Benedict’s Law to overhaul school allergy training
He added: “We think this is something that will keep not only children safe but also people working in schools. [staff] The confidence to know what to do in an emergency.”
Benedict, from Stamford, Lincolnshire, had asthma and several allergies including eggs, nuts and milk.
His mother said she worked with the school to prepare an allergy action plan, but the investigation heard the process was not followed.
Legal guidance setting out what schools must do to comply with the law will come into force in September.
According to research conducted by Benedict Blythe Foundation, external50% of schools in England have no refills, a third have no allergy policy and 70% do not have all the measures currently in place.
Benedict’s Law will go further as legal guidance – government advice outlining how schools should act to comply with the law – comes into force from September.
From 2027, the same measures will be turned into statutory duties and apply to state schools, independent schools and fee-paying private schools. This means schools will be legally required to implement these changes.
Blythe said: “If Benedict’s Law and this guidance had been in place when I was at school, it would almost certainly still be with us.
“Even though it won’t make a difference to us or our family, we hope it will protect other families from having to go through what we went through.”
Education Secretary Olivia Bailey said: “Every child deserves to feel safe and included, but too many families have had to fight for the basic protections they should have.”
He added: “This change is thanks to the tireless efforts of Helen and Peter Blythe, who turned unimaginable tragedy into lasting change that will protect thousands of children for generations to come.”
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