Benedict’s Law
In February 2026, the Government formally passed Benedict’s Law, committing to introduce mandatory, statutory allergy guidance for schools in England through the Department for Education.
Schools are now expected to take clear, demonstrable action to improve allergy awareness, prevention, and emergency response. This represents a major step toward consistent, life-saving protections in every school, not optional best practice but expected compliance for all schools in England.
What the New Benedict’s Law Means for EVERY School
From September 2026, schools are expected to implement and maintain these requirements annually across all maintained and academy schools in England:
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Whole-School Allergy Policy
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Staff Training
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Emergency Medication
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Individual Care Plans
Benedict’s Law requires schools to develop and publish whole-school allergy policies. Note – allergy policy is not medical conditions policy, and it will need to be displayed on the school website.
Benedict’s Law requires schools to ensure comprehensive allergy awareness and emergency response training for all staff (including caretakers, mini-bus drivers, lunchtime supervisors, etc).
Benedict’s Law requires schools to hold spare in-date adrenaline devices (AAIs) on site. Note – they are not a second set of devices prescribed for an individual child, they can be used on any child or adult experiencing anaphylaxis.
Benedict’s Law requires schools to implement individual healthcare and action plans for pupils with serious allergies (including food, animal and venom allergies)
Medicot has developed a whole school anaphylaxis awareness presentation that can be delivered to all your staff in on site in a 1hour session.
This presentation covers what anaphylaxis is, the causes of anaphylaxis, the signs and symptoms anaphylaxis and how to take the appropriate action to help save a life. For further information contact us now at info@medicot.co.uk
Spaces are filling up fast as September is not far away!
