Benedict's Law Explained: A Guide to Allergy Safety and Adrenaline Auto Injectors for Schools

If you're responsible for managing allergy safety or purchasing adrenaline auto injectors (AAIs) for your school, understanding Benedict's Law is essential.

The latest Department for Education guidance strengthens the way schools manage allergies by introducing a more consistent approach to allergy safety, staff training, emergency preparedness and support for pupils at risk of anaphylaxis.

Whether you're reviewing your school's allergy policy, updating emergency procedures or purchasing spare EpiPens and other adrenaline auto injectors, this guide explains what Benedict's Law means for schools and how your setting can prepare.

Throughout this guide, adrenaline auto injector (AAI) refers to emergency medicines used to treat anaphylaxis, including licensed devices such as EpiPen®, Jext® and Emerade®.

What Is Benedict's Law?

Benedict's Law follows the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction while at school in 2021.

Following Benedict's death, the Benedict Blythe Foundation worked tirelessly alongside healthcare professionals, allergy charities and government representatives to campaign for improved allergy safety within schools.

Their work has helped drive significant changes to how schools identify, manage and respond to severe allergies, leading to strengthened Department for Education guidance that places greater emphasis on allergy awareness, staff training, emergency planning and pupil safety.

The aim of Benedict's Law is simple:

To ensure every school is better prepared to protect pupils living with severe allergies.

How Benedict's Law Affects Schools

The updated guidance encourages schools to take a proactive approach to allergy management rather than simply responding to emergencies.

Schools should:

• Develop and regularly review a comprehensive allergy policy.
• Ensure all relevant staff receive allergy awareness and anaphylaxis training.
• Maintain Individual Healthcare Plans for pupils with allergies.
• Work closely with parents, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Ensure emergency procedures are understood by all staff.
• Consider the provision of spare adrenaline auto injectors where appropriate.
• Regularly review allergy records and risk assessments.

Together, these measures help schools respond quickly and confidently if a pupil experiences an anaphylactic reaction.

Why Spare Adrenaline Auto Injectors Matter

Schools in England have been able to purchase spare adrenaline auto injectors without a prescription since 2017, provided they meet the legal requirements.

A spare adrenaline auto injector provides an additional safeguard if:

• A pupil's prescribed device cannot be located.
• Their own injector has expired or malfunctioned.
• A second dose of adrenaline is required before emergency services arrive.

Having access to emergency medication, alongside trained staff and clear procedures, can significantly improve a school's preparedness during an allergy emergency.

Which Schools Can Purchase Spare Adrenaline Auto Injectors?

Eligible education settings include:

• State-funded primary schools
• State-funded secondary schools
• Academies
• Free schools
• Independent schools
• Special schools
• Alternative provision settings

Every school should carry out its own allergy risk assessment to determine the most appropriate emergency arrangements for its pupils.

What Is an Adrenaline Auto Injector?

An adrenaline auto injector (AAI) is a pre-filled device that delivers adrenaline during a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis.

Adrenaline is the recommended first-line emergency treatment and should be administered immediately when anaphylaxis is suspected.

Licensed adrenaline auto injectors available in the UK include:

• EpiPen®
• Jext®
• Emerade®

Many pupils carry their own prescribed device, while eligible schools can also purchase spare adrenaline auto injectors for emergency use in accordance with current legislation.

Why Allergy Safety in Schools Matters

Food allergies affect thousands of children across the UK, and severe allergic reactions can occur without warning.

Research suggests:

• Around two pupils in every classroom are likely to have an allergy.
• Schools are among the most common locations for severe allergic reactions outside the home.
• Around 30% of severe allergic reactions occur in children with no previous allergy diagnosis.

These figures highlight why effective allergy management is essential. Having trained staff, clear emergency procedures and access to spare adrenaline auto injectors helps schools provide a safer environment for every pupil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Order Adrenaline Auto Injectors for Your School

Preparing your school for an allergy emergency starts with having the right equipment in place.

Protect your pupils with reliable access to EpiPens and emergency adrenaline auto injectors. As a registered UK pharmacy, EpiPens for Schools, powered by Avail Pharmacy, makes it easy for eligible schools to order spare adrenaline auto injectors with expert pharmacy support and a straightforward ordering process.

Whether you're purchasing emergency medication for the first time or replacing devices approaching their expiry date, our pharmacy team is here to help.

Ready to order? Visit our Order EpiPens page to purchase spare adrenaline auto injectors for your school today.