Medical conditions at school: statutory guidance

We consulted on proposals to strengthen statutory guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions and allergies in education settings.  

The consultation sought views on a range of key issues, including clarity of responsibility, the role and use of Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs), staff training, allergy safety, the reporting of incidents and near misses, and the scope of statutory duties across different types of education provision. 

We have carefully considered all responses. A clear majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the proposals. 

While there is a clear mandate to strengthen statutory guidance on medical conditions and allergy safety, respondents consistently highlighted challenges relating to capacity, funding, workforce capability, training delivery, and clarity of responsibility between education and health systems.  

We will revise the draft statutory guidance to reflect the points raised.  However, we recognise that further work is needed to clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of education settings and of healthcare professionals.  We will take this forward with the Department of Health and Social Care before publishing guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions in due course.   

Responsibilities for supporting children and young people with allergies are clearer, and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 places new statutory duties on schools to put allergy safety policies in place.  We have therefore published statutory guidance on allergy safety, reflecting feedback received through the consultation.