Children in Wales 'more at risk' than in England say allergy law campaigners

Parents of children with allergies are urging the Welsh government to adopt a "life-saving" law to make allergy awareness training a requirement in all schools.

The first phase of Benedict's Law, requiring schools in England to follow strengthened allergy guidelines and store adrenaline pens on site, came into effect earlier this month.

But the law does not apply in Wales, and a campaigner has said children "should not be put more at risk" than their peers in England.

The Welsh government said it was reviewing "existing statutory guidance" for schools and would "consider Benedict's Law to inform future policy in Wales".

Around 40% of children in the UK have a diagnosed allergy, according to the charity AllergyUK.

Benedict's Law is the legacy of Benedict Blythe, who died aged five after accidental exposure to cow's milk protein while at his school in Lincolnshire in December 2021.

His mother, Helen Blythe, campaigned to change the law so that schools in England are better equipped to respond to severe allergies.

State-funded English schools will now be required to store life-saving allergy pens, have a whole-school allergy policy, provide training to all staff and ensure individual healthcare plans are in place for pupils with allergies.

"There is no good reason why children in Wales should be put more at risk than children across the border," Blythe said.

Katie Hutt, a mum from Cardiff, said strengthening allergy guidelines in schools in Wales would give children, parents and teachers "peace of mind".

Her son, Yan, has more than 20 extreme allergies, including some which are airborne.

Hutt said she felt "incredibly lucky" that her son's school made him feel safe but said it took "time and commitment" to make the necessary adjustments each year.

"We don't have Benedict's Law in Wales, so it's down to the parents and the individual schools."

After meeting with Yan's school two years before her son was due to start, Hutt said it became "rapidly clear" that it was not fully prepared to deal with severe allergies.

But with the support of a particular staff member they were able to ensure Yan's condition was taken seriously.

Yan, 10, said his friends in school were "very protective" of him due to the severe nature of his allergies.

"Unless you live it day in, day out, or you've seen a child not be able to breathe from a tiny amount of food, it doesn't really make sense."

Hutt said simple things like opening windows, washing hands and not using certain cereal boxes or egg packets for crafting could make a difference.

Allergy awareness training and storing allergy pens should be an "absolute minimum" in schools, she added.

William, 14, is allergic to certain seeds and nuts. He said he did not take any risks when eating food outside of his home.

His mother, Stephanie Hulme, has in the past spoken to schoolchildren about allergies and what to do if someone has a severe reaction.

When William first started primary school, Hulme even paid for the staff to have the necessary training.

"Thankfully the school we chose for William was wonderful. It was a small school and there was always open communication between us and the teachers, but it was a learning curve on both sides.

"It was a really hefty cost but it was the only way to really get the message across of the severity of William's allergies," Hulme said.

"Time is of the essence and it can be a matter of minutes for a child with severe allergies and if they don't get the right treatment at the right time, as we've come to learn, the consequences can be dire," she added.

The Welsh government said schools in Wales were subject to legal requirements which cover record keeping, storage and administration of medicines, emergency procedures and staff training to support children with healthcare needs including allergies.

But parents of children with allergies claim that good knowledge and up-to-date allergy training was inconsistent across the country.

Some schools have been proactive in preparing to deal with allergies, including Saint Michael's Catholic Primary School in Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Executive headteacher Joanna Taylor said having her own severe allergies helped her to empathise with concerned parents.

"Unless you have a child in your school with allergies, it's not something you think you have to deal with, because we as educators have so many things we have to manage that have come from the child's home, but of course it's very important."

Taylor said the school held allergy awareness days so that other children understood what it was like to have allergies.

"We worked very closely with the Natasha Foundation. From there we've reviewed all our policies and procedures so they're where they should be."

The Welsh government said it was "important that all learners living with allergies are supported".

"We are currently reviewing the existing statutory guidance and will consider Benedict's Law to inform future policy in Wales," a spokesperson added.