Allergy Guidance for Schools

Opened the debate

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for granting this important debate. For too long, allergies have been seen as a personal issue to be managed by the individual affected. School should be a safe space for our children, yet it is compromised by safety and medical risk due to rising allergy cases among school-age children. Approximately 45,000 people born each year develop an allergy, with over 680,000 pupils in England having allergies. Tragically, anaphylaxis occurs more frequently in educational settings than any other public space, indicating the need for action. The speech highlights the tragic case of Benedict Blythe who died due to an allergic reaction at school and calls for better policies to ensure allergy safety in schools based on the REACT report recommendations. These include recording and reporting every allergic reaction, having a specific allergy policy with an anaphylaxis plan, individual healthcare plans for each child with allergies reviewed by doctors, training staff in administering adrenalin auto-injectors, providing basic allergy awareness management training, and establishing accountability mechanisms.

Government Response

I thank my hon. Friend Alicia Kearns for bringing this debate to the House and acknowledge the tragic case of Benedict Blythe. The Government places a legal duty on schools under section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 to support pupils with medical conditions, including allergies. Schools must be aware of any pupils with allergies and have processes in place for management. Additionally, food businesses must inform consumers about allergens used as ingredients. The Department works closely with the Food Standards Agency to provide training on food allergies. The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 allow schools to obtain and hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors. Families play a vital role in managing their child’s condition, and parents must be consulted regarding their child's needs. Ofsted evaluates safeguarding at schools including the experiences of pupils with medical needs if raised by parents or pupils. The Minister outlines various pieces of legislation and guidance that cover allergies in school settings, emphasising the complexity and individual nature of food allergies requiring local flexibility.