It’s estimated that around 2-5% of children in the UK live with a food allergy, meaning that most classrooms will have at least one child with an allergy (BSACI). But 20% of severe allergic reactions can also happen in children with no prior history of food allergies – which makes it even more important that teachers and school staff recognise symptoms of allergic reactions and know how to act.
Allergic reactions can happen at any time during school, and can become quite serious very quickly, developing into anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. For school staff, being able to recognise the early signs of anaphylaxis will make a huge difference in saving a child’s life.
This guide will help you understand what anaphylaxis looks like in children, how symptoms develop and when to act
What to do if a child is having an anaphylaxis attack
If a child shows any of the symptoms, quick and effective action is imperative:
- Lie the child flat and raise their legs
- If they’re experiencing breathing difficulties, sit them up
- Give adrenaline without any delay (an auto-injector pen)
- Call an ambulance and tell them it’s anaphylaxis
- Stay with the child until medical help arrives
- If their symptoms do not improve within five minutes after the first adrenaline pen, give them a second dose
How anaphylaxis training links to Benedict’s Law
With Benedict’s Law coming into force in September 2026, schools will need to ensure they’re prepared to respond to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis emergencies.
This means developing a more consistent, whole-school approach to allergy safety, moving beyond awareness and making sure that knowledge is embedded across the entire school staff. Whether that’s lunchtime supervisors, office teams, and teachers, all school staff should understand their role in keeping pupils safe.
Benedict’s Law places a greater importance on preparedness and knowing what to look out for and how to act when it matters most. By building this confidence across your whole school team, schools can take a more proactive approach in not only meeting Benedict’s Law but also creating a safer
school environment for every child.
Building confidence through anaphylaxis training
Recognising anaphylaxis is more than remembering a list of signs, but about knowing how to act and feeling confident enough in the moment to provide the right care.
Providing training for school staff helps them not only recognise the early symptoms of an allergic reaction quickly, but also understand what to do next. This includes how to use an adrenaline auto-injector pen safely and how to provide support to a child during an emergency.
It’s also important to assign clear responsibility to a member of staff for checking and replenishing auto-injector supplies, so they’re always available in an emergency.
Our anaphylaxis training for schools is designed to help staff build this confidence: from recognising allergic reactions and responding effectively, to practising real-life scenarios.
First Aid at Schools training courses
Benedict's Law (Anaphylaxis) eLearning
Anaphylaxis First Aid (On-Site) at your Premises
Schools First Aid (On-Site) at your Premises
Schools First Aid
Paediatric First Aid
Paediatric First Aid (On-Site) at your Premises
First Aid at Schools training courses
Prepare your team for Benedict's Law with on-site or eLearning training
Browse our training coursesHaving the right first aid equipment in place
Alongside anaphylaxis training, having the right first aid equipment available at school can make a real difference in an emergency.
When an allergic reaction happens, staff need to act quickly and knowing where to find life-saving equipment is vital when seconds count. This includes having easy access and being familiar with how it’s used.
The Anaphylaxis Kitt by Kitt Medical is designed to help schools keep everything you need in one place.
These vital pieces of equipment can help support schools by:
- Keeping emergency equipment organised and easy to access
- Helping staff locate adrenaline auto-injector pens in an emergency
- Supporting a clearer and more consistent approach across the school
- By providing clearly labelled, accessible and dedicated equipment may also help reduce confusion in high-pressure situations and ensure staff are focused on what matters most
How St John Ambulance can help
Helping staff recognise anaphylaxis is an important part of creating a safer school environment.
At St John Ambulance, we offer practical anaphylaxis training designed to give school staff the knowledge and confidence to respond quickly in an emergency. From recognising the early signs of a severe allergic reaction to understanding how and when to use an adrenaline auto-injector, our training helps turn awareness into action.
We also support schools with emergency preparedness through first aid supplies and specialist equipment, including solutions such as the Anaphylaxis Kitt, helping schools build a consistent approach to allergy safety and prepare for the requirements of Benedict's Law.
Anaphylaxis can feel overwhelming, but with the right first aid training and understanding the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, it doesn’t have to be. By recognising the signs, you can act quickly and make a life-saving difference.
Confidence starts with knowing what to look for.
FAQs
What are the first signs of anaphylaxis in a child?
The first signs of anaphylaxis can vary from child to child. Common early symptoms include an itchy rash, hives, nausea, vomiting, tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face or lips.
If you notice any of these signs, immediate action needs to be taken.
How do I know if a child is having an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis?
A mild allergic reaction may cause symptoms such as itching, rash or swelling. Whereas anaphylaxis is more severe and can cause breathing difficulty, wheezing, throat swelling and loss of consciousness. In which case, it's then classed as a medical emergency and needs urgent help.
What should school staff do if a child has anaphylaxis?
If a child is showing signs of anaphylaxis, school staff should act immediately. They should administer an adrenaline auto-injector pen, call 999 and stay with the child until emergency services arrive. If symptoms don't improve within 5 minutes, administer a second dose of the adrenaline auto-injector pen.
Can a child have anaphylaxis without a known allergy?
Yes. Severe allergic reactions can occur in children who have never previously been diagnosed with an allergy. This is why it's important for school staff to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and know how to respond.
What is an adrenaline auto-injector and when should it be used?
An adrenaline auto-injector is an emergency device used to treat severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. It should be used without delay when a child is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, followed by calling emergency services.
How does Benedict's Law affect schools?
Benedict's Law is expected to require schools to strengthen their approach to allergy awareness and emergency preparedness. Schools will need to ensure staff understand how to recognise allergic reactions, respond appropriately and contribute to a safer environment for pupils with allergies.
Find out more about Benedict's Law.
What equipment should schools have to help manage anaphylaxis emergencies?
Schools should ensure emergency allergy equipment is easy to locate and accessible when needed. Having dedicated and clearly labelled equipment can help staff respond more confidently and reduce delays during an emergency.
