Sponsored: 58% of children with allergies have had an allergic reaction or a “near miss” at school

The UK’s first code of practice launches to keep pupils with allergies safer at school – this week it is being sent out to all schools by the Department for Education

New survey results from parents of children with allergies have revealed the shocking reality that 58% of children have had an allergic reaction or a ‘near miss’ at school. The UK’s first code of practice has launched with the mission to keep pupils with allergies safer at school, this week the Department for Education is sending the code to all schools.

On average, food allergies affect one or two children in every class of 30, but leading doctors have warned that the UK lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to managing allergies in school, leaving pupils at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions.

Described as a “game-changer for schools”, the new Schools Allergy Code is a collaboration between The Allergy Team, which supports families living with food allergies and provides training and resources to thousands of teachers to best support allergies in schools, the Benedict Blythe Foundation, an organisation founded in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died following an allergic reaction at school and campaigns for safe schools for pupils with allergy, and ISBA, the leading organisation representing independent schools in the UK.

In a recent study carried out by The Allergy Team of 363 parents of school children with allergies, of the 58% of parents whose child has experienced an allergic reaction or ‘near miss’ at school, almost 40% had a reaction, and 12% had to receive urgent medical attention from 999 emergency services. A 2023 survey* of 244 teachers in the UK highlighted that 15% of teachers did not know which children in their class had allergies, and 40% did not have an individual healthcare plan for children with allergies. 1 in 3 had not received any allergy training.

The impact of allergies isn’t only felt in reactions; 46% said their child had been left out of a school activity because of their allergies, with children told to draw while their peers made pancakes or eat in a separate room.  Many parents shared horror stories of allergens being waved in their children’s faces by other pupils, or teased for their allergies in harmful ways.

Helen Blythe, Founder of Benedict Blythe Foundation, says: “Too many children with allergies face unacceptable levels of risk at school, somewhere they should feel safe and protected. Since Benedict died, 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.”  

The Schools Allergy Code is a code of practice to help keep pupils with allergies safe. It covers awareness, emergency response protocol, training and policies. The Code and its associated checklist are free resources, and all schools are urged to adhere to the criteria laid out in the Code.

Schools who want to demonstrate their commitment to good allergy management can apply to join a Register held by The Allergy Team. These schools will be assessed and awarded a trust mark if they meet the criteria set out in the Code. Families will be able to search for schools on the Register and have confidence that these schools meet the standards of allergy management set out in the Code.

Sarah Knight, Founder of The Allergy Team says, “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. To join the Register and display the  trust mark, schools will be assessed; this ensures they don’t just pay lip service to the Code but put it into practice, with buy-in from the  whole school community.” 

The allergy code will be an outward signal to parents that the school has an active process and policies in place to support children with allergies. The research showed that currently, 39% of parents didn’t know if the school had an allergy or anaphylaxis policy. 84% of respondents said they would have greater confidence in a school if it were on the Schools Allergy Register – and the majority – 73% said it would impact their decision to apply for a school.

John Murphie, Chief Operating Officer of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association says, “The Schools Allergy Code is a game-changer for safety in schools.  We would urge all schools to adopt it and join the Register. Allergy is an often overlooked area of safeguarding, and we need to give parents, pupils and staff greater confidence that schools really understand allergy and know how to reduce risk.” 

Schools wanting to find out more about the Schools Allergy Code and Register should visi: https://theallergyteam.com/time-for-change-a-new-code-for-allergy-management-in-schools/

Important: Helen and Pete Blythe are waiting for a date for the inquest into their son’s death. At this stage, they do not know why Benedict died or fully understand the circumstances or events of that day. While they want to improve understanding of food allergies in schools and training for staff, it would be wrong to suggest any wrongdoing by  Benedict’s school until all facts are known.