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    Benedict’s Law:
    New Allergy Training Requirements 2026 for Schools

    From September 2026, schools are expected to implement and maintain these requirements annually across all maintained and academy schools in England:

    Benedict’s Law marks the biggest shift in school allergy safety in over a decade. Passed by the UK Government in February 2026, the law introduces mandatory, statutory allergy guidance for all maintained and academy schools in England. From September 2026, every school must demonstrate clear, consistent action to protect pupils at risk of anaphylaxis.

    This article breaks down what the new law requires, why it matters, and how schools can prepare confidently and compliantly.

    What Is Benedict’s Law?

    Benedict’s Law is a new legal framework designed to standardise allergy management across all schools in England. It moves allergy safety from “recommended best practice” to mandatory safeguarding, ensuring every child with serious allergies receives consistent protection.

    The Department for Education will publish the statutory guidance in summer 2026, ahead of full implementation in September.

    Why Benedict’s Law Matters

    • 1 in 40 children in the UK lives with a diagnosed food allergy.
    • Anaphylaxis can develop within minutes, and a rapid, confident response saves lives.
    • Schools vary widely in allergy training, policy quality, and emergency preparedness.

    Benedict’s Law aims to close these gaps by ensuring every school has the same minimum standards for allergy awareness, prevention, and emergency response.

    The Four Core Requirements for Schools (From September 2026)

    1. A Whole‑School Allergy Policy (Mandatory)

    Schools must publish a dedicated allergy policy—not just a general medical conditions policy. This policy must be visible on the school website and outline:

    • Prevention measures
    • Staff responsibilities
    • Emergency procedures
    • Storage and management of AAIs
    • Communication with parents and carers

    2. Annual Allergy Training for All Staff

    Training must include all adults working on site, including:

    • Teachers
    • Support staff
    • Lunchtime supervisors
    • Minibus drivers
    • Caretakers
    • Grounds staff

    Training must cover:

    • Recognising allergic reactions
    • Responding to anaphylaxis
    • Using adrenaline auto‑injectors (AAIs)
    • Understanding individual care plans

    This is no longer optional — it is a statutory expectation.

    CPR, AED and Anaphylaxis Level 2 (VTQ)™ – Remote First Aid

    3. Spare Adrenaline Auto‑Injectors (AAIs) On Site

    Schools must hold in‑date spare AAIs that can be used for any child or adult experiencing anaphylaxis.

    Key points:

    • These are not a second set of a child’s prescribed devices.
    • Schools must follow correct storage, expiry checks, and dosage guidance.
    • AAIs must be accessible and known to all staff.

    EpiPens & Anaphylaxis Kits for Schools

    4. Individual Allergy Care Plans

    Every pupil with a serious allergy must have:

    • An individual healthcare plan
    • A clear emergency action plan
    • Updated medical information
    • Agreed responsibilities between the school and parents

    This includes allergies to food, animals, and insect venom.

    How Schools Can Prepare Now

    Although the statutory guidance is still being finalised, schools can begin preparing immediately.

    1. Audit your current allergy provision

    • Do you have a standalone allergy policy?
    • Are all staff trained annually?
    • Do you hold spare AAIs?
    • Are care plans up to date?

    2. Identify your allergy lead

    Benedict’s Law introduces a clearer expectation for a named allergy lead responsible for:

    • Policy oversight
    • Staff training coordination
    • AAI management
    • Liaison with families

    3. Update your safeguarding and SEND frameworks

    Allergy management now sits firmly within safeguarding and inclusion responsibilities.

    4. Ensure training is compliant and evidence‑based

    Training must be:

    • Medically reviewed
    • Practical
    • Accessible to all staff
    • Recorded for audit

    Remote First Aid deliver natioanlly acepted and accredited VTQ qualifications and training meeting RCUK, HSE, DfE guidelines.

    Support Available for Schools

    Remote First Aid provides whole school face-to-face practical training leading to compliant certification for each school member.

    Pricing & Training Options (As of 2026)

    Face‑to‑Face Training

    • Up to 48 staff 24 am 24 pm sessions with two instructors attending your establishment
    • Delivered by experienced trainers
    • Includes hands‑on AAI practice
    • Cost for this service £850 + VAT