New Allergy Awareness Tools Launched to Support Safer Breakfast Clubs for Children

In a significant step towards safer, more inclusive school environments, the Benedict Blythe Foundation, Creative Nature, and Allergy Badge have proudly launched a new suite of Breakfast Club Allergy Tools. Designed specifically for breakfast clubs across the UK, this innovative toolkit aims to empower school staff, volunteers, and caregivers with practical resources to better manage food allergies and create a safer start to the day for all children.

Making Breakfast Clubs Safer and More Inclusive

Breakfast clubs play a vital role in children’s wellbeing, providing nourishment and routine at the start of the school day. With over 2.4 million children attending breakfast clubs daily, and the government prioritising their expansion, ensuring these environments are allergy-aware has never been more important.

Food allergies currently affect around 7% of children in the UK, with NHS data showing hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in under-18s have risen by more than 70% in the past decade. For children with additional needs – such as autism, ADHD, or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, clear and accessible allergy education can be life-saving.

The ABC Toolkit: Supporting Allergy Awareness from the Start of the Day

The Allergy Breakfast Club (ABC) Toolkit has been developed to help school communities implement safer practices around food allergies. Piloted across over 100 specialist schools within the Outcomes First Group, the toolkit includes:

• Allergen guides to support breakfast club leaders in creating allergy-safe meals and spaces
• Allergy labels and stickers to clearly mark food items and reduce cross-contamination
• Child-friendly worksheets and activities to raise awareness and encourage peer support

This hands-on approach empowers both adults and children to create safer, more inclusive environments where no child feels excluded or at risk because of their allergies.

A Personal Mission: Remembering Benedict

For Helen Blythe, founder of the Benedict Blythe Foundation, this launch is deeply personal. Helen’s son, Benedict, tragically passed away from anaphylaxis at school in 2021, at just five years old.

“It’s important schools are a safe space for children with allergies from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave,” said Helen. “I remember Benedict couldn’t attend a nursery breakfast club because they said they couldn’t accommodate his allergies – and we want to make sure all children can access a tasty, healthy, safe breakfast at school.”

Promoting Dignity and Belonging

Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of Creative Nature, understands the emotional impact of exclusion. As someone who grew up with severe allergies, she remembers feeling isolated at school:

“As a child, I had to sit alone at what was called the ‘allergy table’—separated from my friends just because of my allergies. No child should have to feel excluded,” Julianne shared. “Our mission is to help clubs confidently serve all children with practical, accessible tools rooted in best practice and UK school health guidance.”

Leading the Way in Specialist Education

Dr Rebecca Lawton, Director of Education & Quality at Outcomes First Group, emphasises how these tools align with the group’s inclusive approach to learning:

“Food safety education already plays a central role in our curriculum, and allergy awareness is a vital part of this. We’re proud to be the first schools group introducing innovative tools that make allergy education more meaningful and inclusive. Every child deserves to understand how to stay safe.”

Aligned with National Guidance

The ABC Toolkit aligns with Department for Education (DfE) guidance and follows good practices recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). It’s suitable for use in both primary and secondary schools, as well as in community-run clubs.

Launching During Allergy Awareness Week 2025

This important initiative launches during Allergy Awareness Week 2025, reinforcing the crucial role of education, preparation, and community collaboration in keeping children safe.