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QuickRead: Benedict's Law (allergy safety requirements)

Find out what the new allergy safety requirements mean for your school. Download a copy our QuickRead as a ready-made resource to share with colleagues.

Updated
on 9 July 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 53594
Contents
  1. What is Benedict's Law?
  2. When does it come into effect?
  3. Who does it apply to?
  4. What are the new requirements?
  5. More requirements to follow
  6. Are staff expected to administer adrenaline in an emergency?
  7. Next steps

What is Benedict's Law?

It's new legislation that requires your school to put safety measures in place to protect pupils with allergies.

The requirements were introduced as part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.

When does it come into effect?

You must comply with Benedict's Law from September 2026.

Who does it apply to?

The new guidance applies to:

  • Maintained schools (including special schools)
  • Academies (including free schools and alternative provision academies)
  • Pupil referral units

While it isn't currently a statutory requirement for independent schools (including independent special schools) and non-maintained special schools, the government plans to amend regulations to make it so.

What are the new requirements?

The new statutory guidance sets out the following expectations.

Put an allergy policy in place

Your school's allergy safety policy