Schools are being “set up to fail” due to a lack of adequate allergy policies to keep pupils safe, says a mother who lost her son to a deadly reaction. Helen Blythe’s son Benedict had a range of serious food allergies including milk, eggs and nuts. He died aged five in 2021 after collapsing at school.
Now, research by the Benedict Blythe Foundation reveals two in five teachers would not feel confident dealing with an allergic reaction. A third said they had not received any allergy training and only four percent were trained in awareness.
The survey of 244 teachers across the UK also found 15 percent had no idea how many children had allergies in their class. And a quarter could not say how many of their pupils carried adrenaline pens.
Helen, from Stamford, launched the foundation to campaign for tougher legislation to ensure schools keep pupils safe.
READ MORE: Mum’s desperate fight to make schools safer after 5-year-old son dies
Writing in the Daily Express, she said: “We know that teachers care hugely about their pupils, and parents want their children to be educated in a safe environment.
“Sadly, with many teachers still not having the basic information about the children in their care, or the education on how to prevent an allergic reaction occurring, it feels like schools are set up to fail.”
Two thirds of teachers surveyed said their school had an allergy policy – but the rest did not know or said there was not one.
Some described measures such as having photos on the wall of at-risk pupils and a centralised database so staff can check details. But others said information on allergies from either their school or children’s parents was not clear enough.
One teacher commented: “It can be very daunting when caring for 30 children with different needs, particularly during things such as class parties when children are invited to bring snacks in.”
Another said: “Rather than being able to make an informed choice, we are sometimes forced to completely exclude that child which doesn’t seem fair.”
The findings suggest parents also need to play their part, with many teachers reporting that parents did not always keep their child’s allergy information updated or ignored rules on prohibited foods.
The Children and Families Act says schools must make arrangements to support pupils with medical conditions, including food allergies.
Helen is calling for further measures including a requirement for all schools to have clear allergy policies in place, care plans for affected children and spare autoinjector pens.
Food allergies affect three to six percent of children in the developed world, according to the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Adam Fox, a professor of paediatric allergy at a leading London teaching hospital, said: “Parents need to know that their child with food allergy is going to be safe in school and this survey sends a worrying message.
“Whilst things have improved over time there is still a very obvious need for clearer guidance for schools, better training for teachers and a need for allergy management to form part of the inspection process.”
Wayne Bates, national negotiating official at teachers union NASUWT, said: “Schools and colleges should be safe for all pupils and teachers, including those with allergies.
“Employers and schools should ensure that they have effective policies in place to ensure to protect those with serious allergies, and effective procedures to ensure that appropriate information is shared and any emergencies are managed effectively.”
A Department for Education spokesperson 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.
“All schools are required to make arrangements that ensure this is the case.”
