- New statutory requirements for safeguarding children with allergies in schools have been announced, replacing previous non-statutory guidance.
- These mandatory measures, set to come into force in September, include compulsory allergy awareness training for all school staff and the stocking of spare allergy pens for emergency use.
- The proposals also mandate comprehensive individual healthcare plans for pupils with medical conditions, detailing how to manage specific allergies and emergencies.
- Helen Blythe, whose five-year-old son Benedict died from an allergic reaction in 2021, welcomed the changes, saying they would make it less likely for other families to suffer similar losses.
- Minister for early education Olivia Bailey supported the new requirements, while Paul Whiteman of the NAHT union welcomed the guidance but called for adequate funding and clarification for schools.
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