Calls For Wales To Consider ‘Benedict’s Law’ To Protect Children With Allergies

Welsh ministers are being urged to hold discussions with schools and teaching unions over whether new measures designed to protect children with allergies in England should also be introduced in Wales.

The call follows the campaign for Benedict’s Law, named after five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died in 2021 following an allergic reaction at his primary school.

Benedict had an allergy action plan in place, but an inquest subsequently found that procedures intended to protect him had not been followed.

Following his death, his mother, Helen Blythe, began campaigning for stronger and more consistent safeguards for children with allergies in schools.

Her campaign led to the introduction of Benedict’s Law in England, with new requirements due to come into force next month.

What Will Benedict’s Law Mean For Schools?

Under the measures, schools in England will be required to keep life-saving adrenaline auto-injectors on site and introduce a whole-school allergy policy.

Schools will also be expected to ensure pupils with allergies have individual healthcare plans and that staff receive allergy awareness training.

Attention is now turning to whether similar measures could be adopted in Wales.

The Welsh Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government to discuss the issue with school leaders and teaching unions and consider whether equivalent safeguards should be introduced.

The call follows a meeting between Helen Blythe and Welsh Conservative Senedd members, including Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care Natasha Asghar MS.

The party says around 35,000 pupils attending schools in Wales are estimated to be living with allergies and argues that the introduction of more consistent measures should now be considered.

‘Every Child With Allergies Should Be Able To Go To School’ Safely

Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, said:

“Helen Blythe has tirelessly and successfully, campaigned for robust changes following the tragic death of her beloved son and it was a real pleasure to meet with her recently.

“The measures set to be implemented under Benedict’s Law will undoubtedly save lives in England, yet here in Wales we do not have the same protections in place.

“With around 35,000 pupils in Welsh schools estimated to be living with allergies, it is imperative the Welsh Government considers how these pupils can be better supported in school.

“Every child with allergies should be able to go to school knowing the right safeguards are in place and every parent should have the confidence that their child will be kept safe.

“I hope the Welsh Government can urgently raise this issue with school leaders and teaching unions and consider adopting similar measures to improve safety in school for pupils with allergies.”

The proposal does not itself introduce new legislation in Wales. Instead, the Welsh Conservatives are calling for discussions about whether similar measures would be appropriate within the Welsh education system.

Any changes affecting Welsh schools would be a matter for the Welsh Government, with the detail of any future policy likely to require consideration alongside schools, education professionals and other relevant organisations.

The debate comes as Benedict’s mother continues to campaign for greater awareness of allergies and stronger safeguards for children while they are at school.