Alicia Kearns MP has welcomed the publication of new statutory guidance for schools in England under Benedict's Law, marking the biggest change to allergy safety in schools in a generation.
Following years of campaigning by Benedict's family and Alicia, the Department for Education has published new statutory guidance on allergies in schools.
The new statutory guidance includes:
- Whole-school allergy policies.
- Allergy awareness training for school staff.
- Individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies.
- Emergency "spare" adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) kept on site.
- Improved preparation for allergy emergencies.
The guidance will begin to be implemented from September 2026, benefiting an estimated 680,000 pupils living with allergies. Primary legislation will follow in 2027 to place key protections into law.
Benedict’s Law, named after Benedict Blythe, the 5-year-old boy from Stamford who tragically died in 2021 after fatally being exposed to cow’s milk, was officially adopted into the Children’s Schools and Wellbeing Bill after a vote in the Lords in February 2026.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
"Today is a landmark moment for children living with allergies and the families who have fought so hard for change.
“I want to thank Helen Blythe and the Benedict Blythe Foundation for the incredible work they have done over the past five years to make this happen. I am honoured to have been able to fight by their side.
“This new guidance will not only help make schools safer for hundreds and thousands of children, but it is a beautiful and necessary honour for Benedict.”
Helen Blythe, Benedict’s mother, said:
“Today’s publication of the statutory guidance marks the moment Benedict’s Law begins to transform allergy safety in schools across England. This has only been possible because people from every background came together behind a shared goal. Alicia Kearns was one of the parliamentarians who believed in this campaign from the very beginning and helped us secure these life-saving reforms. We are incredibly grateful for her determination, support and willingness to champion Benedict’s Law through Parliament.”
