On February 3rd 2026, an important milestone was reached in the campaign to instate Benedict's Law, otherwise known as the School Allergy Safety Bill, in UK legislation. We examine the history of the campaign, its aims and achievements to date

What is the history of Benedict's Law?

The Benedict Blythe Foundation was created following the tragic death of Benedict, who consumed milk, which he was known to be allergic to, at school. Weaknesses within the school's allergy policy are replicated throughout many UK schools, and the foundation has worked relentlessly to improve allergy safety in schools through research, legislative reform, advice and guidance.

What is the aim of Benedict's Law?

The overarching aim of Benedict's Law is to improve safety of school children who have allergies. The percentage of children diagnosed with allergies continues to rise, with approximately 2-5% of UK schoolchildren now believed to have a known food allergy.

The campaign to improve allergy policy within schools preceded Benedict's sad death, but the principles that are being called for remain the same. Campaigners are fighting for:

1. spare adrenaline auto-injectors and devices available within all settings 
2. comprehensive allergy and anaphylaxis training given to all school staff, and  
3. clear and comprehensive school allergy policies supported by individual care plans for pupils with allergies

What has the campaign achieved so far?

Petition for Change: The BBF's petition, demanding stronger protections for pupils with allergies, gained over 13,000 signatures in two weeks.

Open Letter to Secretary of State: This was supported by over 40 organisations including medical institutions, charities, unions and industry representatives.

Prime Minister’s Questions: Benedict's story and the call for legislative change was featured in PMQs

Westminster Hall Debate: The campaign was debated in Parliament, with cross-party support,

The School (Allergy Safety) Bill: The formal proposal for legislative change was introduced into Parliament on 9 July 2025

The Schools Allergy Code: Driven by the lack of clear, consistent guidance, the campaign created resources including The Schools Allergy Code.

Amendment to Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: The introduction of the School (Allergy Safety) Bill was passed on 3rd February 2026.

What's next?

The amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and School Bill will be formally passed back into the House of Commons for comment before it passes into legislation, but commitment has been made that statutory guidance will be consulted on and introduced within 2026.

We will continue to update this post with latest news, and update our Allergy Awareness training as necessary to support schools and colleges to keep children safe.

https://www.allergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Model-Policy-for-allergy-at-school-v2.1-090124.pdf