Today, November 23, the UK introduces the pioneering Schools Allergy Code, addressing a critical gap in allergy management within schools. This initiative, led by the Benedict Blythe Foundation, ISBA, and The Allergy Team, aims to safeguard children with allergies, offering a much-needed game-changer for school safety.
On average, food allergies affect one or two children in every class of 30, but leading doctors have warned that the UK lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to managing allergies in school, leaving pupils at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions.
Described as a “game-changer for schools” the new Schools Allergy Code is a collaboration Between the Benedict Blythe Foundation, an organisation founded in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe who died following an allergic reaction at school, and campaigns for inclusive and safe schools for pupils with allergy, ISBA, the leading organisation representing independent schools in the UK, and The Allergy Team, which supports families living with food allergy and provides training and resources to thousands of teachers.
As the second anniversary of her son’s death approaches, Helen Blythe, founder of Benedict Blythe Foundation says: “Too many children with allergies face unacceptable levels of risk at school, somewhere they should feel safe and protected. Since Benedict died, I have spoken to countless parents and carers whose children have suffered allergic reactions or near-misses at school. I hope this new Code will ensure schools interrogate their own processes, improve their understanding of allergies and know how to respond in an emergency.”
What is the Schools Allergy Code?
The Schools Allergy Code is a code of practice to help keep pupils with allergy safe. It covers awareness, emergency response protocol, training and policies. The Code and its associated checklist are free resources, and all schools are urged to adhere to the criteria laid out in the Code.
The Schools Allergy Register
Schools who want to demonstrate their commitment to good allergy management can apply to join a Register held by The Allergy Team. These schools will be assessed and awarded a trust mark if they meet the criteria set out in the Code. Families will be able to search for schools on the Register and have confidence that these schools meet the standards of allergy management set out in the Code.
Sarah Knight, Founder of The Allergy Team says:
“Knowing that a school meets the criteria set out in the Schools Allergy Code will give parents huge confidence when choosing a school for a child with allergies. To join the Register and display the trust mark, schools will be assessed, this ensures they don’t just pay lip-service to the Code but put it into practice, with buy-in from the whole school community.”
John Murphie, Chief Operating Officer of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association says:
“The Schools Allergy Code is a game-changer for safety in schools. We would urge all schools to adopt it and join the Register. Allergy is an often overlooked area of safeguarding and we need to give parents, pupils and staff greater confidence that schools really understand allergy and know how to reduce risk.”
To speak to Helen Blythe (Benedict Blythe Foundation), Sarah Knight (The Allergy Team) or John Murphie (ISBA) please call 07597 780800 or email [email protected].
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