Strengthening Allergen Safety in Schools: What the New Guidance Means for Health and Safety

The Update

Schools across England are preparing for new statutory guidance on supporting pupils with allergies, due to come into force in September 2026.

The Department for Education has confirmed that, for the first time, schools will be required to stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors, provide allergy awareness training for all staff, and implement a comprehensive allergen policy in schools.

These measures follow years of campaigning from families and sector organisations and aim to close gaps in safety in education, ensuring pupils with allergies are protected, and staff feel confident responding to emergencies.

For school leaders and trusts, the changes reinforce something many already recognise: effective health and safety policies and procedures in schools must go beyond documentation and become embedded in daily practice.

Why Allergen Safety Must Be a Priority in Schools

Food allergies affect a growing number of children across the UK. When poorly managed, the consequences can be severe, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Recent government data also shows that hundreds of thousands of school days are lost each year due to allergy-related illness or medical appointments. Ensuring robust allergen safety in schools is therefore not only about safeguarding—it also supports pupil wellbeing and attendance.

The new guidance will require schools to demonstrate that they have:

• A clear allergen policy in schools

• Staff who understand how to recognise and respond to allergic reactions

• Safe food handling and allergen management procedures

• Accurate incident recording and review processes

This means schools will need to review their existing health and safety policies and procedures in schools to ensure allergy management is fully integrated into their approach.

The Role of Risk Assessment in Schools

One of the most effective ways to improve safety in education settings is through regular risk assessments in schools.

Risk assessments help schools identify potential hazards and implement controls before incidents occur. When it comes to allergens, this could include reviewing:

• School catering operations and allergen controls

• Food preparation areas such as food technology classrooms

• Procedures for school trips and events

• Lunch supervision and food sharing among pupils

• Emergency response arrangements for allergic reactions

However, risk assessments are only effective when staff understand how to apply them consistently.

Providing risk assessment training for schools ensures staff are confident identifying hazards, implementing control measures and reviewing procedures when circumstances change.

Why Health and Safety Training for Schools Matters

Policies alone cannot protect pupils; trained and confident staff are essential.

The new statutory guidance highlights the importance of health and safety training for schools, particularly around recognising symptoms of allergic reactions and responding quickly in emergencies.

Key areas schools should consider include:

• Allergy awareness training for all staff

• First aid training covering adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPens)

• Training for catering teams on allergen management and Natasha’s Law

• Refresher training for new staff and annual compliance updates

When delivered consistently across the school, training helps ensure everyone, from teachers to catering teams, understands their role in maintaining safety.

Developing an Effective Allergen Policy in Schools

A strong allergen policy in schools provides clarity for staff, pupils, and parents about how allergies are managed.

An effective policy should include:

• Procedures for identifying pupils with allergies

• Individual Healthcare Plans

• Storage and use of adrenaline auto-injectors

• Emergency response protocols

• Staff training requirements

• Communication with parents and carers

• Safe food preparation and allergen labelling procedures

For many schools, developing and maintaining these policies alongside other compliance responsibilities can be challenging—particularly across multi-academy trusts managing multiple sites.

This is where structured Health & Safety support can make a significant difference.

Building a Safer Future for Pupils with Allergies

The upcoming statutory guidance represents a significant step forward in protecting pupils with allergies.

But creating safe environments requires more than compliance, it requires consistent policies, effective training, and proactive risk management.

By reviewing risk assessments in schools, strengthening health and safety training, and implementing clear allergen policies, schools can ensure staff are prepared and pupils feel safe.

With the 2026 deadline approaching, now is the ideal time for schools and trusts to review their current procedures and begin strengthening their approach to allergen safety.

Judicium Education can help

Judicium Education’s Health and Safety Service is designed to support schools, to embed practical, consistent safety systems that protect pupils and support staff confidence.

If your school or trust is reviewing health and safety policies and procedures, risk assessments, or allergen safety procedures, our team would be happy to help.

If you require any support in any of these steps or would like to talk to someone surrounding some support for your school or trust, please do not hesitate to call us on 0345 548 7000 option 2 or email enquiries@judicium.com.

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