Medical Needs
Administration of Medicines Policy
Under current policy, medicines cannot be administered by the school unless a medicine form (available in the office) has been completed by a parent/carer. Medication must be administered by a trained first aider.
No creams or lotions can be applied (except sun tan lotion) and no eye or ear drops can be administered unless written authorisation is provided by the parent/carer.
Asthma
Parents who report that their child has asthma must provide the school office with an inhaler labelled with the child’s name which will be kept at school. A form must be completed by parents indicating how often the inhaler can be administered before parents are called.
- Inhalers for Foundation Stage children should be stored in the first aid cabinet in a specially marked bag which is secure but visible so they can be issued for use as and when needed.
- Inhalers for KS1 and KS2 children should be stored in the school office in specially marked bag with the name of the class. These must be kept in a secure but visible place so they can be issued for use as and when necessary.
- If a child uses their inhaler this should be logged on the form in the school office, showing the date, name, medication and time taken. The person who administers the inhaler is responsible for completing the form and signing it. There is an additional form now for when pupils are at swimming if they require any medication which should be completed by the swimming TAs
- For serious attacks, children should be watched and checked by an appointed first aider. Parents should be informed by the office staff and asked to come to the school to collect the child or monitor their reaction and decide whether they are well enough to remain in school. If there are serious concerns, an ambulance should be called immediately and the child accompanied by a member of staff if the parents cannot be contacted in time.
Anaphylaxis
There are children at the school who suffer with allergies likely to result in an anaphylactic reaction. Care plans have been created for the children which are held in the school office with their medication and all staff have been trained in the use of an Epi-Pen. A labelled container with the epi-pen is held at school reception with a photograph of the child(ren) and details of their reaction. Staff have been informed of its location. Updated epi-pen training will be arranged as new staff members join the school.
- If the child(ren) is(are) out of school on a school organised activity (i.e. school trip), the epi-pen container must be given to the accompanying first aider.
- Parents must be notified if their child has suffered an allergic reaction and a parental advice slip given. Parents should be asked to come in to school to monitor their child and decide whether they are well enough to remain in school after treatment. A full investigation should be conducted to try to ascertain what the child came into contact with that triggered the attack and a CS3 form completed.
- An ambulance should be called in line with the directions on the care plan held by the school. If the parents are not able to get to the school in time, a member of staff should accompany the child.
HIV and Aids
Any information on a child or adults HIV status will be kept confidential to key members of staff who need to know. This decision will be made by the Head Teacher. It will be agreed with the member of staff, or in the case of a child, his/her parents/carers who needs to be informed.
For their own safety, all staff should assume all children are HIV positive when administering to an injury.
Epilepsy
Children who are known to have epilepsy will have a care plan put together by staff and the health team. All teachers, staff and first aiders will be made aware of the child’s condition so they can be vigilant. If a child/adult starts to fit, clear the area and make the environment safe, keep calm, ensure someone stays with the patient and time the duration. When the fit has finished, place in the recovery position and monitor breathing.
If the patient has a care plan, refer to the plan to check next action – ie. Ambulance or Rectal Diazepam. An ambulance should always be called if pupil does not have a care plan.
Sickle Cell/Thalassemia
Inherited disorders affecting mainly people of African, Afro-Caribbean and Mediterranean descent.
Children with sickle cell will often complain of pain in joints, stomach or head. Treat by keeping warm, give fluids and call parents in to give pain relief. A severe crisis can lead to haemorrhage or stroke. Some parents will withhold details of this condition. If you have concerns about a pupil, please liaise with the H&S representative so parents can be contacted.
Children with Thalassemia become very anaemic and need transfusions which can lead to frequent absences.
Disabilities
The school makes provision for children with disabilities. The rebuild of the school has ensured a wider range of children with disabilities will be able to be accommodated in the school.
Other unspecified medical conditions
It is the responsibility of the parents/carers to bring to the school’s attention any other medical conditions that require specific action (i.e. sickle cell, diabetes etc). These should be discussed by parent/carer and appointed first aider in the office. Where necessary, a care plan should be drawn up with the school nurse. The Head Teacher and Senior Management Team will be consulted to agree the next steps and who needs to be informed. Additional training will be organised for staff when required.