Benedict's Law: What Every Parent Should Know About Allergies

If you've ever stood at the school gates, waved goodbye, and felt that little tug in your chest, you'll understand why Benedict's story has touched so many of us.

Benedict's story Benedict Blythe was five years old. He had a known cow's milk allergy. In December 2021, at his primary school in Lancashire, he was given milk and had a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. He died.

His parents, Helen and Peter, have turned their heartbreak into a campaign so other families never go through the same thing. It has changed the rules for schools across England.

What is Benedict's Law? It's the name for new government allergy safety guidance for schools. It came into force on 1 September 2026, and it aims to make allergy safety the same in every school.

Schools are expected to have: A whole-school allergy policy. Allergy training for staff, not just the first aiders. Spare adrenaline pens on site, kept in pairs. Clear plans for children with diagnosed allergies. It applies to state schools in England. Schools must "have regard to" the guidance now, and a legal duty is expected in 2027. Independent schools are due to follow, so ask your child's school or nursery what they do.

What you can do Ask for your child's allergy action plan to be on file. Check your child's pens are in date, and ask where they're kept. Ask who is trained, and how often.

Tell grandparents, babysitters and party hosts too. Spotting a serious reaction. Mild reactions, like an itchy mouth or a few hives, still need watching. Speak to a pharmacist or call 111. Anaphylaxis is different. It comes on fast and can look like: Swelling of the tongue or throat. Noisy or difficult breathing, a wheeze, or a hoarse voice. A persistent cough. Feeling dizzy, pale or clammy, or suddenly very sleepy or floppy. Collapse. There may be hives or tummy pain too, but not always.

What to do Use the adrenaline pen straight away, into the outer thigh, through clothes if needed. Hold it in place for the time shown on the pen. Call 999 and say "anaphylaxis". Lie them flat with their legs raised. If breathing is hard, let them sit up.  If they're unconscious, use the recovery position. Never stand them up. No better after 5 minutes? Give a second pen if you have one. Stay with them. They must go to hospital, even if they perk up, because symptoms can return. No pen? Please don't wait Call 999, say "anaphylaxis", lay them flat and stay close.  Ask if anyone nearby has a pen, as schools should now have spares.

Antihistamines are fine for mild reactions, but they don't treat anaphylaxis. Adrenaline does. Pens, ages and babies There's no single age.  Pens are prescribed by a specialist based on your child's weight, so the dose suits them.  Babies can have anaphylaxis too, though it's less common in the very young.

If your baby has had a reaction, ask your GP for an allergy clinic referral.  If it happens before then, call 999 straight away.

Why do allergies happen?

The immune system mistakes something harmless, like milk or egg, for a threat. It is nobody's fault.

Children are more likely to have allergies if they have eczema, asthma or hay fever, or if allergies run in the family. Poorly controlled asthma can make a reaction more serious. If your baby has eczema, talk to your GP or health visitor before introducing foods like egg or peanut.

A gentle last word I know this can feel frightening, especially in those early months. But knowing what to do is the best way to feel calmer, and you've already taken a step by reading this. Share it with the people who look after your little one, and come along to a class where you can practise hands-on.

With love,

Eva x

Eva Levinson is a part-time Postnatal Midwifery Assistant & Infant Feeding Specialist for the NHS, a Doula UK trained postnatal doula, and an Ofsted/HSE compliant first aid instructor. She runs And Chillax in Anerley, South London.