PRESS RELEASE- Stronger protections for children with allergies in school Life-saving allergy pens must be stocked by schools for the first time under new plans announced today.
The UK government has announced new statutory protections for children with allergies in schools and educational settings, aimed at keeping pupils safe and ensuring staff are properly trained to handle allergic emergencies. These changes replace previous voluntary guidance and will come into effect from September 2026 following an 8‑week public consultation.
Key Changes for School Safeguarding
Under the new government guidance, schools in England will be required to:
Stock spare adrenaline auto‑injectors (allergy pens) for emergency use
Provide compulsory allergy awareness training for all staff
Adopt comprehensive policies to support pupils with medical conditions, including individual healthcare and allergy management plans
These measures aim to standardise practice and reduce risks for children with allergies, particularly life‑threatening ones like anaphylaxis.
Why This Matters
Allergic reactions are a serious safeguarding concern: hundreds of thousands of school days are lost every year due to allergy‑related illness, and tragic cases have highlighted gaps in current protections. Mandatory training and emergency equipment mean schools can respond swiftly, helping to prevent avoidable harm and keep children included in school life.
What Schools Should Do Now
Safeguarding leads and school leaders should:
Review and update allergy policies to align with the new statutory guidance
Train all staff on recognising allergic reactions and using adrenaline pens
Ensure Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) are in place for pupils with known allergies
Communicate clearly with families about allergy management procedures
These steps not only improve safety but also boost parent confidence and support pupils’ wellbeing and inclusion.
Broader Impact
The announcement responds to years of campaigning by families and organisations who have called for stronger measures after fatal and near‑fatal incidents. By embedding allergy safety into statutory safeguarding requirements, the government is moving toward safer, more inclusive schools for all pupils.