room to a city centre gin bar, a salad grower’s facility to a pet food manufacturer, a junior school, and an academy trust headquarters, we’ve adapted, overcome, and delivered blinking good training every single time.

More Than Just First Aid

Yes, we are best known for our exceptional first aid training, from Emergency First Aid at Work to Paediatric First Aid and FREC qualifications but we do much more than that.

Many of the sessions we’ve delivered on the road recently have focused on:

• ✅ Health & Safety essentials for food production and warehousing teams
• ✅ Fire Marshal training tailored for schools and offices
• ✅ Personal Licence courses for hospitality teams on-site in licensed premises
• ✅ Manual Handling and COSHH awareness for a wide range of sectors
• ✅ Mental Health Awareness in relaxed, familiar environments
• ✅ Safeguarding sessions for educational settings

Whatever the course, we bring the same energy, expertise, and flexibility because we believe training should work for you, not the other way around.

Where we have been recently

To give you an idea of just how varied our training travels have been lately, here are a few of the places we’ve set up shop:

• 🍷 Wine Tasting Room – Transformed into a space for licensing and first aid in hospitality.
• 🍸 City Centre Gin Bar – Staff brushed up on first aid and licensing knowledge without leaving the bar.
• 🥗 Salad Growers Facility – Health & safety essentials delivered right where they’re needed.
• 🐶 Pet Food Manufacturer – On-site compliance training made easy and accessible.
• 🏫 Junior School & Academy Trust HQ – From paediatric first aid to safeguarding, in a space staff already know.

Each location brought its own quirks, limited space, background noise, unique layouts but we made it work. That’s what we do best.

Training That Fits Your Space

We are often asked, “Can you come to us?” And unless there is a serious reason we can’t, the answer is a confident yes!

We meet all awarding organisation (AO) requirements, so as long as you have got a suitable space, we can bring everything else:

• CPR manikins
• Defibrillator trainers
• Fire safety kit
• Visual aids & workbooks
• Laptops/projectors (where needed)
  

Even better - Training on your site often means:

• No staff travel
• Real-world learning in your own environment
• Minimal disruption to your working day
• Better engagement and relevance

We are Not Just Flexible - We are Fab

We have got a brilliant training centre with all the mod cons, but if your preference is on-site, we’re always happy to come to you. Whether it’s a boardroom, classroom, staff room or even a cellar we have probably trained there!

Have equipment, will travel because training should be about more than just ticking a box. It should be engaging, professional, and adaptable, wherever it happens.

Looking for first aid, compliance, or health & safety training that comes to you?

Let’s chat. We will bring the training, you bring the space (and maybe a kettle).

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! 🥂