Families are being made aware of a number of changes that will come into force in schools from September. These cover allergy safety as well as rules affecting school uniforms and mobile phones.
The changes to school uniform rules could save some families “up to £50 per child”. Meanwhile, another major change regarding free school meals will benefit more people who claim Universal Credit.
There is also a regulation of note concerning pupil attendance rates and what schools are required to do. These changes are outlined below as children get ready for the new start of term this week.
Schools to get pupil attendance targets
The Government has said schools in England will be given individual targets to improve pupil attendance. Many were given targets in a trial last year, but the latest announcement will see schools given more formalised targets that will be monitored, according to the Department for Education.
Schools will also be encouraged to offer more clubs and activities on Fridays, to improve attendance at the end of the week. It is understood there will be no immediate penalties for schools who miss their attendance targets, but the DfE will get in touch with schools that are off-track to make sure they are aware and taking action. Schools could then be pointed towards best practice guidance, or encouraged to join with other schools in a local behaviour and attendance hub.
New allergy safety rules
From September 2026, a new law will take effect in schools across the nation - Benedict's Law - aiming to enhance allergy safety in schools. Officially passed as part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, it will make allergy management a mandatory statutory duty.
Schools in England will be required to publish their allergy management policies. They will also need to have spare adrenaline auto-injectors available for emergencies, and ensure that all staff members are trained to recognise and respond to allergic emergencies.
The law is named after Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old boy who sadly passed away in December 2021 due to an anaphylactic reaction to cow's milk protein while he was at school. After his death, his family started the Benedict Blythe Foundation to fight against the "postcode lottery" of allergy safety in schools based on where you live.
School uniform 'rule of three'
Starting on September 1, 2026, a new law in England limits state-funded schools to requiring a maximum of three compulsory branded uniform items. This means uniforms will be limited to three items with a school logo, like a blazer, jumper or sportswear – plus a tie for secondary schools.
The Government says the changes will save some families “up to £50 per child”, but schoolwear suppliers say they now face uncertainty in demand for this year’s uniforms.
Free school meals change
A major change has been announced affecting people who claim Universal Credit. From September this year, children in full time education in England will qualify for free school meals, worth around £500 a year per child, if their parents or carers get any amount of Universal Credit.
You previously had to earn less than £7,400 a year in addition to getting Universal Credit in order to be eligible. Announcing the change, the Department for Education previously said: "Over half a million additional pupils will become eligible for Free School Meals under the new eligibility criteria. The change means that all households receiving Universal Credit, above the current £7,400 income cap, will qualify for this support."
Mobile phones will be banned
Following on from regulations announced at the end of June, schools must now be free from mobile phones. Smartphones will be banned in schools and this will be legally enforceable.
This will happen as Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 has officially come into force. The change means the Government’s school mobile phone guidance will have the full force of the law.
Schools must ensure that pupils do not have access to their mobile phones (or similar smart devices) throughout the entire school day. The restriction covers the whole school day, including during lessons, the time between classes, break times, and lunchtimes.
