Benedict's Law

19/03/2026 16:00 - By Emma

Preparing for Benedict's Law

What Schools Need to Know Now

The UK government is currently consulting on updated statutory guidance that will significantly strengthen how schools manage medical conditions particularly severe allergies.

Often referred to as “Benedict’s Law”, these changes are expected to come into force from September 2026, with the consultation closing in May 2026. While the final wording is still subject to change, the direction is clear, Schools will be expected to take a more structured, proactive, and accountable approach to allergy safety.

What is changing?

The proposed updates build on existing guidance around supporting pupils with medical conditions but introduce clearer expectations and stronger accountability, particularly around allergies. From what has been published so far, schools will likely be required to:

- Maintain a dedicated allergy safety policy
- Ensure all staff receive appropriate training
- Provide access to adrenaline auto-injectors (including spare devices)
- Implement individual healthcare plans (IHPs) for pupils with allergies
- Record and review incidents and near misses

Although these are not entirely new concepts, the key shift is that these expectations are moving from recommended good practice to formalised auditable requirements.

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

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

What this means for staff training

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

Importantly, this goes beyond traditional first aid training. A general first aid certificate is unlikely to meet the new expectations and therefore schools will instead need training that reflects real-world scenarios, school environments and practical decision-making.

A shift towards systems and not just skills

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

Clear policies and leadership ownership
Effective communication between staff
Robust record-keeping (including near misses)
Regular review and improvement of practice

This suggests that compliance will not be judged solely on training delivery but on how well the entire system functions.

What we expect moving forward

While the consultation is still ongoing and the final guidance will not be confirmed until May 2026, several outcomes appear likely:

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:

who has been trained
what systems are in place
how incidents are recorded and reviewed

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:

lunchtime supervisors
temporary and supply staff
support staff

A note on the consultation

It is important to recognise that:

❗ The guidance is still in consultation and may change before being finalised in May 2026.

However, the overall direction is unlikely to reverse, and schools that begin preparing early will be in a stronger position when the requirements become statutory.

How schools can prepare now

Even at this stage, there are practical steps schools can take:

Review current allergy policies and procedures
Identify pupils with allergies and check IHPs are in place and up to date
Assess current staff training levels
Consider how incidents and near misses are recorded and reviewed

Early action now can reduce pressure later and help ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements.

Final thoughts

Benedict’s Law represents an important shift in how schools approach allergy safety moving from reactive response to proactive, whole-school management. While we await final confirmation of the guidance, the message is already clear:

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