The aim of this policy is to ensure that students with specific medical needs are fully supported and cared for both in school and during school trips and visits.
Permanent or long term problems
If a student has a specific medical condition which may cause him/her to need special arrangements whilst in school, parents are asked to contact the Welfare Officer (Nikki Lewin) at school to discuss these. Appropriate measures, which may include an individual health care plan, will be drawn up and implemented and relevant staff notified, in agreement with parents.
Short term problems
Information about short term problems should be directed to Nikki Lewin (Welfare Officer) who can then assess how the needs of the student may best be served. Measures will be put in place to assist the student whilst they are at school.
For the safety of all the students in the school, all prescribed medication (except inhalers for asthma) must be handed to the Welfare Officer for safe keeping. This should be in a clearly marked container/envelope with ONE day's supply only and should be collected again at 3.00pm. In special circumstances, arrangements can be made for one weeks supply of medication to be brought into school for supervised administering. Students who do have prescribed inhalers should carry a labelled one with them at all times.
Teaching and support staff are unable to administer medicines unless they have been specifically trained to do so and have signed permission from a parent. School staff are unable to dispose of unused medicines. Parents are responsible for both their collection and disposal.
Nikki must be made aware of any students who suffer with allergies. If an epipen is needed, it must be supplied in a named, sealed container, with a recent photo attached and will be kept in a locked cupboard in the medical room. The student should also carry an epipen on them at all times, which must be clearly labelled and in a protective container.
Unexpected ill health
If a student begins to feel unwell during the day they should report to the Medical Room, with permission being gained from a member of staff during lesson time. If, after a short period of recovery, the student is considered to be too unwell to remain in school, parents will be asked to arrange for their child to be taken home. It is vital, therefore, that emergency contact numbers are kept updated with changes notified as a matter of urgency.
The Medical Room is to be used for emergencies only and students are discouraged from going there except when really unwell. This room is not a rest room.