Managing allergies in schools: New DfE guidance and first aid training

Under new Department for Education guidance, schools are now required to strengthen their allergy awareness and emergency response, and the need couldn’t be clearer. With high-profile campaigns such as Benedict’s Law calling for stronger protections, the spotlight on managing food allergies in schools has never been greater. Peanut allergies in schools, alongside other food allergies, remain a significant concern, with Anaphylaxis UK reporting that 1 in 5 severe allergic reactions to food happen in school settings, making education environments one of the highest risk places for children with allergies.

With most UK classrooms now teaching one or two pupils with a diagnosed food allergy, this blog explores managing food allergies in schools, new legislation, common allergies in children the potential causes of a severe allergic reaction and the difference that first aid training can make.

What are the changes around allergies in schools?

From September 2026, schools across England are required to provide allergy awareness for all staff, following new statutory guidance from the Department for Education. The training should feature:

• the recognition of symptoms
• emergency response and the use of adrenaline auto-injectors
• improved incident recording and lessons learnt processes.

As part of the changes, schools must also:

• stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors for use in emergency situations
• have a comprehensive policy for supporting children with medical conditions, including Individual Healthcare Plans to record specific arrangements for individuals, such as an allergy management plan.

These measures build on the momentum of Benedict’s Law, a cross-party backed campaign calling for stronger, more consistent protection for those with food allergies, including the risk of severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis.

What causes children to have a severe allergic reaction in schools?

Allergic reactions are relatively common in children and are often mild but unpleasant; however, severe allergic reactions are less common and can affect breathing, making them a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent action.

Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can develop within seconds or minutes of contact with a “trigger” and is an emergency. Common causes of severe allergic reactions in children at school are:

• accidental exposure during lunch or snack times
• cross contamination in food preparation
• shared classroom materials (e.g. craft supplies containing allergens)
• inadequate supervision during trips or clubs
• staff uncertainty about symptoms or when to administer adrenaline.

How can first aid training make a difference?

Effective first aid training can turn statutory requirements into real-world readiness when managing food allergies in schools. Our paediatric first aid training provides your team with the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and support children at risk of severe allergic reactions.

Through our courses, you and your team can:

• recognise the early signs of anaphylaxis
• administer an auto-injector correctly and safely
• support a child whilst waiting for the emergency services
• communicate clearly with parents, carers and medical professionals
• respond consistently across the whole school team.

How can you be prepared for a severe allergic reaction at school?

Schools play a vital role in preparing for first aid emergencies and managing allergies in schools, including severe allergic reactions. While allergies are relatively common, it is the risk of a severe allergic reaction that requires clear planning and an effective emergency response.

Understanding allergies in children and the triggers that may lead to a severe allergic reaction is an important first step in reducing the risk of exposure within the school environment. Regular risk assessments, alongside an up-to-date first aid needs assessment, help ensure that hazards are identified, controls are in place, and statutory responsibilities are met. These assessments can highlight areas of concern, such as common allergens on site or pupils with a history of severe allergic reactions, allowing schools to plan effectively and keep children safe.

Our 2-day Paediatric First Aid course features the critical skills needed to assist a child experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Schools should also encourage children at risk of severe allergic reactions to always carry their prescribed auto-injectors and consider wearing medical identification.

By staying proactive with up-to-date assessments and comprehensive first aid training, you can ensure your team is prepared to manage allergies in schools.

How can Red Cross Training prepare your team to help someone who is having a severe allergic reaction?

Our course learners will discover how to recognise the signs of a severe allergic reaction and the first aid steps needed to respond effectively. Our practical, hands-on training gives learners the opportunity to practise using an auto‑injector device. All our trainers are issued with autoinjector training devices, providing a safe and supportive environment in which to build confidence and practise key skills, so the learners can quickly recall the key steps in the case of a real first aid emergency.

The British Red Cross Training Paediatric First Aid course features training on how to help a baby or child who is having a severe allergic reaction.