(Based on the Model Kirklees Policy)
This policy is written in line with the requirements of:
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following school policies; Safeguarding Policy, Off-Site Visits Policy and Complaints Procedures.
This policy was consulted with pupils with medical conditions, parents/carers of pupils with medical conditions, representatives from the governing body, healthcare professionals and it will be reviewed annually.
Pupils’ medical needs may be broadly summarised as being of two types:
Some pupils with medical conditions may be considered disabled under the definition set out in the Equalities Act 2010. Where this is the case the Governing Body complies with their duties under that Act. All pupils at Southgate School have special educational needs (SEN) and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, which brings together health and social care needs, as well as their special educational provision. This policy should be read in conjunction with the SEND Code of Practice which explains the duties of the Local Authority, health bodies and the school to provide for those with SEN. For pupils who have medical conditions that require EHC Plans, compliance with the SEND Code of Practice ensures compliance with this policy in respect to those pupils.
The Governing Body remains legally responsible and accountable for fulfilling their statutory duty for supporting pupils at school with medical conditions. The Governing Body of Southgate School fulfil this by:
The statutory duty for managing arrangements for supporting pupils at school with medical conditions rests with the Governing Body. The Governing Body have delegated the implementation of this policy to the staff below, however, the Governing Body remains legally responsible and accountable for fulfilling our statutory duty.
The overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy is given to the Head Teacher. They will also be responsible for ensuring that sufficient staff are suitably trained and will ensure cover arrangements in cases of staff absences or staff turnover to ensure that someone is always available and on-site with an appropriate level of training.
Senior Leaders will be responsible for briefing supply teachers, checking risk assessments for offsite visits and other school activities outside of the normal timetable and for the monitoring of individual healthcare plans.
The Deputy Head, Pastoral Manager or a member of staff with pastoral responsibilities will be responsible, in conjunction with parents/carers, for drawing up, implementing and keeping under review the individual healthcare plan for each pupil and making sure relevant staff are aware of these plans.
All members of staff are expected to show commitment and awareness of children’s medical conditions and the expectations of this policy. All new members of staff will be inducted into the arrangements and guidelines in this policy upon taking up their post.
This covers notification prior to admission, procedures to cover transitional arrangements between schools or alternative providers, and the process to be followed upon reintegration after a period of absence or when pupils’ needs change. For children being admitted to Southgate School for the first time with good notification given, the arrangements will be in place for the start of the relevant school term. In other cases, such as a new diagnosis or a child moving to Southgate School mid-term, we will make every effort to ensure that arrangements are put in place within two weeks.
In making the arrangements, we will take into account that many of the medical conditions that require support at school will affect quality of life and may be life-threatening. We also acknowledge that some may by more obvious than others. We will therefore ensure that the focus is on the needs of each individual child and how their medical condition impacts on their school life. We aim to ensure parents/carers and pupils have the confidence in our ability to provide effective support for medical conditions in school, so that arrangements will show an understanding of how medical conditions impact on the child’s ability to learn, as well as increase their confidence and promote self-care.
We will ensure that staff are properly trained and supervised to support pupil’s medical conditions and will be clear and unambiguous about the need to actively support pupils with medical conditions to participate in off-site visits, or in sporting activities, and not prevent them doing so. We will make arrangements for the inclusion of pupils in such activities with any adjustments as required unless evidence from a clinician, such as a GP, states that this is not possible. We will make sure that no child with a medical condition is denied admission or prevented from attending the school because arrangements for supporting their medical condition have not been made. However, in line with our safeguarding duties, we will ensure that all pupils’ health is not put at unnecessary risk, for example, from infectious disease. We will therefore not accept a child in school at times where it would be detrimental to the health of that child or others.
Southgate School does not have to wait for a formal diagnosis before providing support to pupils. In cases where a pupil’s medical condition is unclear, or where there is a difference of opinion, judgements will be needed about what support to provide based on available evidence. This would normally involve some form of medical evidence and consultation with parents/carers. Where evidence conflicts, some degree of challenge may be necessary to ensure the right support can be put in place, these discussions will be led by Ruth Perfitt (Deputy Head Teacher), and then an individual healthcare plan will be written in conjunction with the parents/carers by the Deputy Head, Pastoral Manager or a member of staff with pastoral responsibilities, and put in place.
Individual healthcare plans will help ensure that we effectively support pupils with medical conditions. They will provide clarity about what needs to be done, when and by whom (parents/carers will be encouraged to administer medication, undertake any medical procedures outside of the school day where this is possible). They will often be essential, such as in cases where conditions fluctuate or where there is a high risk that emergency intervention will be needed. They are likely to be helpful in the majority of other cases too, especially where medical conditions are long-term and complex. However, not all pupils will require one. The school, healthcare professional and parent/carer should agree, based on evidence, when a healthcare plan would be inappropriate or disproportionate. If consensus cannot be reached the Head Teacher is best placed to take a final view.
Individual healthcare plans will be easily accessible to all who need to refer to them, while preserving confidentiality. Plans will capture the key information and actions that are required to support the pupil effectively. The level of detail within the plan will depend on the complexity of the pupil’s condition and the degree of support needed. This is important because different pupils with the same health condition may require very different support.
Individual healthcare plans (and their review) should be drawn up in partnership between the school, parents/carers and a relevant healthcare professional e.g. school, specialist or children’s community nurse, who can best advise on the particular needs of the pupil. School will send a letter inviting parents/carers to contribute to the individual healthcare plan development. Pupils should also be involved whenever appropriate. The aim should be to capture the steps which Southgate School should take to help manage their condition and overcome any potential barriers to getting the most from their education. Partners should agree who will take the lead in writing the plan, but responsibility for ensuring it is finalised and implemented rests with the school.
We will ensure that individual health care plans are reviewed at least annually or earlier if evidence is presented that the pupil’s needs have changed. They will be developed and reviewed with the pupil’s best interests in mind and will ensure that we assess and manage the risks to the pupil’s education, health and social wellbeing, and minimises disruption. Where a pupil is returning to school following a period of hospital education or alternative provision, we will work with the local authority and education provider to ensure that the individual healthcare plan identifies the support the pupil will need to reintegrate effectively.
Where home to school transport is being provided by Kirklees Council, we will support the development of any risk assessments and share the individual healthcare plan with the local authority and driver/escort. Where pupils have a life-threatening condition or a medical need that requires an emergency response, individual healthcare plans should be carried on the vehicle detailing the procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency.
Individual healthcare plans will suit the specific needs of each pupil, but will include all of the following information:
Please refer to the section on policy implementation for the functions document that have been delegated to different, named members of staff at Southgate School.
In addition, we can refer to the School Nursing Team for support with drawing up individual healthcare plans, provide or commission specialist medical training, liaison with lead clinicians and advice or support in relation to pupils with medical conditions.
Other healthcare professionals, including GPs and paediatricians, should notify the School Nursing Team when a child has been identified as having a medical condition that will require support at school. Specialist local health teams may be able to provide support, and training to staff, for children with particular conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.).
Pupils with medical conditions will often be best placed to provide information about how their condition affects them. They should 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.
Parents/carers should provide the school with sufficient and up-to date information about their child’s medical needs. They may, in some cases, be the first to notify the school that their child has a medical condition. Parents/carers are key partners and should be involved in the development and review of their child’s individual healthcare plan, and may be involved in its drafting. They should carry out any action they have agreed to as part of its implementation e.g. provide medicines and equipment and ensure they or another nominated adult are contactable at all times.
Kirklees Council will work with us to support pupils with medical conditions to attend full time. Where pupils would not receive a suitable education in school because of their health needs, the local authority has a duty to make other arrangements.
Providers of health services co-operate with the school as it supports children with medical conditions. They provide valuable support, information, advice and guidance to the school, and their staff, to support children with medical conditions at school.
The Ofsted common inspection framework came into effect on 1st September 2015, aimed at promoting greater consistency across inspection remits. Inspectors must consider how well a school meets the needs of the full range of pupils, including those with medical conditions. Key judgements will be informed by the progress and achievement of these children, alongside those of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and also by pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Schools are expected to have a policy dealing with medical needs and to be able to demonstrate that it is being implemented effectively.
Whole school awareness training will be arranged annually so that staff are aware of the school’s policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions and their role in implementing that policy.
We record staff training for the administration of medicines and/or clinical procedures centrally to monitor coverage and dates for refresher training. This is the responsibility of the Deputy Head, Pastoral Manager or a member of staff with pastoral responsibilities.
All staff who are required to provide support to pupils for medical conditions will be trained by healthcare professional qualified to do so. The training need will be identified by the healthcare professional during the development or review of the individual healthcare plan. We may choose to arrange training ourselves and will ensure it remains up-to-date.
Training should be sufficient to ensure that staff are competent and have confidence in their ability to support pupils with medical conditions, and to fulfil the requirements set out in the individual healthcare plan. They will need an understanding of the specific medical conditions they are being asked to deal with, their implications and preventative measures.
For the protection of both staff and pupil a second member of staff will be present while medication is administered or whilst intimate procedures are being followed, unless otherwise stated and agreed in an Individual Health Care Plan or Intimate Care Plan.
Staff must not give prescription medicines or undertake healthcare procedures without appropriate training. The level of training required will be determined by the type of medication and the administration process. A first aid certificate does not constitute appropriate training in supporting children with medical conditions. Healthcare professionals, including the school nurse, can provide confirmation of proficiency of staff in a specific medical procedure, or in providing specialist medication.
All staff will receive induction training and regular whole school awareness training so that all staff are aware of the school’s policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions and their role in implementing the policy. The Deputy Head, Pastoral Manager or a member of staff with pastoral responsibilities, will seek advice from relevant healthcare professionals about training needs, including preventative and emergency measures so that staff can recognise and act quickly when a problem occurs.
The family of a pupil will often be essential in providing relevant information to school staff about how their child’s needs can be met, and parents/carers will be asked for their views. They should provide specific advice, but should not be the sole trainer.
We will assess whether or not there are benefits to educating all pupils on different allergies, medical
conditions, etc. and the consequences of exposure to allergens, etc. We will ensure any education is
delivered in the most appropriate manner for the age of the pupils.
If, after discussion with the parent/carer, it is agreed that the pupil is competent to manage their own medication and procedures, they will be encouraged to do so. This will be reflected in the individual healthcare plan.
Wherever possible, pupils will be allowed to carry their own medicines and relevant devices or should be able to access their medication for self-medication quickly and easily. These will be stored in the cupboard in the Medical Room to ensure that the safeguarding of other pupils is not compromised. Southgate School also recognises that pupils who take their own medicines themselves and/or manage their own condition, may require an appropriate level of supervision. If it is not appropriate for a pupil to self-manage, then relevant staff will help to administer medicines and manage procedures for them.
If a pupil refuses to take medicine or carry out a necessary procedure, staff should not force them to do so, but follow the procedure agreed in the individual healthcare plan, parents/carers will be informed so that alternative options can be considered.
At Southgate School the following procedures are to be followed:
Non-prescription medicines
Prescription Medicines
The Head Teacher will ensure that arrangements are in place for dealing with emergencies for all school activities wherever they take place, including school trips within and outside the UK, as part of the general risk management process.
Where a pupil has an Individual Healthcare Plan, this will clearly define what constitutes an emergency and explain what to do, including ensuring that all relevant staff are aware of emergency symptoms and procedures. Other pupils in the school should know what to do in general terms, such as informing a teacher immediately if they think help is needed.
If a pupil needs to be taken to hospital, staff will stay with them until a parent/carer arrives, or accompany the child taken to hospital by ambulance. The school is aware of the local emergency services cover arrangements and the correct information will be provided for navigation systems.
We will actively support pupils with medical conditions to participate in off-site visits and sporting activities by being flexible and making reasonable adjustments unless there is evidence from a clinician, such as a GP, that this is not possible.
We will always conduct a risk assessment so that planning arrangements take account of any steps needed to ensure that pupils with medical conditions can be included safely. The individual healthcare plan will be updated with specific information required for the visit/activity and a copy will be taken on the visit. All staff supervising off-site visits will be made aware of any medical needs and relevant emergency procedures. This will involve consultation with parents/carers and relevant healthcare professions and will be informed by our Off-Site Visits Policy.
Staff with the role of administering medicines must have relevant and current training to do so. A first aid qualification does not cover the skills and knowledge for the administration of medicines.
The school will assess the suitability of work experience placements, with support from C&K Careers. The risk assessment will include the activities being undertaken, travel to and from the placement, supervision during non-teaching time or breaks and lunch hours. This will not conflict with the responsibility of the employer to undertake a risk assessment to identify the significant risks and necessary control measures when pupils below the minimum school leaving age are on site.
All staff will be familiar with normal precautions for avoiding infection and must follow basic hygiene procedures. Staff will have access to protective disposable vinyl gloves and take care when dealing with spillages of blood or other body fluids and disposing of dressings or equipment. Further information is contained in the First Aid Policy and Guidance for Schools on First Aid.
Some pupils will require specialist equipment to support them whilst attending school. Staff will check the equipment, in line with any training given, and report concerns to the Deputy Head, Pastoral Manager or a member of staff with pastoral responsibilities.
The maintenance contract/safety checks for all equipment and the procedure to be followed in the event of equipment failure will be detailed within the individual healthcare plan.
Staff will be made aware of the use, storage and maintenance of any equipment.
The School has a defibrillator for emergency use in school. It is located in the Medical Room.
Although staff at Southgate School should use their discretion and judge each case on its merits with reference to the pupil’s individual healthcare plan, it is not generally acceptable practice to:
Individual cover may need to be arranged for any healthcare procedures, in particular those which would be considered invasive or normally undertaken by a medical professional. If in any doubt Senior Leaders will contact the Insurance and Risk Management Team who will check with external insurers. Any requirements of the insurance, such as the need for staff to be trained, should be made clear in the healthcare plan and complied with. In the event of a claim alleging negligence by a member of staff, civil actions are likely to be brought against the employer rather than the employee.
Staff who assist with administering medication to a child in accordance with the procedure detailed within this policy are explicitly reassured that they will be acting within the scope of their employment and that they will be indemnified. Indemnity requires that these procedures are followed as described here. The indemnity though will not be given in cases of fraud, dishonesty, or criminal offence. In the most unlikely event of any civil action for damages being taken against you, please contact the Insurance and Risk Management Team. Any member of staff will be fully supported throughout the process should an allegation be made.
Should parents/carers be dissatisfied with the support provided, they must discuss their concerns directly with the school. This will be with the child’s teacher/form tutor in the first instance, with whom any issues should be addressed. If this does not resolve the problem or allay the concern, the problem should be brought to a member of the school leadership team, who will, where necessary, bring concerns to the attention of the Head Teacher. In the unlikely event of this not resolving the issue, the parents/carers must make a formal complaint using the Southgate School Complaints Procedure.
R Perfitt, 2020