As a new law comes into force in England, designed to protect children with allergies, the Welsh Conservatives are asking the Welsh Government to discuss a similar proposal for Wales with school leaders and unions.
Five-year-old Benedict Blythe died in 2021 following an allergic reaction at his primary school. Despite having an allergy action plan in place, an inquest found that the procedures designed to keep him safe were not followed.
In the wake of his death, Benedict’s mum Helen launched a successful campaign to introduce Benedict’s Law, which is set to come into force in England next month.
Under the law, all schools in England will be required to keep life-saving adrenaline auto-injectors on site, adopt a whole-school allergy policy, ensure pupils with allergies have individual healthcare plans and provide allergy awareness training for all staff.
Now, having met with Helen Blythe, Natasha Asghar MS and the Welsh Conservative team in the Senedd are calling on the Welsh Government to consider how pupils in Wales can be afforded the same protections.
Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, said:
“Helen Blythe has tirelessly and successfully, campaigned for robust changes following the tragic death of her beloved son and it was a real pleasure to meet with her recently.
“The measures set to be implemented under Benedict’s Law will undoubtedly save lives in England, yet here in Wales we do not have the same protections in place.
“With around 35,000 pupils in Welsh schools estimated to be living with allergies, it is imperative the Welsh Government considers how these pupils can be better supported in school.
“Every child with allergies should be able to go to school knowing the right safeguards are in place and every parent should have the confidence that their child will be kept safe.
“I hope the Welsh Government can urgently raise this issue with school leaders and teaching unions and consider adopting similar measures to improve safety in school for pupils with allergies.”
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