Supporting Children with Medical Needs

At Ropsley C of E Primary School, we want every child to feel safe, included, and able to take part fully in school life. Children with medical conditions have the same right to access education, trips, PE, and wider school activities as other pupils, and we will work with families and health professionals to make appropriate arrangements for each child.

Please tell us about your child’s medical needs

Parents and carers play an essential role in helping us to support children safely. Please let us know if your child:

• has a diagnosed medical condition;
• develops a new medical need;
• has an allergy;
• requires medication during the school day;
• has recently had a change to medication or treatment; or
• requires particular support or adjustments in school.

It is important that the information we hold is kept up to date. Parents are asked to provide the school with current information about their child’s medical needs and to supply any medication or equipment required.

Individual Healthcare Plans

Some children with longer-term or more complex medical needs will have an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP).

An IHP helps everyone understand:

• the child’s medical condition and possible triggers;
• signs and symptoms staff should be aware of;
• medication or treatment required;
• what support the child may need during lessons, playtimes or other activities;
• what staff should do in an emergency; and
• any arrangements needed for trips, visits or physical activity.

Plans are developed in partnership with parents, school staff and, where appropriate, relevant healthcare professionals. They are reviewed at least annually and sooner if a child’s needs change.

Medicines in school

Wherever possible, medicines should be given outside school hours. However, we recognise that some children need medication during the school day in order to remain well and attend school.

Parents must give written consent before school can administer medication. Prescription medicines should normally be:

• in date;
• in the original container supplied by the pharmacy;
• clearly labelled with the child’s name;
• accompanied by instructions for dosage, administration and storage.

The school keeps a written record of medicines administered.

If your child requires medicine in school, please complete the form on this page and email it to us; alternatively, there is a paper copy available in the school office.

Please note that parents should drop off and collect the medicine each day from the school office.

Emergency medication

Medication which may be needed urgently, such as inhalers or adrenaline auto-injectors, must be readily accessible. Children will be told where their medication is kept and arrangements will also be considered when children are away from the school site.

Where a child has an Individual Healthcare Plan, this will clearly explain what constitutes an emergency and what staff should do.