Parents Advocate for Stricter Allergy Measures in Northern Ireland Schools

Parents and experts are urging for new mandatory measures in schools across Northern Ireland to enhance the safety of pupils with severe food allergies. This advocacy comes in the wake of Benedict's Law, which came into effect in England in September, requiring all schools to adhere to strengthened allergy guidelines, including staff training and proper storage of life-saving medication.

Benedict's Law was named after five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died in December 2021 following accidental exposure to cow's milk protein at Barnack Primary School. In response to such tragic events, Paul Givan, the Education Minister, has committed to a consultation on introducing similar strengthened allergy guidance for schools in Northern Ireland.

Currently, the responsibility for ensuring allergy safety measures falls primarily on parents and individual schools, leading to considerable variation in safety protocols. Stephanie Kerr, whose five-year-old son Caolán has allergies to milk, egg, wheat, oat, cumin, and tuna, is among those advocating for change. Kerr recently participated in training teachers at Regent House School in Newtownards on safety for pupils with severe allergies. She acknowledged the emotional difficulty of discussing past allergic reactions and potential future risks.

Niamh Kennedy, chair of the voluntary group Food Allergy NI, which organized the training, highlighted the reliance on goodwill and individual school policies. Kennedy, who has three children with food allergies, including one who has experienced anaphylaxis, noted the significant disparity in safety measures between schools. She estimates that approximately two children in every classroom may have a food allergy.

Beyond mealtimes, Kennedy pointed out that risks can arise from unexpected sources, such as cake-making activities, crafts, and even hand soaps, which can contain allergens. Tracey Dunn from the Allergy UK incorporating Anaphylaxis UK organization, also present at the training, emphasized that anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction characterized by closing airways and dropping blood pressure, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent coughs, and circulatory issues. While nut allergies are widely recognized, common foods such as milk, fish, and eggs can also trigger severe reactions.

The consultation regarding enhanced support for pupils with severe allergies in Northern Ireland schools is anticipated to take place before the end of 2026.