Benedicts Law

Benedicts Law has now come into effect. The law was developed to improve allergy safety in schools, following the death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died from anaphylaxis in 2021.

Benedict’s Law will require schools to:

• Develop a clear allergy policy – how to respond to emergencies
• Ensure staff are trained – in recognising the signs with anaphylaxis training
• Provide access to emergency medication – like adrenaline auto-injector pens
• Improve communication and record keeping – to ensure allergies are tracked.

The DfE has published resources including a model allergy safety policy and an Individual Healthcare Plan template. See also the National Governance Association (NGA) webinar on this new law.