Benedict’s Law

Why allergy safety matters in D&T lessons

Every pupil deserves to feel safe, included and confident in the classroom. For design and technology teachers, new allergy safety guidance in England highlights the importance of thoughtful planning, clear procedures and making sure pupils can take part in practical learning as safely as possible.

Known as Benedict’s Law, the changes follow campaigning by the family of Benedict Blythe, who died after an allergic reaction at school. Their campaign has helped bring renewed attention to the importance of allergy prevention, staff awareness and emergency preparedness in schools.

Published by the Department for Education (DfE) on the 6th July 2026, the Allergy safety in schools statutory guidance sets out what schools must do to support pupils with allergies. It applies to local-authority-maintained schools, including special schools, pupil referral units and academies, with specified exclusions. Although independent schools and non-maintained special schools are not currently covered by the statutory guidance, the government intends to introduce requirements for these settings through the relevant regulatory standards.

What does Benedict’s Law mean for schools?

Schools covered by the legislation must have and publish a written allergy safety policy, review it at least annually and have particular regard to the relevant statutory guidance.

The guidance covers putting allergy safety training in place for all staff, identifying pupils who need Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and preparing those plans, as well as recording and learning from serious incidents and near misses. It also provides practical templates to help schools put their policies and procedures in place.

For teachers, this reinforces the importance of understanding the school's allergy safety policy, knowing where to find relevant pupil information and following agreed procedures if concerns arise or an allergic reaction occurs.

Making practical lessons safer and more inclusive

Allergy safety extends well beyond the dining hall. Practical activities can involve food, materials and equipment that may present risks for pupils with allergies. The DfE guidance highlights the need to consider allergens in different school activities, including food used in cooking, crafts and experiments.

For D&T teachers and technicians, this means considering how allergy safety arrangements apply to everyday lessons. Food preparation and tasting, shared equipment, workshop materials and protective equipment all need to be considered in line with pupils' individual needs. Allergens are not limited to food, with materials such as latex, nickel and certain chemicals also potentially relevant.

Checking ingredient information, reviewing cleaning routines, considering suitable material substitutions and sharing relevant information with colleagues can all help reduce risks. Teachers should follow the school's agreed procedures, work with the appropriate colleagues and communicate with families where needed.

The aim is not to create unnecessary barriers to practical learning, but to help every pupil participate as safely and confidently as possible. With thoughtful preparation and clear communication, teachers can help create an environment where pupils feel safe, supported and included.

The DfE guidance includes an allergy safety policy template and an Individual Healthcare Plan template, alongside advice on recording incidents and training relating to adrenaline auto-injectors.