10/08/2026
Earlier this year, schools in England were invited to help shape new statutory guidance on allergy safety.
That guidance was published at the beginning of July and comes into effect this September.
From September, schools should have:
• a whole-school allergy policy
• allergy awareness and emergency-response training for staff
• an Individual Healthcare Plan for every pupil with an allergy
• arrangements for spare adrenaline auto-injectors, with a strong expectation that schools hold them
This is a significant step forward—but it is not the end of the journey.
From 2027, Benedict’s Law will place these allergy-safety requirements into primary legislation and extend them to independent schools and fee-paying special schools too.
There is a lot for schools to understand and put into practice. Over the coming weeks, we’ll break down some of the key new expectations, what they mean and how schools can prepare.
September is the start of safer, more inclusive schools for children with allergies. 💙