From September 2026, schools in England will begin implementing Benedict's Law alongside new statutory guidance that strengthens how allergies are managed in schools.

These changes represent a significant step forward in helping children with allergies stay safe, included and supported throughout the school day.

But these protections will not automatically extend to Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

That means thousands of children could continue to face very different standards of allergy care simply because of where they live.

Natasha's Foundation has joined forces with campaigner Sarah Pattison, also known as Welsh Allergy Mummy on social media, to launch Allergy Action Wales, a new campaign calling on the Welsh Government to introduce the same protections for children with allergies in Wales.

*Allergic children in Wales deserve the same level of protection as those in England.*

Why this campaign matters

Every child deserves to feel safe at school.

For families living with food allergy, that means knowing their child's school has clear allergy policies, well-trained staff and robust procedures to respond quickly in an emergency.

From September 2026, schools in England will be expected to comply with Benedict's Law by introducing stronger allergen management policies and procedures designed to help protect children with allergies.

Children in Wales deserve the same level of protection.

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of Natasha's Foundation, said:

"All children with allergy should have the same protections at school regardless of where they live. The new statutory guidance is a huge step forward for allergy families in England. We now need urgent action to ensure that all children benefit from these new protections, including children in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland."

Growing support across Wales

The campaign is already gathering support from parents, educators, politicians and local leaders who believe every child should receive the same protection, regardless of where they live.

Supporters include Becky Gittins MP, headteacher Joanna Taylor and Cllr Amanda McConnell of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Caerphilly County Borough Council took an important step by passing a motion asking the Welsh Government whether it will introduce safeguards similar to Benedict's Law.

Speaking after the motion was passed, Cllr Amanda McConnell said:

"This motion is not about criticising the excellent work our schools already do, nor is it about placing additional burdens on schools. It is about asking whether a more consistent, national approach would further strengthen the safety of children with severe allergies across Wales."

Becky Gittins MP added:

"Around two children in every classroom live with food allergy in Wales, and many more live with other types of allergies. Yet allergy is too often overlooked.

"Anaphylaxis can kill in minutes, and for families with allergic children, knowing their schools are prepared for a medical emergency like that is incredibly important.

"That's why I'm so pleased that Benedict's Law is being rolled out across England, and why I'm now calling on the Welsh Government to follow suit. We need updated statutory allergy guidance across the UK to support schools to keep children safe."

Supporting schools through Allergy School

Alongside campaigning for change, Natasha's Foundation is already helping schools create safer environments through Allergy School, the UK's largest FREE allergy education programme for schools.

Schools across Wales can already access FREE training, resources and guidance, including a growing range of Welsh language materials designed to help staff understand and manage food allergies with confidence.

Introducing Benedict's Law in Wales would help ensure every school is working towards the same high standard, reducing the postcode lottery that currently exists and giving every child the protection they deserve.

How you can help

Real change happens because people refuse to accept that things cannot be better.

Parents have led the way in improving allergy safety for years, turning personal experiences into campaigns that protect future generations. Now we all have the opportunity to stand alongside them.

Please sign and share the Allergy Action Wales petition calling on the Welsh Government to adopt Benedict's Law and introduce statutory allergy guidance for schools.

Together, we can help ensure that no child's safety depends on where they live.

Sign the petition here

Allergy Action Wales: Help us ensure no child with allergy is left behind