Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy

(including Managing Medicines in School)

Status of Policy: Statutory

Policy adopted by Governing Board: September 2023

Date of next review: November 2025 (unless there are changes by the Government)  

Chair of Governors: Mrs C Sellers

Headteacher: Mrs L Wilmer

Introduction:

▪ The Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on schools to support children with medical conditions.

▪ Where children have a disability, the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 will also apply. Where children have an identified special need, the SEN Code of Practice will also apply.

▪ All children have a right to access the full curriculum, adapted to their medical needs and to receive the on-going support, medicines or care that they require at school to help them manage their condition and keep them well.

▪ We recognise that medical conditions may impact social and emotional development as well as having educational implications.

▪ Our school will build relationships with healthcare professionals and other agencies and in order to support effectively pupils with medical condition

Aims:

The aim of the policy is to provide a sound basis for assisting children with medical needs, either long term or of a short duration, so that they can achieve regular attendance. At Co-op Academy Friarswood, we aim to ensure that children with medical conditions are properly supported in school so that they can play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve their academic potential.

This policy aims to ensure effective management systems to support individual children with medical needs who require access to their medicines whilst in school. This policy has been written based on the guidance “Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions” Statutory Guidance DfE September 2017 and “Supporting pupils with medical needs, a good practice guide” 2017.

This policy is dependent on the partnership of staff, parents and pupils in achieving a sound formal procedure for the administration of medicines in school. Regular review and amendment of this policy is required to ensure that the procedures are working effectively.

Please read this in conjunction with ‘Supporting children in school with medical needs’ DFE 2017.

This policy includes:

• The roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders

• Details of who is responsible for policy implementation and who is responsible for staff training, making sure all relevant staff are made aware of the child’s condition, making cover arrangements, briefing supply teachers, risk assessments and monitoring of individual health care plans.

• Procedures to follow whenever a school is notified that a pupil has a medical condition

• Individual Health Care Plans

• Procedures for managing prescription medicines which need to be taken in the school day

• Procedures for managing prescription medicines on outings and trips

• Roles and responsibilities of staff administering medicines

• A clear statement of parental responsibilities in respect of medicines

• Written permissions from parents for medicines

• Pupils carrying and taking their medication themselves

• Circumstances in which children may take non-prescription medicines

• Assisting children with long term medical needs

• Staff training

• Record keeping 

• Safe storage of medicines

• The school’s emergency procedures

• Risk assessment and management procedures

Roles and responsibilities:

The role of the Governing Body:

• To ensure that arrangements are in place to support pupils with medical conditions so that such children can access and enjoy the same opportunities at school as any other child.
• To ensure that no child with a medical condition should be denied admission or prevented from taking up a place in school because arrangements for their medical condition have not been made.
• To ensure that the school has developed and implemented a policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions and that it is reviewed regularly and is readily accessible to parents and school staff and that it includes procedures that need to be followed whenever a school is notified that a pupil has a medical condition.
• To ensure that the school’s policy covers the role of individual healthcare plans, and clearly states who is responsible for their development, in supporting pupils at school with medical conditions.
• To ensure that sufficient staff have received suitable training and are competent before they take on responsibility to support children with medical conditions and have access to information as needed.
• To ensure that the appropriate level of insurance is in place and appropriately reflects the level of risk

The Role of the Headteacher:

• To ensure that their school’s policy is developed and effectively implemented with partners.
• To ensure that all staff are aware of the policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions and understand their role in its implementation.
• To ensure that all staff who need to know are aware of the child’s condition.
• To ensure that sufficient trained numbers of staff are available to implement the policy and deliver against all individual healthcare plans, including in contingency and emergency situations.
• To ensure health care plans are written when appropriate.
• To make sure that school staff are appropriately insured and are aware that they are insured to support pupils in this way.
• To contact the school nursing service in the case of any child who has a medical condition that may require support at school, but who has not yet been brought to the attention of the school nurse.

The Role of School staff:

• To provide support to pupils with medical conditions, including the administering of medicines
• To undertake sufficient and suitable training so that they know what to do and respond accordingly when they become aware that a pupil with a medical condition needs help.
• Teachers are to be made aware of children in their class who have medical needs, they should be aware of the nature of the condition, when and where the child may need extra help.
• Staff administering the medicine should read and have understood this document, have access to the accompanying document Supporting children in school with medical needs and are able to complete the Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School form, including agreeing that they are sufficiently trained and experienced to carry out that administration and to sign the appropriate section in that document.
• To provide home learning, as suitable, for the child and their medical condition including health concerns at that point in time.
  

The Role of the School Nurse:

• To be responsible for notifying the school when a child has been identified as having a medical condition which will require support in school.
• To support staff on implementing a child’s individual healthcare plan and provide advice and liaison, for example on training.
• To liaise with lead clinicians locally on appropriate support for the child and associated staff training.

The Role of other healthcare professionals:

• To notify the school nurse when a child has been identified as having a medical condition that will require support at school.
• To provide advice on developing healthcare plans.

The Role of the Pupils:

• To provide information about how their condition affects them.
• To be fully involved in discussions about their medical support needs and contribute as much as possible to the development of, and comply with, their individual healthcare plan.
• Other pupils to be sensitive to the needs of those with medical conditions.

The Role of the Parents/carers:

• To provide the school with sufficient and up-to-date information about their child’s medical needs.
• To notify the school that their child has a medical condition.
• To be involved in the development and review of their child’s individual healthcare plan.
• To carry out any action they have agreed to as part of its implementation.
• Read, and when understood, sign the written consent form titled ‘Co-op Academy Friarswood School Medication in School’ form.
• To inform the school of any changes to the prescription, medication, method of administration or support required. This information to be checked against the prescriber information and the information provided by the health practitioner.

The Role of the Local Authority (LA):

• Local authorities should provide support, advice and guidance, including suitable training for school staff, to ensure that the support specified within individual healthcare plans can be delivered effectively.
• Local authorities should work with schools to support pupils with medical conditions to attend full time.
• Where pupils would not receive a suitable education in a mainstream school because of their health needs, the local authority has a duty to make other arrangements to provide suitable full time education for that child.
• The education which the LA provides must be provided in a timely manner in these circumstances, it must be suitable for the child and of high quality.

The Role of Providers of health services:

• To co-operate with schools that are supporting children with a medical condition, including appropriate communication, liaison with school nurses and other healthcare professionals such as specialist and children’s community nurses, as well as participating in locally developed outreach and training.

The Headteacher, SENDCo and Lead first aider will regularly review and make the policy accessible to parents/carers and school staff.

If concerns regarding safeguarding and child protection arise, all staff must follow the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and inform the DSL ( Mrs B Hartley) or the DDSL (Mrs L Wilmer).

Headteacher: Mrs L Wilmer

SENDCo: Mrs J Dickens

Lead First Aider: Miss B Goodwin

Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions:

Definition:

Pupils’ medical needs may be broadly summarised as being of two types:

(a) Short-term, affecting their participation in school activities which they are on a course of medication.

(b) Long-term, potentially limiting their access to education and requiring extra care and support

The Named Persons responsible for children with medical conditions are Miss Goodwin and Mrs Dickens (SENDCo) along with the class teacher. These people are responsible for: -

• Informing relevant staff of medical conditions
• Arranging training for identified staff
• Ensuring that staff are aware of the need to communicate necessary information about medical conditions to supply staff and where appropriate, taking the lead in communicating this information
• Assisting with risk assessment for school visits and other activities outside of the normal timetable
• Developing, monitoring and reviewing Individual Healthcare Plans to support pupils at school with medical conditions.
• Working together with parents, pupils, healthcare professionals and other agencies
• Ensure that arrangements are put into place to cover transition from another setting, upon being notified that a child is coming into school with a medical condition. These may vary from child to child, according to existing HCPs.
• Ensure that arrangements are implemented following reintegration into the school or when the needs of a child change.
• Ensure that arrangements are in place should a child need to remain out of school long term, liaising with the local authority and other support agencies involved.
• Put arrangements into place in time for the start of the new school term.
• In other cases, such as a new diagnosis or children moving to a new school mid-term, every effort will be made to ensure that arrangements are in place within two weeks.
• Provide support to pupils where it is judged by professionals that there is likely to be a medical condition. Where evidence conflicts, some degree of challenge may be necessary to ensure that the right support can be put into place.

Procedure when notification is received that a pupil has a medical condition

• The named people will liaise with relevant individuals, including as appropriate parents, the individual pupil, health professionals and other agencies to decide on the support to be provided to the child
• Where appropriate, an Individual Healthcare Plan will be drawn up
• Appendix A outlines the process for developing individual healthcare plans

Individual Healthcare Plans (IHCP)

The main purpose of an individual health care plan for a pupil with medical needs is to identify the level of support that is needed at school. Individual healthcare plans can help to ensure that schools effectively support pupils with medical conditions. They provide clarity about what needs to be done, when and by whom.

• An ICHP will be written for pupils with a medical condition that is long term and complex.
• It will clarify what needs to be done, when and by whom and include information about the child’s condition, special requirements, medicines required, what constitutes an emergency and action to take in the case of an emergency.
• Where a child has SEN but does not have a statement or EHC plan, their special educational needs will be mentioned in their IHP
• IHCPs will be reviewed annually, or earlier if evidence is provided that a child’s needs have changed

Various people will be involved in the healthcare plan. This may include the named people responsible, the parents, the pupil and a relevant healthcare professional, e.g. school, specialist or children’s community nurse, who can best advise on the particular needs of the child. The aim should be to capture the steps which a school should take to help the child manage their condition and overcome any potential barriers to getting the most from their education. 

When deciding what information should be recorded on individual healthcare plans, the named people consider the following:

• the medical condition, its triggers, signs, symptoms and treatments;
• the pupil’s resulting needs, including medication (dose, side-effects and storage) and other treatments, time, facilities, equipment, testing, access to food and drink where this is used to manage their condition, dietary requirements and environmental issues, e.g. crowded corridors, travel time between lessons;
• specific support for the pupil’s educational, social and emotional needs – for example, how absences will be managed, requirements for extra time to complete exams, use of rest periods or additional support in catching up with lessons, counselling sessions;
• the level of support needed, (some children will be able to take responsibility for their own health needs), including in emergencies. If a child is self-managing their medication, this should be clearly stated with appropriate arrangements for monitoring;
• who will provide this support, their training needs, expectations of their role and confirmation of proficiency to provide support for the child’s medical condition from a healthcare professional; and cover arrangements for when they are unavailable;
• who in the school needs to be aware of the child’s condition and the support required;
• arrangements for written permission from parents and the Headteacher for medication to be administered by a member of staff, or self-administered by the pupil during school hours, including school trips or other school activities outside of the normal school timetable that will ensure the child can participate, e.g. risk assessments;
• where confidentiality issues are raised by the parent/child, the designated individuals to be entrusted with information about the child’s condition; and
• what to do in an emergency, including whom to contact, and contingency arrangements. Some children may have an emergency healthcare plan prepared by their lead clinician that could be used to inform development of their individual healthcare plan.

Staff Training and Support

Any member of school staff providing support to a pupil with medical needs will receive suitable training. This will be identified during the development or review of individual healthcare plans. There may be some staff already who have some knowledge of the specific support needed by a child with a medical condition and so extensive training may not be required. Staff who provide support to pupils with medical conditions will be included in meetings where this is discussed.

The relevant healthcare professional will normally lead on identifying and agreeing with our school the type and level of training required, and how this can be obtained. The school will ensure this remains up-to-date. We will aim to obtain from Healthcare professionals, including the school nurse, confirmation of the proficiency of staff in a medical procedure, or in providing medication.

The training will ensure that staff are competent and have confidence in their ability to support pupils with medical conditions, and to fulfil the requirements as set out in individual healthcare plans. It will aim to develop an understanding of the specific medical conditions they are being asked to deal with, their implications and preventative measures.

MANAGING MEDICINES AT CO-OP ACADEMY FRIARSWOOD

Managing Medicines on School Premises (during the school day):

Medicines should only be administered at school when it would be detrimental to a child’s health or school attendance not to do so. If the medication can be administered outside school hours with no ill effect, then that should be the desired course of action.

It should be noted that there is no legal duty that requires school staff to administer medicines but that we, at Co-op Academy Friarswood, are willing to undertake this task to enable regular attendance, under the following conditions.

Parents should keep children at home when they are acutely unwell.

Medicines should only be taken to school where it would be detrimental to a child’s health if it were not administered during the school day.

Procedures for managing non-prescription medicines

In most instances non-prescribed medicines will not normally be administered at school. These medications should be taken at home before and after school rather than during school. However in exceptional occasions where this has been authorised the following must be adhered to:-

• Staff should never give non-prescribed medication unless there is specific written permission on the completed ‘Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in school Parental Agreement form’ signed by the parent/carer. (see Appendix 1)
• Administration of any permissible medicine will be written in the Medication Log Form (see Appendix 2) kept in the appropriate classroom and signed by the member of staff with time, date and dosage.
• Medication e.g. for pain relief will only be administered when information on maximum dosages and when the previous dose is known.
• Drugs listed as ‘Controlled Drugs’ within the specification of the Drugs classification list, must NEVER be administered unless prescribed. Please see section ‘Procedures for managing prescription medicines which need to be taken during the school day’ in this policy.
• NON- PRESCRIBED Invasive drug administering must never occur. Thus oral administration of tablets and /or medication only. Creams, lotions or other medications to be applied to face or hands only.
• No non-prescribed injected medications.
• No non-prescribed ear or eye drops. (Not including First Aid application of Eye Wash procedure during normal First Aid provision by a qualified First Aider)
• No non-prescribed medications applied to areas of the body deemed private, (usually areas covered by clothing) including hair, legs, feet, chest, back, genital area, buttocks and rectum.

A child under 12 should never be given medicine containing aspirin unless prescribed by a doctor.

Procedures for Managing Prescription Medicines

We will only accept prescribed medicines that are in-date, labelled, provided in the original container as dispensed by a pharmacist and include instructions for administration, dosage and storage. The exception to this is insulin which must still be in date, but will generally be inside an insulin pen or pump rather than in its original container.

• Children must not keep medicines anywhere in school. They must be taken to the Office at the start of the school day by the parent/carer. These will be kept secure in the First Aid room.
• Medicines must not be administered solely by the child. This must be supervised.
• For medicines to be administered in school, they must be properly labelled with the name of the child, the required dose and the appropriate time at which they should be administered.
• Medicines are not accepted out of the container in which they were originally dispensed and must include the prescriber’s instructions.
• A parent/carer must complete the appropriate school form ‘Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School Parental Agreement form’ before medicines can be accepted into school.
• We will not make changes to doses on parental instructions.
• Administration of the medicine will be witnessed and counter signed by a second member of staff.

Staff Responsibilities

Members of staff giving medicines will be staff who are:

· Willing to perform such tasks

· Trained where necessary for the task

Checks before administering

• The child’s name.
• The written record,  Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School Parental Agreement form’, must be completed and fully signed before medicines are accepted and updated at EACH dose.
• The parent has signed the above form.
• The member of staff is adequately trained to administer, or supervise self-administration of the medication and has signed the form confirming this.
• Read and check the prescribed dose.
• Name of medicine
• Details of storage of the medicine.
• The expiry date of the medication.
• Method of administration.
• Time/frequency of administration
• Written instructions provided by the prescriber on the label or container.
• Staff are aware of any medical emergencies that could arise from administration of this medication. (including signs and effects of overdose or under dose, as indicated on the Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School Parental Agreement form’.) 
• The medication log form must be checked to ensure that another member of staff has not already administered the dose.

When a child is given medicine he/she will first be asked his/her name and this name checked against the name on the medicine – even if the member of staff knows the child well.

If in any doubt about any procedure staff should not administer the medicines but check with parents or a health professional before taking further action. If staff have any other concerns related to administering medicines to a particular child, the issue should be discussed with the parent, if appropriate, or with a health professional attached to the school.

If the administration of prescription medicines requires technical or medical knowledge, then individual training will be provided to staff from a qualified health professional BEFORE any member of staff will give the medication.

If a child refuses to take medication, then school staff will not force them to do so. The school will inform the child’s parents.

Storage of Medicines:

All medicines will be kept in the First Aid room in a locked cupboard if necessary and administered by a member staff. The key to the cupboard will be accessible to all office staff.

Medicines requiring refrigeration will be kept in the First Aid or Staff room refrigerator. They should be in an airtight container, clearly labelled.

Pupils should know where their own medication is stored and who holds the key. Asthma inhalers, blood glucose testing meters and adrenaline pens must not be locked away. Asthma inhalers may be kept in the child’s classroom. (Please read the Asthma policy)

All staff will know where to obtain the keys to the medicine cupboard in an emergency.

Self Management

Children who are able will be encouraged to manage their own medicines. This will only apply to relief treatments for asthma and will be kept in their classrooms. Other medicines should be kept in secure storage so access will only be through the main office.

Only those medicines agreed in a full health medical care plan, or SEN plan can be carried by children. This is to ensure their safety and the safety of other children who may acquire these medications.

Record Keeping

The parent or doctor should complete the form ensuring that they give written details of the name of medication, the dosage, the method of administration, the time and frequency of administration, other treatment and any side effects.

We will keep written records of all medicines administered to children stating who the child is and what class, what medication was administered, how, and how much was administered, when (date and time) and by whom. Any side effects of the medication to be administered at school will also be noted. Parents should inform the school of the medicines their child needs. School will check that the medicine is in its original container and that the dispenser’s instructions are clear.

A written record of medicines administered will be kept in the First Aid room.

Disposal of Medicines

Medicines will be returned to the parents who must sign the form accepting them back. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that date-expired medicines are returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal. All medicines will be returned to the parent at the end of the school year. 

Hygiene and Infection Control

• Follow the guidance of your training regarding hygiene and infection control.
• Use the ‘sharps’ system for correct disposal of needles or other instruments that could cause cutting or stab wounds.
• Ensure all materials that may be contaminated by body fluids are correctly and safely disposed of.
• Ensure gloves are used for the administration of all medicines.
• Wash hands before and after medicine administration.
• Clothing contaminated by body fluids to be dealt with in the appropriate manner.
• All spills to be dealt with appropriately keeping in mind contamination and bodily fluids.
• All health and safety aspects to be considered before, during and after administration of medicines.
• Spoons or cups to be washed under hot water immediately following administration of medicines.
• Obviously sharing of spoons, cups or other shared methods of administration of medicines is NOT ALLOWED under any circumstances.

Educational Visits & Sporting Events

Medicines required to be taken when a child is on a school trip will be administered by the child’s class teacher/support staff in accordance with the written instructions given by the parent on the appropriate Parental Agreement Form. Training for staff will be given to fulfil the needs of medicine administration. Risk assessments will be completed at the planning stage to consider any adjustments needed for pupils with medical needs. The medication must be in date and if it is not the child/ren will not be allowed to go on the visit, unless the parent confirms in writing that the child can go along without one. The medication will be placed in a rucksack for the teacher to carry, along with a copy of – Permission to Administer Medicine form, which will be held with the medication in the designated plastic box. This information should be clearly stated on the Risk Assessment for that visit and the name of the person that will be accompanying the visit as the trained person to assist with any administration needs for the child/ren. The child/ren should know who the adult is that is carrying their medication. In addition, should medication be required during the visit, the dosage administered will be recorded on the Risk Assessment for the visit.

All medication must be returned to the appropriate storage area back at school.

Residential Holidays

Where children are staying away from home on a residential holiday organised by the school, parents will be asked to sign a form giving permission for mild medication such as paracetamol, antiseptic cream to be administered by staff if deemed necessary.

Emergency Procedures

An ambulance will be called in all emergency situations. A child should not be taken to hospital in a staff car except in very exceptional circumstances. In the parent’s absence, a member of staff will accompany the child to hospital and stay with the child until the parent arrives. Health professionals are responsible for any decisions on medical treatment when parents are not available.

Complaints

Should parents or pupils be dissatisfied with the support provided they should discuss their concerns directly with the school. If for whatever reason this does not resolve the issue, they may make a formal complaint via the school’s complaint procedure.

Health Medical Care Plans and Common Conditions

(a) Asthma

One in ten children in the UK has asthma. The most common symptoms are coughing, wheezing or whistling noise in the chest, tight feelings in the chest or getting short of breath. Whilst older children can identify these symptoms, younger children may not be able to. It is thus essential that staff in Early Years settings is aware of the range of symptoms.

Parents or carers of children with severe asthma are responsible for advising Co-op Academy accordingly. The school nurse will be consulted, and if necessary, an individual Asthma care plan will be drawn up by the nurse and the parent.

There are 2 types of medicines used to treat asthma: (i) relievers (blue inhalers) and (ii) preventers (brown, red or orange inhalers; sometimes tablets). Usually a child will only need a reliever at school, to relieve symptoms when a child is having an asthma attack. They are also sometimes used before exercise.

Parents’ Responsibilities:

• To complete Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School Parental Agreement form to request that asthma pump be available to the child during school time;
• To detail on the form whether the pump is (i) a reliever or (ii) a preventer;
• To provide a “spacer” (to assist in administration of the medicine) where possible;
• To advise staff at school if the child’s condition worsens for any reason
• To ensure the correct prescription label is affixed to the pump.
• To regularly check the prescription for expiry date and dosage left.  

The School’s Responsibilities:

• To provide safe, accessible storage arrangements for the child’s pump;
• For KS1 children (i.e. up to year 2), to ensure that an adult administers the dosage through the pump (and spacer);
• For KS2 children (i.e. year 3 – 6), to ensure that an adult is present whilst the child self-administers the dosage (using a spacer if necessary);
• To keep a record of the child’s use of the asthma pump at school;
• To ensure that arrangements are in place to ensure that asthma pumps are taken on Educational Visits, carried by an appropriate member of staff, and
• Parents will have access to the record of when the pump was used at school, if extra to agreed times on the Asthma Care Plan.

b) Epilepsy – a medical care plan MUST be in place

Children with epilepsy have repeated seizures that start in the brain. An epileptic seizure, sometimes called a fit, turn or blackout can happen to anyone at any time. At least one in 200 children has epilepsy and around 80% of them attend mainstream school. Note that most children with diagnosed epilepsy never have a seizure during the school day.

Parents’ Responsibilities:

• To provide the school with as many details as possible re the child’s specific condition, so that a medical care plan can be put together;
• To provide a history of the child’s previous seizures (to include frequency, duration and any other particular points that may usefully inform the Medical care plan;
• To complete the Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School Parental Agreement form’ to authorise staff to administer medication as required;
• To provide the designated school staff with any prescribed medication, that will be stored and managed

The School’s Responsibilities:

• To put an Individual Healthcare plan in place, in consultation with the child’s parents/carer and appropriate external agencies;
• To ensure that all staff are made aware of the child’s condition;
• To ensure that staff are aware that seizures usually last for a few seconds or minutes only, and that they may or may not be accompanied by a loss of consciousness;
• To ensure that staff are aware that triggers such as anxiety, stress, tiredness or being unwell may increase a child’s change of having a seizure;
• To ensure that staff understand whether or not the child has photosensitivity (sensitivity to flashing or flickering lights that can also trigger seizures);
• To ensure that staff understands that should the child have a seizure, the appropriate action is to put them in a safe position, and allow the seizure to take its course
• To provide safe, accessible storage arrangements for the child’s medication, and
• To advise parents in writing should any medication be administered, and to keep a record of administration at school.

(c) Diabetes – an Individual Healthcare plan MUST be in place

Diabetes is a condition where the level of glucose in the blood rises. This is either due to the lack of insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or because there is insufficient insulin for the child’s needs or the insulin is not working properly (Type 2 diabetes). The condition affects about 1 in 550 school-age children in the UK, the majority of who have Type 1 diabetes. This group normally need to have daily insulin injections, to monitor their blood glucose level and to eat regularly according to their personal dietary plan. Children with Type 2 diabetes are usually treated by diet and exercise alone.

Parents’ Responsibilities:

• To provide the school with as many details as possible regarding the child’s specific condition, so that an individual health care plan can be put together;
• To provide a history of any significant hypoglycaemic (blood sugar levels are too low) or hyperglycaemic (blood sugar levels are too high) episodes, with as much relevant detail as possible;
• To complete the Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School Parental Agreement form’ to authorise staff to administer medication as required;
• To advise designated school staff of the child’s personal insulin administration plan (i.e. how often is insulin administered? Do blood glucose levels need to be checked at school, and if so, how often?);
• To provide appropriate glucose tablets/gel for storage at school in case or a hypoglycaemic reaction, and - to provide school with any prescribed medication.

The School’s Responsibilities:

• To ensure that where staff agree to administer blood glucose tests or insulin injections, they are given the appropriate training;
• To ensure that relevant staff are aware of the action to take if the child has a hypoglycaemic (blood sugar is too low) reaction (stay with the child and administer a fast acting sugar, such as glucose tablets);
• To ensure that relevant staff are aware of the action to take if the child experiences hyperglycaemia (blood sugar is too high). Signs to look out for are tiredness, a greater than usual need to go to the toilet or to drink, and should be flagged to the Senior First Aider to discuss with the child’s parents/carers;
• To provide safe, accessible storage arrangements for the child’s medication, and
• To advise parents in writing should any medication be administered, and to keep a record of administration at school.

(d) ANAPHYLAXIS – an Individual Healthcare plan MUST be in place

Anaphylaxis is an acute, severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention. It usually occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure to a certain food or substance, but on rare occasions may happen after a few hours. Common triggers include: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, eggs, cow’s milk, fish, certain fruit (e.g. kiwi fruit), penicillin, latex and the venom of stinging insects (e.g. bees, wasps).

The most severe form of allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock, where the blood pressure falls dramatically and the patient loses consciousness. Fortunately, this is rare among young children below teenage years. More commonly among children, there may be a swelling in the throat, which can restrict the air supply, or severe asthma. Any symptoms affecting the breathing are serious.

Less severe symptoms may include tingling or itching in the mouth, hives anywhere on the body, generalised flushing of the skin, nausea and vomiting. Even where mild symptoms are present, the child should be watched carefully as a more serious reaction may still occur.

However, anaphylaxis is manageable. With sound precautionary measures and support from the staff, school life may continue as normal for all concerned.

Parents’ Responsibilities:

• To provide the school with as many details as possible re the child’s specific condition, so that an Individual Healthcare care plan can be put together;
• To provide a complete list of any and all substances known to cause an allergic reaction in the child to date;
• To provide a history of any significant allergic reactions, with as much relevant detail as possible;
• To complete a Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication in School Parental Agreement form’  to authorise staff to administer medication as required; in the case of anaphylaxis, the treatment is an injection of adrenaline (also known as epinephrine, or ‘epipen’)
• In discussion with the SENCO and the school nurse, to determine how many ‘epipen’ devices to have stored at school, and to provide school with any prescribed medication, that will be stored and managed.

The School’s Responsibilities:

• To ensure that where staff volunteer to be trained in the use of ‘epipen’ devices, appropriate training is arranged;
• To ensure that relevant staff are aware of the action to take if the child has an acute, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis);

• as per the DfE guidance, to call an ambulance should a severe, acute allergic reaction occur;

• To provide safe, accessible storage arrangements for the child’s medication, and
• To advise parents in writing should any medication be administered, and to keep a record of administration at school.

(e) SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA – a Medical care plan MUST be in place

There are a number of different sickle cell disorders which are genetic in nature. The severity of the condition varies from child to child, and also varies over time. Some of the effects are as follows:

• Anaemia which may reduce capacity for exercise;
• Obstruction of small blood vessels by ‘sickled’ cells which cause painful crises in bone and muscle and can lead to damage in different parts of the body; An increased risk of infection;
• Delayed growth and delayed onset of puberty, and
• Psychological difficulties due to having a chronic and often painful illness. Painful crises can be triggered by cold, infection, dehydration, fatigue and stress, but may also occur without warning. Other signs to look out for include complaints of pain at any site, fever, breathing problems, headache and odd sensations such as limping or headaches.

Parents’ Responsibilities:

• To provide the school with as many details as possible re the child’s specific condition, so that a Medical care plan can be put together;
• To provide a history of any significant crises, with as much relevant detail as possible;
• To complete the medication in school parental consent form (attached to this Policy as Appendix 1) to authorise staff to administer medication as required.

The School’s Responsibilities:

• To ensure that where staff volunteer to be trained in the administration of any specific medication that may be required, and that training is arranged;
• To ensure that relevant staff are aware of the action to take if the child has a crisis, as well as being aware of the possible triggers;
• To provide safe, accessible storage arrangements for the child’s medication and
• To advise parents in writing should any medication be administered, and to keep a record of administration.

The Governing Body must ensure that the arrangements that are put in place are sufficient to meet their statutory responsibilities and should ensure that policies, plans, procedures and systems are properly and effectively implemented.

All people will be treated equally including those within the nine protected characteristics.

Co-op Academy Friarswood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people / vulnerable adults.  We expect all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment.

APPENDIX 1:

Co-op Academy Friarswood

CARE PLAN - MEDICATION IN SCHOOL

PARENTAL AGREEMENT FORM

Child’s Name…………………….…………………………………………….

Class ………..………………........... Date of Birth………..……..……….….

Doctor’s Name……………………….…………………………...…….…….…

Doctor’s Tel. No. ….……………………………………….…………….……..

Prescribed Medicine/Storage ……...………...……...………….……….……

Dosage……………………………………………………...……………………

Time and dosage to be administered at School……………………...…………....

…………………………………………………………………………..…………

Signed By Parent/Guardian ..…………………………….……Date……………

Signed By Member of Staff …….………………….…….…… Date…………….

If there is any change in dosage or medication a new Parental Agreement Form must be completed.

It is the parent/carers responsibility to ensure the school has the required medication in its original dated clearly marked medicine boxes and has not passed its expiry date. Any out of date medication must be disposed of by the parent/carer.

A copy of the Parental Agreement Form will be held in the First Aid room and a copy will be given to the parent/carer.

Appendix 2:

Co-op Academy Friarswood Medication Log Form

Form to be sent home every day and returned to school every day.