Teachers are calling for the Scottish Government to introduce mandatory measures in all schools to better protect pupils with life-threatening allergies.

The Westminster Government recently passed Benedict’s Law, which will require all schools in England to have in place a whole-school allergy policy, hold spare adrenaline pens on site and train all staff on allergy awareness. Teachers from NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union are calling for the same measures to be introduced in Scotland.

A UK-wide NASUWT survey carried out in late 2024 found that 95% of teachers had pupils in their school with food allergies, but just 40% said their school had an allergy policy in place.

67% said they had never received any allergy awareness training and 62% said they would find such training useful.

Teachers at NASUWT Scotland’s Annual Conference, taking place this coming Friday and Saturday in Clydebank, will call for the measures being introduced under Benedict’s Law to be replicated in Scotland.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

“Adequate training, resources and awareness on allergy management can make the difference between life and death in some cases.

“We have welcomed the introduction of Benedict’s Law in England and we believe children north of the border deserve the same protection.

“Allergy management measures must be accompanied with additional funding to resource the stocking of adrenaline pens and training for all staff on allergy management.”

Mike Corbett, NASUWT Scotland National Official, said:

“One in five severe allergic reactions to food happen when a child is at school.

“Putting in place national mandatory allergy management measures would ensure all children get the same protection, no matter where they go to school. It would also ensure teachers and school leaders get the support they need to maintain the safety of the pupils they teach.”