Benedict's Law introduces new school allergy protections in England

The first phase of Benedict's Law has come into effect in England, introducing strengthened allergy safety guidelines for state-funded schools. The legislation follows the 2021 death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died after an accidental exposure to cow's milk protein at a school near Peterborough.

Under the new requirements, schools in England must implement whole-school allergy policies, provide allergy awareness and emergency-response training for staff, and maintain individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies. Schools are also strongly expected to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors for emergencies.

The Benedict Blythe Foundation has called on the Welsh Government to adopt similar protections, noting that children in Wales currently lack the same statutory safeguards. While English schools must follow the new national framework, holding spare adrenaline pens remains optional under existing guidance in Wales.