Children with allergies ‘put at risk by schools’

The foundation bearing Benedict’s name said allergy management varies widely across English schools.

It found one in three schools do not have an allergy policy in place, almost half rely on children having their own autoinjector pen and a quarter of schools provide no training on allergy symptoms, anaphylaxis or what to do in an emergency.

Mrs Blythe said: “Current legislation makes only modest requests of schools and falls far below the recommended good practice outlined by clinicians, allergy charities and coroners.

“Measures need to be put in place to keep children with allergies in England safe. What is in place now is not good enough. Pupils and their families deserve better.”

The foundation called on the Government to provide £5m funding needed for schools to implement safety measures and checks.

The Department for Education said: “We understand the seriousness of severe allergies and we are clear that children with medical conditions should be properly supported to enjoy a full education and be safe at school.”

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