Stronger protections for children with allergies welcomed by MP

Josh MacAlister MP has welcomed new government plans to introduce stronger protections for children with allergies in schools, ensuring parents can feel confident that their child will be safe in the classroom.

Under new proposals, schools across England will for the first time be legally required to follow strengthened allergy safety guidance – including stocking life-saving adrenaline auto-injectors, providing mandatory allergy awareness training for staff, and maintaining clear healthcare plans for affected pupils. 

It is estimated that nearly 700,000 children in England have a food allergy, with one to two children in every classroom affected. Tragically, one in five anaphylaxis deaths among school-aged children in the UK occur in school, highlighting the importance of robust safety procedures. 

The changes follow cases raised by Josh and other MPs with Ministers and campaigning by families and organisations working to improve allergy safety in schools.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“No parent should have to worry that their child won’t be safe at school because of a serious allergy.

“Hundreds of children across West Cumbria are living with food allergies, and many families know the anxiety that can come with sending their child into the classroom each day.

“These new protections will ensure every school has clear policies, properly trained staff and life-saving equipment available if it is needed. That’s a major step forward for pupil safety and peace of mind for parents.

“Schools across Cumbria already work incredibly hard to support children with medical conditions. This guidance will help ensure best practice is consistent everywhere, so every child can learn safely and confidently.”

As well as improving safety, the new measures are expected to help children stay in school. Around 500,000 school days are lost each year due to allergy-related illness or medical appointments, something ministers hope the reforms will help reduce. 

The guidance is now open for consultation, with the new statutory requirements expected to come into force in September 2026.