Manchester Acute Children's Treatment Service

13/03/2026

13/03/2026

🧑‍⚖️Historic announcement🧑‍⚖️: Benedict's Law to become UK legislation. Is your school ready??

On Monday evening the Government confirmed that Benedict’s Law will be placed on the statute book through an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill — a landmark moment for allergy safety in schools.

This important step means:-
🔹 Every school must have and publish an allergy safety policy
🔹 All schools will be required to provide staff training on anaphylaxis
🔹 Emergency adrenaline must be available to treat life-threatening reactions
🔹 The Secretary of State will have powers to make regulations on allergy safety

For too long, a child's safety has depended on their postcode or individual teacher awareness. This legislation ensures consistent, legally enforceable protection for all children with serious allergies across the UK.

Benedict's Law is named in memory of Benedict Blythe, who died from anaphylaxis in December 2021. The extraordinary determination of his parents, Helen and Peter Blythe, through the work of the Benedict Blythe Foundation, has been instrumental in driving this change together with the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG).

Helen Blythe said: "Benedict's life mattered. His death must matter too. Now it will, with all children living with allergy being safer in school."

This is a powerful moment for the entire allergy community and a reminder of what can be achieved when families, charities, clinicians and policymakers work together to create lasting change.

👀👉Is your school ready for the change? Do you have anaphylaxis training in place?
Contact us to book your anaphylaxis awareness training today - we can teach a group of staff at your own setting. Email contact@childmatters.info or call Claire on 07788 720 612.

06/03/2026

Following the announcement of Benedict's Law and the campaign to have stronger protections for children with allergies in school, the consultation is now open in England for eight weeks, ahead of coming into force in September 2026

Allergy UK welcomes today's announcement of a statutory consultation on Supporting Children with Medical Conditions and Allergy.

The guidance, being developed by Minister Bailey and the Department for Education, is intended to deliver the core protections long called for by families, clinicians and allergy charities including access to emergency medication, staff training, and clear school allergy policies. This will be introduced as Statutory Guidance for schools in England in September this year, making a major breakthrough in an area that has been neglected for years and reflects the growing momentum behind Benedict’s Law.

This consultation, running until May, is open to all - your voice matters.

For more information please visit the link https://bit.ly/4bunDuz

06/03/2026

12/02/2026

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine.

Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness and protect children as they grow.

Your GP will be in touch when your child is due their appointment

➡️ nhs.uk/mmrv

12/02/2026

Illnesses like measles and whooping cough can be serious and spread easily between children who are not vaccinated. 👦👧
To check if your child has missed any vaccines, look in their red book or contact your GP practice.
Find out more at www.nidirect.gov.uk/childhood-immunisation

06/02/2026

Today is Time to Talk Day – a reminder that conversations about how you are really feeling can help.

If someone you know is struggling, reaching out and listening without judgment can make a huge difference.

Not sure where to start? Visit www.mindingyourhead.info for practical advice on how to talk to someone who’s finding things tough, resources to support mental wellbeing, and where to access local services.

06/02/2026

03/02/2026

Getting vaccinated when you’re pregnant helps protect you and your baby from illnesses including whooping cough & RSV.

Visit the NHS website to learn more. 💖
✨🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vaccinations/

03/02/2026

24/01/2026

Please check any Aptamil formulas you may have at home. This toxin is heat stable so unlikely to be affected by hot water during formula prep. It can cause nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

* at the moment, only one batch of product has been recalled by the company.
For any more information/ to check for food alert updates, please keep an eye on the Food Standards Agency website: if you keep an eye on the FSA food alerts, you’ll be able to see if any other batches/products are affected.

https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-03-2026

16/01/2026