Parents and Experts Push for Stronger Allergy Safety in Schools

Parents are asking for new rules to keep pupils with allergies safe at school. Stephanie Kerr's five-year-old son, Caolán, is allergic to milk, egg, wheat, oat, cumin, tuna and strawberry. Kerr is one of several parents calling for mandatory measures in schools.

In England, a new law called Benedict's Law came into force in September. It requires all schools to follow strengthened allergy guidelines. The law asks for training for staff and for storing equipment such as life-saving allergy pens.

The law is named after Benedict Blythe, who died aged five. He died after accidental exposure to cow's milk protein at Barnack Primary School, near Peterborough, in December 2021.

In Northern Ireland, Education Minister Paul Givan has committed to a consultation (a process where people are asked for their views) on a similar change for schools there. At present, the onus is mainly on parents and individual schools to make sure safety measures for pupils are in place.

On Friday, parents and experts trained teachers about safety for pupils with severe allergies at Regent House School in Newtownards. Niamh Kennedy has three children with food allergies and chairs Food Allergy NI, the voluntary group that organised the training. Kennedy estimates that about two children in every class could have a food allergy.

Kennedy said risks can arise from activities such as making cakes or buns, crafts and hand soaps. Tracey Dunn of Allergy UK, incorporating Anaphylaxis UK, also spoke to teachers at the school. Dunn said anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) is the most serious form of allergic reaction and can be fatal. She said common foods that can trigger anaphylaxis include milk, fish and eggs.

The consultation on changes to how pupils with severe allergies are supported in Northern Ireland schools is due to take place before the end of 2026.