Benedict's law 2026

🧑‍🏫 Mandatory staff training

All staff must receive:

• Allergy-awareness training
• Recognising early signs of anaphylaxis
• Safe use of AAIs
• Annual refreshers

Training must be documented and up to date.

📄 Updated allergy & medical needs policies

Policies must include:

• Individual healthcare plans (IHPs)
• Emergency response procedures
• Dining-hall and food-handling safety
• Parent communication protocols
• Classroom allergy-safe practices

💉 Emergency medication requirements

Schools must:

• Hold spare AAIs
• Store them in clearly marked, accessible locations
• Check expiry dates regularly
• Ensure staff know how to administer them

🏫 Whole-school allergy awareness

Promote a safer culture through:

• Clear food labelling
• Reduced cross-contamination
• Pupil and staff awareness
• Visible emergency signage

🗂 Record-keeping & governance

Schools must maintain:

• Updated medical records
• Logs of allergic incidents
• Evidence of staff training
• Medication check records

Governors must review compliance regularly.

💚 Why this matters

• Protects pupils with life-threatening allergies
• Builds staff confidence and readiness
• Reduces risk during meals, clubs, and trips
• Strengthens trust with families
• Creates a safer, more inclusive school environment