- Thousands of families of children with allergies can feel
confident their child is safe in school from this September -
as the government shares the first dedicated
statutory allergy safety guidance for schools.
- Life-saving allergy pens (AAIs) must be stocked in schools in
case of emergencies from this September, as
well provide allergy training to
teachers - so they can respond quickly and
confidently in case of emergencies.
- Schools will also be expected to have and keep clear allergy
policies and healthcare plans so no parent feels worried their
child is not safe.
- The changes today are testament to the tireless campaigning
of Helen and Peter Blythe, after the death of their son Benedict
turning unimaginable tragedy into lasting change that will
protect generations of children to come.
- Benedict's Law is this government's commitment to change
that - so children and families can walk through the
school gates with confidence.
- It means consistent, nationwide standards: every school with
the training, the plans and the adrenaline devices they
need, so children can feel safe to learn and
thrive.
- By embedding clear policies, staff confidence and routine
procedures, these reforms will let children with allergies fully
take part in school life.
Education Minister, , said:
Every child deserves to feel safe and included, but too many
families have had to fight for basic protections that should
simply be there.
Today marks a significant moment for children with allergies and
their families across the country - with Benedict's Law making
sure that every school has the training, plans and equipment
needed to keep every child safe.
"This change is thanks to the tireless efforts of Helen and Peter
Blythe, who have turned unimaginable tragedy into lasting change
that will protect thousands of children for generations to
come."
Helen Blythe, Co-Founder of the Benedict Blythe
Foundation and Benedict's mother, said:
"This week marks a historic turning point for children with
allergies and their families. For too long, whether a child was
safe at school depended on where they happened to go. From
September, schools across England will have clear national
expectations on how they keep children with allergies safe.
"The publication of this guidance is the beginning of a new era
for allergy safety. It will improve the safety of hundreds of
thousands of children and ensure around one and a half million
adults working in schools have the knowledge and confidence to
recognise an allergic reaction and respond quickly in an
emergency.
"We are incredibly proud that Benedict's legacy will help protect
generations of children to come."
Sarah Knight, CEO of The Allergy Team, a specialist
organisation, backed by leading
allergy conditions clinicians, supporting schools
across the UK through allergy training, practical resources and
policy support, said:
As a parent of two school-aged children with allergies and
co-founder of The Allergy Team, I know how much trust families
place in schools every day.
This guidance is an important step forward, giving schools
greater clarity about how they can better protect children with
allergies.
Since the consultation began, we've supported thousands of
teachers and school leaders through free webinars and training,
and we'll continue that work through the summer to help schools
prepare for September's guidance and the legislation that follows
next year - building a safer, more inclusive environment for
pupils with allergies and greater confidence for school
staff.
Minister for Public
Health, , said:
"Allergies affect thousands of children across the country, and
every one of them deserves to feel safe and included at school.
"Benedict's Law is a landmark moment - and a testament to the
courage and determination of Helen and Peter Blythe.
"As Minister for Public Health, I know how life-threatening
allergic reactions can be, and how quickly they can escalate.
That is why having the right training, clear plans and
life-saving adrenaline devices in every school is not a
nice-to-have - it is essential. From this September, families can
have the confidence that those protections will be in place
wherever their child learns.
"Benedict's Law marks an early and vitally important response to
some of the recommendations in April's seminal National Allergy
Strategy, to which I am committed to leading the Government's
wider response."
Notes to editors
- A voice note from Minister is attached for
use across radio news bulletins. (Embargoed 22:30pm,
Sunday 5th July)
- Allergy pens' refer to adrenaline auto-injectors
(AAIs).
