Department of Education publishes new statutory guidance on allergies in schools

Following the Government’s announcement earlier this year of new allergy guidance to help keep children safe in schools, the Department for Education has now published its statutory guidance. The new requirements will become mandatory from 1 September 2026.

From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, schools in England will be expected to:

• Have a whole-school allergy policy.
• Provide allergy awareness training for all staff.
• Stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) for emergency use for any child or adult experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis.
• Put Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) in place for pupils with allergies.

These landmark changes have been made possible through the tireless efforts of families, clinicians, education professionals, charities and campaigners involved in the Benedict Blythe Campaign, led by The Benedict Blythe Foundation.

Why do we need new allergy legislation in schools?

The Foundation was established following the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died after accidental exposure to cow’s milk while at school in December 2021. Benedict’s mother, Helen, together with her family and supporters, has worked tirelessly to campaign for stronger protections in schools, helping to ensure that no other family experiences such a devastating loss.

Research commissioned by The Benedict Blythe Foundation found that:

• 50% of schools in England do not have spare emergency allergy medication.
• Around 70% of schools do not have all the measures that will now become mandatory.

The research also highlights the scale of the issue. On average, there are around two children with allergies in every classroom, and up to 30% of serious allergic reactions occur in children with no previous diagnosis.

Who does it apply to?

The publication of this statutory guidance marks a significant milestone in improving the safety and inclusion of children with allergies. It establishes a consistent national framework to help ensure pupils are protected and supported throughout their education.

The measures apply to schools across England, including:

• State-funded primary and secondary schools
• Academies and free schools
• Special schools and alternative provision settings

What happens next?

Schools are now expected to implement the new statutory requirements from September 2026.

Anaphylaxis UK has already developed a comprehensive range of resources and training to help schools meet their new responsibilities. This includes online and face-to-face training for schools their allergy leads and the governing body; e-learning for school nurses, and webinars for first aiders, downloadable resources including a template policy, and information on suppliers of spare adrenaline auto-injector kits for schools. See more here.

Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK, said:

“I am delighted that schools now have clear, unambiguous guidance that will keep students living with allergies safe and included at school.

“Since the initial announcement, schools have been responding brilliantly and have been engaging with our training and resources. We continue to be committed to helping schools every step of the way, equipping them with the knowledge and skill they need to fulfil these new statutory duties.”

If you are a school and have questions about the new statutory guidance or what it means for you, please get in touch with our AllergyWise® team at allergywise@anaphylaxis.org.uk.

Read the published guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/allergy-safety-in-schools