Policy for Supporting Pupils in School with Medical Needs

Updated policy 25.04.17 FHA

Amended 12.05.17

Lampton School

Policy for Supporting Pupils in School with Medical Needs

CONTENTS

Context & Statutory Guidance

1. PREAMBLE.

1. ADMINISTERING MEDICATION

2.1Record keeping

2.2Required information from home or GP

2.3Non-prescription medication

2.4Administering medication

2.5Staff giving medicines

2.6Self management

2.7Pupils refusing medication

2.8Storing medicines safely

2.9Disposing of medicines

2.10Access to medication

2.11Hygiene/infection control

1. HEALTH CARE PLANS

3.1Drawing up a Health care plus

3.2Short term medical needs

3.3Long term medical needs

1. CONFIDENTIALITY

1. INTIMATE AND/OR INVASIVE TREATMENT

1. SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS

6.1Asthma

6.2Epilepsy

6.3Diabetes

6.4Anaphylaxis

1. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. APPENDICES (Appendix 15 new)

Lampton Academy

Policy for Supporting Pupils with

Medical Needs 2016-17

Context

Lampton Academy reflects a wide and diverse community. Lampton believes children and young people with medical conditions are entitled to a full education and aims to ensure that all pupils with medical conditions receive appropriate care and support at school. Lampton recognizes how medical conditions can impact on a child’s ability to learn and takes a holistic view of support and care.

Ofsted places a clear emphasis on meeting the needs of pupils with SEN and Disabilities. Section 100 of The Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on the governing body of this Academy to make arrangements for supporting children with medical conditions.

Statutory Guidance

It is the duty of the Academy to support students with medical conditions according to Section100ofthe ChildrenandFamiliesAct2014:

_guidance_on_supporting_students_at_academy_with_medical_conditions.pdf

This document has been updated and developed in line with Department for Education’s legislation and guidance; Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions 2010, The Children and Families Act 2014 and The Code of Practice 2014 and will have regard to this guidance when meeting this requirement.

Where children have a disability, the requirement of the Equality Act, 2010 will apply. Where children have an identified special need, the SEN Code of Practice, 2014 will also apply. All staff has a duty of care to follow and co-operate with the requirements of this policy. This policy will be reviewed with the Assistant Head for Inclusion in consultation with the Academy’s Governing Body.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1The policy aims to support staff in enabling pupils with medical needs to function fully in all matters of school life.

1.2This policy defines medical need as being any condition which requires the use of prosthesis, physical manipulation, prescribed drug use, or other therapeutic intervention in order for a pupil to function at a reasonably normal level.

1.3Disability, in any form, should not be seen as a bar to the education of any child.

1.4The Staff and Governors of the school should aim to include in the annual School Development Plan positive plans for inclusion of children with medical needs or disabilities and should seek to improve access to, and facilities in, the school with this inclusion in mind.

1.5Pupils with medical needs should be included in school trips and visits despite their medical need. Indeed every effort should be made to positively discriminate in favour of children with medical needs when planning trips and visits.

1.6On school trips or journeys, essential medicines should accompany the pupil. A responsible adult (normally a teacher) must be fully aware of the medication required and should complete the appropriate medication form (See Appendix 10/11)

1. ADMINISTERING MEDICATION

2.1A log of all medication taken by a pupil must be kept. It should include the name of the pupil, type of medication, the dose, when taken, name of member of staff supervising pupil.

2.2Parents are responsible for supplying information about medication that their child needs to take at school and for letting school know of any changes to the prescription or the support needed.

Details about:

Name of medication;

Dose;

Method of administration;

Time;

Frequency of administration;

Other treatments;

Any side effects.

2.3Non-prescription medication

2.3.1School staff should not give non prescribed medication to pupils. Only designated members of staff (SDH/KPA) can give non prescribed medication. All other school staff should not give prescribed medicines to pupils.

2.3.2If a child suffers regularly from acute pain, which would otherwise preclude attendance at school, the parents should authorise and supply appropriate painkillers for their child’s use with written instructions about when the child should take the medication. A member of staff (Mrs S Dhadli, Welfare Officer) should supervise the child taking the medication.

2.4Administering medication.

No pupil under 16 should be given medication without his or her parents’ written and/or verbal consent.

2.5Designated staff giving medicine to a pupil should check:

• Pupil’s name;
• Written instructions provided by parent or doctor;
• Prescribed dose;
• Expiry date;

Children are not encouraged to bring /carry their own non-

prescription medication.

Each time medication is given the Medicine Book, kept in the Student Services room, must be completed accordingly. This should only be completed by the Welfare Officer, but if she is not immediately available, the appropriate information should be given to her as soon as possible so that an entry can be made in the book.

2.6Self Management

All children who can be trusted to manage their own medication from an early age will be encouraged to do so. All medication will normally be kept centrally under the Welfare Officer’s supervision – the exception being asthma inhalers which may be carried by the individual child.

2.7Refusing medication.

If a child refuses to take medication, they should not be forced to do so. The child’s parents must be informed and according to the severity of effect, Emergency Services called.

2.8Storing medicines safely.

2.8.1Large volumes of medication should not be stored in school;

2.8.2The student can be asked to bring in the required dose to Student Services (S Dhadli) each day;

2.8.3Medicines should be kept in a secure place not accessible to children;

2.8.4Individual medicines should be kept in a container.

2.8.5Each container must be labelled with:

• Name of child
• The name and dose of the drug
• The frequency of administration
• Where a child needs two or more prescribed medicines each should be in a separate container.

2.8.6No medicines should be transferred from their original container;

2.8.7Medicines are to be kept in the secure medicine cupboard in the Student Services room;

2.8.8Medicines that require refrigeration will be kept in the fridge in airtight containers that are clearly labelled.

2.9Disposal of medicines

No staff must dispose of medicines. Parents should collect medicine held at school at the end of each term. Parents are responsible for disposal of date-expired medicines. A record of the expiry date of the long-term medicines will be held at the front of the medicine book.

2.10Access to medication

Children must have access to the medicine when required (with appropriate supervision).

2.11Hygiene/infection control

2.11.1All basic hygiene procedures are to be followed.

2.11.2 Access to protective disposable gloves and care must be taken when dealing with spillages of blood and other body fluids and disposing of dressings or equipment. A specified bin for this purpose is kept in the Student Services room.

1. HEALTH CARE PLAN

3.1The purpose of a health care plan is to identify the level of support that is needed in school.

3.1.1Health care plans should be drawn up using the form in Appendix ….

3.1.2Health care plans will be drawn up and maintained by the Welfare Officer.

3.1.3Health care plans will be reviewed annually.

3.1.4The Welfare Officer will decide on who should be circulated with the HCP, but it is anticipated that teachers teaching school activities which may exacerbate a condition, or where a pupil may be hindered in making appropriate progress, will normally be informed.

3.2Short term medical needs:

Some children will need to take medication (or be given it) at school. Mostly this will be for a short period.

• The main carer is responsible for ensuring that a child is well enough to attend school.
• Medication should only be brought to school when absolutely essential.
• Parents need to be encouraged to ask the prescribing doctor or dentist to prescribe dose frequencies which enable medicine to be taken outside school.

3.3Long term medical needs:

Sufficient information about the medical condition of any child with long-term needs should be made available before a child starts school or when a child develops a condition. These details will be circulated to relevant staff to raise awareness. Permission will be sought from parents/carers to do so.

The school needs to know:

• Details of a pupil’s condition;
• Special requirements, e.g. dietary needs, pre-activity precautions;
• Medication and side effects;
• What to do and who to contact in an emergency;
• The role the school can play;

1. CONFIDENTIALITY

All medical information must be treated confidentially. Where it is necessary to share medical information with a member of staff a permission form should be signed by the parent (see Appendix 10)

1. INTIMATE OR INVASIVE TREATMENT

5.1.1The school is prepared to undertake intimate or invasive treatment in order that the child can regularly attend school. Designated staff will receive appropriate training and support. No member of staff will be expected nor required to administer treatment against their will.

5.1.2A full record of the administration of any intimate or invasive treatment must be kept (see Appendix 5 and 8)

1. SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS

6.1The medical conditions in children which most commonly cause concern in schools are asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). The following guidance gives basic information about these conditions. These notes should NOT BE TAKEN AS DETAILED MEDICAL ADVICE, but are important in understanding the conditions common amongst children in the care of the school.

6.2Members of staff responsible for school trips or visits should ensure that they are

(a)aware of the medical needs of any children in their care on the trip or journey

(b)have discussed the issues with the Welfare Officer.

(c)be aware of appropriate action to take in the event of any of these conditions mentioned here occurring during the trip or visit.

1. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• All staff must know how to call the emergency services. Necessary details are available by all telephones.
• Ms S Dhadli/ Ms Patel are responsible for carrying out emergency procedures in the event of need. If they or the designated first aiders are not available, all staff to use the emergency procedure.
• A pupil taken to hospital by ambulance must be accompanied by a member of staff who should remain with the child until parent/carer arrives.
• A member of staff should not take a child to hospital in their own car. However, in an emergency, it may be the best course of action. The member of staff should be accompanied by another adult and have public liability vehicle insurance.

1. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lampton works alongside external agencies, staff, healthcare professionals, students and parents/carers to ensure that this policy is implemented successfully. This policy and the practices documented will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the Academy remains a safe and inclusive setting for every student.

Governing Body

The Governing Body is responsible for ensuring that this policy has been developed and implemented to enable all pupils with medical conditions to participate fully in all aspects of school like. They are also responsible for ensuring that sufficient staff have received suitable training and are skilled up sufficiently before taking responsibility and supporting pupils with medical conditions.

Headteacher

The Headteacher is responsible for ensuring all staff are aware of this policy and to understand their role in its implementation. The head teacher is responsible for ensuring all staff are aware of individual children’s conditions and that staff are trained in order to implement the policy, together with dealing with emergency situation. The Headteacher will ensure the schools insurancearrangementsaresufficientand appropriateto cover staffproviding supporttostudentswithmedical conditions.

Assistant Head of Inclusion and the SENCo:

• School is fully inclusiveandevery child is given the opportunity to succeed.
• The Medical Policy follows national guidance and is maintained.
• Effective liaison takes place with other relevant staff.
• Ensureinformationheld by school isaccurateanduptodate.
• Ensurestudentconfidentialityisrespected.
• Assess the training needs of staff and through liaison with Mr Pavey ensure they are met through the schools programme of CPL.
• Delegate tasks appropriately to key staff.
• Monitor and review the Medical Policy annually with the Welfare Officer.

Allstaffat Lampton Academy:

• To read and understandtheschool’s medicalpolicy.
• Know whichstudents intheircarehaveamedicalconditionandbefamiliarwiththecontent of the student’s risk assessment or Healthcare Plan.
• Allowall studentstohave immediate access totheir emergencymedication if and when required.
• Ensure effective communication with parents/carers especially if a child has been unwell.
• Follow risk assessment procedures when accompanying students on a trip.
• Be sensitive to students with medical conditions social, emotional and mental health and raise concerns with the Pastoral or Inclusion team through PCT.
• Ensure that students with medical conditions play an active role in school life.

Specific responsibilitiesofkey staff:

• The SENCo will have oversight of studentswith medical conditions and ensure that adverse impactontheirlearning is minimised by working with the Welfare Officer, Head of Year, family and the student.
• Staff withfirstaidtrainingwillgivehelpto students withcommoninjuriesor illnesses and ensurethatanambulanceorotherprofessional medicalhelpis arranged if required.
• The Welfare Officer willensureallmedicationiscorrectlystoredandlabelled, regularlyreviewed, indateandthatparentsprovidenew medicationasneeded.
• The SENCo will liaise with Mr Pavey regarding staff training needs.

Students:

• Treatotherstudentswithandwithoutamedicalcondition respectfully
• Inform theirparents/carers,teacher orneareststaff member whenthey are feeling unwell.
• Ensurea memberofstaffis calledinanemergency situation.

Parents/Carers:

• Inform staff at school if theirchildhasamedicalcondition.
• If a Healthcare plan is already in place, ensure school receives an up to date copy.
• Inform staff about medication their child requires in the school day
• Complete the medical information section of consent documentation for off-site activities as appropriate.
• Inform staff of any changes to medication.
• Inform staff of any changes to their child’s medical conditions and needs.
• Ensure medication provided to staff at school is clearly labelled.
• Replenish medicines which expire.
• Encourage their child to engage with catch up work in the event of an absence.
• Provide details of healthcare professionals involved with their child so all relevant parties can work collaboratively.

Liability and Indemnity

Lampton Academy’s insurancearrangementsaresufficientand appropriateto cover staffproviding supporttostudentswithmedical conditions.

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 complaints procedure.

Review of Policy The policy will be reviewed by the Full Governing Body annually so to ensure it is kept up to date with current guidelines.

Updated policy: 25.04.17

Updated with amendments: 12.05.17

Date of next review: May 2018
APPENDICES

Appendix 1Asthma (guidelines)

Appendix 2Epilepsy (guidelines)

Appendix 3Diabetes (guidelines)

Appendix 4Anaphylaxis (guidelines)

Appendix 5Health Care Plan for pupils with medical needs

Appendix 6Request for school to administer medication

Appendix 7Confirmation of HT agreement to administer medication.

Appendix 8Record of medication administration.

Appendix 9 Request for pupil to carry his/her own medication

Appendix 10 Staff training record – administration of medical treatment.

Appendix 11Guidelines for non medical/non-nursing staff administration of medication.

Appendix 13Emergency planning.

Appendix 14Permission for medically confidential information to be given to a member of staff.

Appendix 15 Individual Healthcare Plan implementation procedure
Appendix 1

ASTHMA: COMMON CONCERNS

What is asthma?

People with asthma have airways which narrow as a reaction to various triggers. The triggers vary between individuals but common ones include viral infections, cold air, grass pollen, animal fur and house dust mites. Exercise and stress can also precipitate asthma attacks in susceptible people. The narrowing or obstruction of the airways causes difficulty in breathing and can be alleviated with treatment.

Asthma attacks are characterised by coughing, wheeziness and difficulty in breathing, especially breathing out. The affected person may be distressed and anxious and, in severe attacks, the pupil’s skin and lips may become blue.

About one in seven children have asthma diagnosed at some time and about one in twenty children have asthma which requires regular medical supervision.

Medication and Control

There are several medications used to treat asthma. Some are for long term prevention and are normally used out of school hours and others relieve symptoms when they occur (although these may also prevent symptoms if they are used in anticipation of a trigger, e.g exercise.)

Most pupils with asthma will relieve their symptoms with medication using an inhaler. It is good practice to allow children with asthma to take charge of and use their inhaler from an early age, and many do.

A small number of children, particularly the younger ones, may use a spacer device with their inhaler with which they may need help. In a few severe cases, children use an electrically powered nebulizer to deliver their asthma medication.

Each pupil’s needs and the amount of assistance they require will differ.

Children with asthma must have immediate access to their reliever inhalers when they need them. Pupils who are able to use their inhalers themselves should usually be allowed to carry them with them. If the child is too young or immature to take personal responsibility for their inhaler, staff should make sure that it is stored in a safe but readily accessible place and clearly marked with the pupil’s name. Inhalers should also be available during physical education and sports activities or school trips.

It is helpful if parents provide schools with a spare inhaler for their child’s use in case the inhaler is left at home accidentally or runs out. Spare reliever inhalers must be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name and stored safely.

The medication of any individual pupil with asthma will not necessarily be the same as the medication of another pupil with the same condition. Although major side effects are extremely uncommon for the most frequently used asthma medications, they do exist and may sometimes be made more severe if the pupil is taking other medication.