A new Schools Allergy Code has been launched to help protect pupils who suffer from potentially fatal allergies.
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Food allergies will affect one or two children in an average class of 30, but there is little guidance on managing these and inconsistent practice across schools.

The code has been published through a collaboration between the Benedict Blythe Foundation, the national charity the Allergy Team, and the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association.

The code of practice is a free resource and offers a checklist for schools, covering areas such as awareness, emergency response protocol, training, and school policies.

Schools that want to demonstrate their commitment to good allergy management can also apply to join a register held by the Allergy Team. For this, they will be assessed and awarded a trust mark if they meet the criteria set out in the code.

Benedict Blythe was five-years-old when he died in 2021 following an allergic reaction at school. An inquest is still to take place to establish what happened. Between 2013 and 2019, the number of hospital admissions for children caused by anaphylaxis rose by 72% in England, while the rate of food allergies worldwide has increased from 3% of the population in 1960 to 7% in 2018.

Children can be allergic to a range of foods and cow’s milk is now the most common single cause of fatal anaphylaxis among children aged under-15. Overall, it is thought that up to 8% of UK children have a food allergy and in 2017 three children died following allergic reactions at school. And, of course, reactions can take place anywhere on the school grounds – not just in the canteen.

Benedict’s mother Helen said: “Too many children with allergies face unacceptable levels of risk at school, somewhere they should feel safe and protected. I have spoken to countless parents and carers whose children have suffered allergic reactions or near-misses at school. I hope this new code will ensure schools interrogate their own processes, improve their understanding of allergies, and know how to respond in an emergency.”

Sarah Knight, founder of the Allergy Team, added: “Knowing that a school meets the criteria set out in the Schools Allergy Code will give parents huge confidence when choosing a school for a child with allergies.”