Allergy Awareness Week 2026 across our schools

Brooke Weston Trust firmly believes in providing high-quality food to our pupils and staff that is safe to eat. That's why all 12 schools across our Trust operate as Allergen Aware, following strict protocols that minimise risks and comply with food regulations. 

Our kitchen systems include: 

• Clear menu labelling via allergen matrices and recipe databases 
• RED/AMBER/BLUE pupil controls for severe allergies, intolerances, and preferences 
• Strict cross-contamination protocols (two-stage cleaning, separate storage, HACCP compliance) 
• Two Allergen Champions per school - one in the kitchen, one school staff member 

Comprehensive staff training: 

• All catering leads/chefs: Level 3 Allergen Management certification 
• All kitchen staff: FSA Allergen Training (https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/) and inhouse courses 
• All Trust staff: Annual National College Food Allergy Awareness 
• Upcoming staff training course: "Understanding Allergens"  

Preparing for Benedict's Law 

From September 2026, Benedict's Law will introduce mandatory whole-school allergy policies, staff training, and emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) in all English schools. Named after five-year-old Benedict Blythe who tragically died from anaphylaxis in 2021, these protections ensure every school can respond quickly to allergic emergencies. 

With two children per classroom typically having allergies and 20% of severe reactions occurring at school, Brooke Weston Trust welcomes these strengthened protections. We work closely with supply chains, support parents and children, and maintain rigorous audits as we continue strengthening our allergy safety measures. 

An example of what a poster might look like in our schools

Everyone plays a part: 

• Parents: Inform your school of allergies via the Special Diets Form, provide emergency AAIs, update details immediately 
• Teaching staff: Direct parents to your Allergen Champion 
• Lunchtime supervisors: Alert kitchen staff to cross-contamination risks 
• Support staff: Report concerns, ensure activities/food treats are allergy-safe 
• All staff: Complete annual National College Food Allergy Awareness training 

By #WorkingTogether, we create safer mealtimes for every pupil. 

• For more information about Benedict's Law, visit: Benedict's Law - Benedict Blythe Foundation 
• To learn more about the FSA Allergen course, visit: https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/ 
• To register for the upcoming staff ‘Understanding Allergens’ training, visit: Courses - Brooke Weston Trust