What is Benedict’s Law in schools?

Benedict’s Law refers to updated allergy guidance in England aimed at improving how schools prevent and respond to anaphylaxis. It focuses on staff training, access to emergency medication, and clear allergy policies.

Do schools need anaphylaxis training for all staff?

Yes. The latest guidance recommends that all school staff—not just first aiders—are trained to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis, respond quickly, and administer emergency treatment where required.

Are schools required to keep adrenaline auto-injectors?

Schools are expected to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) to ensure emergency treatment is available if a pupil’s prescribed device is not accessible.

What is included in anaphylaxis training for schools?

Anaphylaxis training typically includes recognising symptoms, emergency response procedures, and hands-on use of devices such as EpiPens and nasal adrenaline sprays.

Where can I get anaphylaxis training in Doncaster?

ER Training provides anaphylaxis training in Doncaster, including paediatric first aid courses and standalone sessions for schools, staff groups, and organisations.

Anaphylaxis Training in Doncaster: What “Benedict’s Law” Means for Schools and Employers

dpearson460
May 5
3 min read

A significant step forward for pupil safety

Recent changes to allergy guidance in England mark an important shift in how schools manage anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

These developments follow sustained campaigning by families, including Helen Blythe, alongside the National Allergy Strategy Group. Their efforts have helped bring national attention to the risks associated with severe allergies in education settings.

Often referred to as “Benedict’s Law,” the new measures aim to ensure that all schools are better prepared to prevent and respond to allergic emergencies.

What the new guidance means for schools

From September 2026, schools will be expected to strengthen their approach to allergy management through:

Access to emergency medication

Schools must hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), ensuring treatment is available even if a pupil’s prescribed device is not immediately accessible.

Whole-staff awareness and training

All staff—not just first aiders—should be able to:

Recognise the signs of anaphylaxis
Act quickly in an emergency
Administer appropriate treatment

Clear and accessible allergy policies

Schools are required to implement a dedicated, whole-school allergy policy that is regularly reviewed and shared with staff and parents.

Individual healthcare planning

Pupils with diagnosed allergies must have clear, personalised action plans in place.

Ongoing medication management

Routine checks help ensure that medication is in date and readily available when needed.

Why education and training are critical

Anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and without warning.

Around 26,000 hospital admissions occur each year in the UK
Up to half of individuals with allergies may not carry their medication
1 in 5 reactions happen without a known trigger

This reinforces the importance of confidence and competence among staff. In many cases, the first responder will not be a healthcare professional—but a teacher, teaching assistant, or support staff member.

The legal framework

The Human Medicines Regulations 2017 already allow schools and organisations to purchase adrenaline auto-injectors for emergency use without a prescription.

The new guidance builds on this by embedding consistent expectations across all schools, helping to reduce variation in how allergies are managed.

Supporting schools through training

At ER Training, we focus on providing practical, confidence-building training that supports schools in meeting these expectations.

Paediatric First Aid with integrated anaphylaxis training

All of our Paediatric First Aid courses include:

Recognition and management of anaphylaxis
Hands-on training with EpiPen devices
Familiarisation with Neffy nasal adrenaline sprays

This ensures learners are exposed to both traditional and emerging treatment methods.

Standalone anaphylaxis training

We also offer dedicated anaphylaxis sessions for:

Schools and multi-academy trusts
Large staff groups
Twilight training sessions delivered on-site

These sessions are designed to fit around the school day while ensuring all staff can access essential training.

Current consultation: have your say

The UK Government is currently consulting on updated guidance for supporting pupils with medical conditions in schools.

Closing date: 15 May 2026
Find out more:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposal-on-support-for-pupils-with-medical-conditions-at-school

This is an opportunity for education professionals to contribute to how these measures are implemented in practice.

Looking ahead

The introduction of stricter allergy guidance represents meaningful progress. However, effective implementation will depend on:

Ongoing staff training
Clear communication
Readiness to respond in an emergency

By combining policy with practical training, schools can create safer environments for all pupils.

Need Information on Allergy Kits for Schools? Give us a call and we can source resources for you. https://www.ertraining.co.uk/contact

Learn more: upcoming Free IOSH webinar

We will be exploring this topic further in our upcoming webinar:

🗓 14 May 2026⏰ 12:00 – 13:00🎯 The safety gap: managing anaphylaxis in education

Guest speaker Tracey Dunn will share both professional expertise and lived experience.

Book Here: https://tinyurl.com/4p5jwtpf