Helping Keep Breakfast Safe: New Allergy Tools Rolled Out at Papworth School and Beyond

At Options Autism, creating safe and inclusive learning environments is at the heart of what we do and that includes mealtimes.

That’s why we’re proud to be piloting the new Allergy Breakfast Club (ABC) Toolkit, launched this week by the Benedict Blythe Foundation, Creative Nature, and Allergy Badge. These tools are designed to make breakfast clubs across the UK safer and more inclusive for children with food allergies.

Papworth School Featured on ITV

Our very own Papworth Hall School in Cambridgeshire has already begun rolling out the toolkit and was recently visited by ITV News to showcase how these tools are being used to help young people understand allergy safety. You can watch the ITV segment here.

Why Allergy Awareness Matters

Food allergies affect roughly 7% of children in the UK, and hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in under-18s have risen by more than 70% in the last decade. As breakfast clubs continue to expand, now serving over 2.4 million children every day, it’s vital that allergy protocols keep up.

For children with additional needs, including those we support at Options Autism, clear, age-appropriate education around allergies is essential. It’s not just about safety, it’s about confidence, inclusion, and empowerment.

What’s in the Toolkit?

The ABC Toolkit is packed with practical resources:

• Guides for staff on safe breakfast foods and allergy-aware environments
• Allergy stickers and labels for clear food marking
• Worksheets and activities to help pupils learn how to stay safe during breakfast time

It’s simple, visual, and easy to use – designed with both staff and pupils in mind.

A Mission With Real Impact

The toolkit is inspired by Benedict Blythe, who tragically died from anaphylaxis at just five years old. His mother, Helen Blythe, created the foundation to help ensure no child is excluded or put at risk because of their allergies.

“It’s important schools are a safe space for children with allergies from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave,” Helen said.

Dr Rebecca Lawton, Director of Quality & Compliance at Outcomes First Group, added:

“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.”

Learn More and Get Involved

The toolkit is available free for schools, breakfast clubs, and local authorities. It aligns with Department for Education guidance and FSA best practice, and it’s designed to work in both primary and secondary settings.

Explore the resources here:
👉 ABC Breakfast Club Toolkit

This initiative launches during Allergy Awareness Week 2025, reminding us that with the right tools and education, we can build safer, more inclusive schools – starting with breakfast.