Every child should be able to go to school feeling safe. From September 2026, new statutory allergy guidance, known as Benedict’s Law, strengthens allergy safety requirements in schools across England. Schools are now expected to have a clear allergy policy, ensure staff receive allergy awareness training, have appropriate plans in place for children with allergies and be prepared to respond to an allergic reaction. Alongside these practical changes, schools also have an important role in building greater understanding of allergies across the whole school community – including amongst children. Looking for resources to help your school explore Benedict’s Law and allergy awareness with children? Learn more about Benedict’s Law with children using our free Allergies Picture News Special Resource here Join our live allergy-awareness assembly with your class here Why Has Benedict’s Law Been Introduced? Benedict’s Law follows the death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died after an allergic reaction at school in 2021. The changes aim to create a more consistent approach to allergy safety in schools and ensure children with allergies can be safe, supported and included throughout their school day. What Does Benedict’s Law Mean for Pupils? Children’s understanding of allergies can also support allergy awareness across the school. Children may share a classroom, lunch table or playground with someone who has a serious allergy. Understanding what allergies are, why some children need to avoid certain foods and what to do if someone feels unwell can help pupils understand how their actions may affect others. For teachers, this means finding ways to share important information about allergies sensitively, accurately and in a way children can understand. How Can Schools Teach Children About Allergy Awareness? Picture News has created the Allergies – Picture News Special Resource, written specifically to help teachers explore allergies, safety and inclusion with children in an age-appropriate way. Get the free Allergies – Picture News Special Resource here We’re also hosting a special live assembly, How Can We Make Our School Allergy-Aware? on Monday 28th September, 2.15–2.45pm. We’ll be joined by Clare Bristow from the Sadie Bristow Foundation, who tragically lost her daughter, Sadie, following a severe allergic reaction. Through the foundation, Clare now works to raise allergy awareness and help others understand how greater knowledge can help keep children safe. During the 30-minute assembly, Clare will explain what an allergy is, introduce the new allergy-safety requirements known as Benedict’s Law and share simple actions children can take, including listening to others and telling an adult if someone feels unwell. Suitable for children aged 5–12 and all school staff. Join the Primary Allergy-Awareness Live Assembly here Get the Allergy Special Resource to use with your children here
