New statutory allergy guidance for schools hailed as 'historic turning point'

The Department for Education has published the first dedicated statutory allergy safety guidance for schools today, marking a significant milestone in efforts to protect children with severe allergies. The guidance establishes clear expectations for how schools must manage allergy risks and respond to anaphylaxis emergencies. The publication has been described as a "historic turning point" by the mother of Benedict Blythe, a schoolboy who tragically lost his life due to anaphylaxis while at school. Her campaigning has helped secure stronger statutory protections for the estimated one in five children living with allergies in UK schools. The new guidance places specific duties on schools regarding risk assessment, staff training, and emergency medication administration. For local authorities and governing bodies, it clarifies accountability arrangements and the steps required to ensure schools are safe environments for all pupils with medical conditions.