Allergy Awareness Week: why Benedict’s Law is a vital step towards safer schools

Allergy Awareness Week is an important opportunity to reflect on how schools support children and young people living with allergies – across the whole school day, not just at mealtimes. 

Allergies of all kinds are increasingly common, and schools remain one of the environments where allergic reactions are most likely to occur. Keeping pupils safe relies on awareness, preparation and consistent day‑to‑day practice from everyone involved.

This context makes the forthcoming introduction of Benedict’s Law, expected in England from September 2026, an important step forward. The legislation will set clearer, more consistent expectations for how schools manage allergies, helping to strengthen safeguards and improve confidence among staff.

Allergy Awareness Week is a timely reminder of what matters most in practice – preparation, training and collaboration.

Working together in practice

Strong allergy management depends on clear communication and shared responsibility between schools, parents, healthcare professionals and school caterers working on site.

As a food services provider working in schools and universities, we take food allergies extremely seriously. This includes working closely with schools to ensure accurate allergy information is shared in good time, appropriate identification methods are in place at the point of service, and agreed processes are followed consistently.

From a catering perspective, incidents are far more likely when information is missing, shared late, or not kept up to date. Clear, written processes agreed between schools and catering teams help reduce risk and build confidence – particularly in primary settings, where children are not expected to self‑declare allergies.

Preparing now

Although Benedict’s Law is not expected to come into force until September 2026, preparation should start now. Reviewing allergy policies, refreshing training and strengthening communication will give schools time to embed good practice well ahead of the legislation. 

Allergy Awareness Week is a reminder that while legislation provides direction, it is everyday actions – taken consistently and together – that make the greatest difference. By working in partnership and focusing on practical preparation, we can help ensure that every child, whatever their allergy, feels safe, included and supported throughout their school day