The UK government has announced a series of new school allergy safety measures, known as Benedict's Law, following the death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe in December 2021 after he was accidentally exposed to cow's milk protein while attending Barnack Primary School.

From September, all schools will be expected to keep emergency adrenaline auto-injectors, introduce a whole-school allergy policy, provide allergy awareness and emergency response training for all staff, and maintain individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies.These requirements will initially be implemented through statutory guidance, with schools expected to comply from the start of the new academic year.

From 2027, the measures will become statutory legal duties covering state schools, independent schools and fee-paying special schools across the UK as outlined by the government.

Benedict's parents, Helen and Peter Blythe, campaigned for these reforms after an inquest found that procedures agreed to protect their son had not been properly followed.

Helen Blythe said the changes would make schools significantly safer and give staff greater confidence to respond effectively during allergic emergencies.

Research cited by the Benedict Blythe Foundation found that many schools currently lack spare emergency medication, formal allergy policies and other essential safeguards.

Education minister Olivia Bailey praised the family's campaign, saying their efforts had transformed personal tragedy into reforms designed to improve the safety and inclusion of thousands of children with severe allergies.The new framework aims to ensure more consistent allergy management across schools and reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.