Our statement regarding the inquest of Benedict Blythe 

Anaphylaxis UK offers our condolences and heartfelt support to the family and friends of Benedict Blythe who was just five years old when he tragically died at school on 1^st December 2021. 

The inquest into Benedict’s death ended a fortnight ago at Peterborough Town Hall. Jurors concluded that Benedict Blythe’s death was caused by “accidental exposure to an allergen, cow’s milk protein, causing fatal anaphylaxis”. Factors which the jury found “probably caused” in Benedict’s death include the delayed administration of his adrenaline, opportunities for cross-contamination or mix up of milk, and that his allergy plan was not shared with teaching staff. 

In his memory, Benedict’s parents created the Benedict Blythe Foundation to advocate for greater awareness, training, and accountability around allergy care in education. They are calling for every school to have: 

• Spare allergy adrenaline auto-injectors 

• Allergy trained staff 

• A school allergy policy 

We stand in solidarity with the Benedict Blythe Foundation in calling for these changes so that every child with an allergy is safe at school. 

The importance of allergy awareness in schools 

Our long established Safer Schools Programme contains information and resources to support schools in developing best practice policies and procedures to ensure children with allergies are managed safely. Our comprehensive CPD-certified AllergyWise® for Schools course is updated to reflect current guidance from the Department for Education and Department of Health, and clinically endorsed to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance. 

Our Education and AllergyWise® Manager Tracey Dunn says: 

“Safeguarding reaches beyond child protection and includes every aspect of a child’s care whilst at school.  Without regularly refreshed knowledge gained from training, staff are not prepared for recognising and responding to anaphylaxis.  Our training and resources give schools everything they need to ensure that they can safeguard students with allergies, equip staff with the knowledge they need and ensure that the school community understands the seriousness of allergy.” 

If you have concerns or questions about anaphylaxis or serious allergies, please remember that our helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.