In a major step forward for food safety and inclusivity, the Benedict Blythe Foundation and challenger brand Creative Nature run by campaigner Julianne Ponan MBE, have launched a groundbreaking suite of Breakfast Club Allergy Tools in more than 100 schools
In a major step forward for food safety and inclusivity, the Benedict Blythe Foundation, and challenger brand Creative Nature, are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking suite of Breakfast Club Allergy Tools in more than 100 schools, tailored for breakfast clubs across the UK.
Designed to support school staff, volunteers, and caregivers, these tools will help manage food allergies more effectively and create safer, more informed environments for children during the vital start to their day.
The Tools will be piloted in more than 100 specialist school locations within the Outcomes First Group. These schools support young people with a wide range of educational needs - including autism, ADHD, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs - and for children with additional needs it is especially important to raise awareness around allergies, ensuring they not only understand the risks but are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves and others safe.
Food allergies affect around 7 per cent of children in the UK, with hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in under-18s having risen by more than 70 per cent in the past decade, according to data from the NHS ¹.
As breakfast clubs grow in popularity — now serving more than 2.4 million children daily — and one of the government’s priorities, the need for robust allergy protocols has never been greater.
The newly launched Allergy Breakfast Club (ABC) Toolkit includes:
Helen Blythe, who founded Benedict Blythe Foundation after her son Benedict died from anaphylaxis in school in 2021 aged just five, said: “It’s important schools are a safe space for children with allergies from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
“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.”
“Food allergies can be life-threatening, and for many families, breakfast clubs are a daily essential,” said Julianne Ponan MBE from Creative Nature.
“As a child, I had to sit alone at what was called the ‘allergy table’ during breakfast clubs and lunchtimes — separated from my friends just because of my allergies.
“No child should have to feel excluded. Our mission is to help clubs confidently serve all children by offering practical, accessible tools rooted in best practice and UK school health guidance.”
Outcomes First Group quality and compliance director, Dr Rebecca Lawton, said: “Food safety education already plays a central role in the curriculum of our schools and allergy awareness is a vital part of this.
“We’re proud to be the first schools group introducing these innovative tools that make allergy education more meaningful for our pupils. Every child deserves to understand how to stay safe, and we’re equipping them with knowledge that could truly be life-saving.”
The toolkit has been aligned with the Department for Education’s guidance and reflects good practices recommended by FSA. It is designed to be easy to implement in primary and secondary schools, as well as in community-run clubs.
This initiative launches during Allergy Awareness Week 2025, reinforcing the importance of education, planning, and community engagement in keeping children with allergies safe.
Breakfast clubs, schools, and local authorities can access the toolkit for free at https://creativenaturesuperfoods.co.uk/the-abc-packs/
• Picture shows Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of Creative Nature talking to school children about allergies to raise awareness of the challenges children with allergies face day to day
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