As Benedict’s Law comes into effect in schools across England from September 2026, digital signage platform TrilbyTV is helping schools strengthen allergy awareness through new resources and guidance covering allergy safety, emergency response, and staff awareness.
Benedict’s Law is named after five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died from an anaphylactic reaction to cow’s milk at his primary school in 2021. The new requirements aim to strengthen allergy protection and address previous inconsistencies between schools.
From September 2026, schools must
- Publish a whole-school allergy policy on their website.
- Train all staff in allergy awareness and emergency response.
- Keep spare, in-date Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs) on site.
- Implement individual healthcare plans for students with serious allergies.
The measures apply to local authority-maintained schools, academies, and pupil referral units in England. They follow research showing that many schools previously lacked spare medication or formal allergy policies and form part of wider efforts to improve safety following campaigning by Benedict’s family and allergy organisations.
Keeping allergy awareness visible
Allergic reactions can occur anywhere in a school, including playgrounds, dining halls, corridors, and classrooms. Staff and students therefore need to recognise the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and know how to respond.
TrilbyTV’s digital signage can reinforce this information in areas where staff and students spend time. Staffroom screens can support allergy safety training, while displays in dining areas can remind students and staff about allergens and appropriate precautions.
Content can be scheduled alongside regular school announcements, helping schools keep key safety messages visible between formal training sessions. Digital signage does not replace allergy policies, staff training, or emergency procedures, but provides an additional way to reinforce them throughout the school year.
New allergy safety resources
To support schools with the new requirements, TrilbyTV has partnered with Allergy School from Natasha’s Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, to add three allergy safety resources to the TrilbyTV Content Catalogue.
The resources cover
- The UK’s top 14 allergens.
- The ABC of anaphylaxis, covering Airways, Breathing, and Circulation.
- The practical steps to take during an allergy emergency.
- How to administer an Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI).
- When to call 999.
- What to do while waiting for emergency help.
The materials can be displayed in high-traffic areas such as receptions, corridors, and canteens. Allergy School also provides free accredited training and materials for education settings, supporting schools with the new expectations around staff allergy awareness.
“Around 2 children in every classroom now live with a food allergy, and this chronic condition is on the rise. It is vital that children and young people with allergies are fully protected at school, and that they feel included in all school activities. We are delighted to have helped create these new resources for schools, which can support allergy awareness and provide vital and potentially life saving information.” said Jan Parnell, Director of Education at Natasha’s Foundation
Growing need for allergy awareness
Food allergy affects a growing number of children in the UK, with hospital admissions for severe reactions rising significantly over recent decades. Around 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, and many reactions occur outside the home, including in education settings.
Consistent training and accessible reminders can help staff respond quickly during emergencies while supporting the inclusion of pupils with allergies.
Benedict’s Law represents a significant change in allergy safety requirements for schools in England. Schools can incorporate the new TrilbyTV resources into their existing communication systems to reinforce key messages throughout the school day.
Parents and staff are encouraged to check their school’s published allergy policy and discuss local arrangements. Further measures extending similar duties more widely are expected in subsequent years.