Wherever possible, medical appointments should be arranged outside of the school day. Where a child needs to attend an urgent medical appointment during the school day, we will require proof of appointment.
The Governors and staff of St Mary's Primary School wish to ensure that pupils with medical needs receive care and support. Pupils should not be denied access to a broad and balanced curriculum simply because they are on medication or need medical support, nor should they be denied access to school trips. Most children at some time have short term medical needs i.e finishing a course of medicine. However, medicines should only be taken to school when essential. With regard to pupils with long term medical needs, parents should provide sufficient information about the medical condition. A Health Care Plan may clarify for staff, parents and the child the help that can be provided.
What to do if my Child is Unwell?
Prescribed medication
Prescribed medicines should only be taken to school when essential. The school can only accept medicines that are in their original container as dispensed following prescription by a doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber or pharmacist and include the prescriber’s instructions for administration.
The Head Teacher will accept responsibility for members of school staff giving or supervising pupils taking prescribed medication during the school day. Unless otherwise indicated, all medication to be administered will be kept in a locked medicine cabinet or in the fridge if necessary.
Non-prescribed medicine
Staff should never give a non-prescribed medicine to a child unless there is specific prior written permission from the parents. The Head Teacher must approve the administration of the medicine. Criteria in the National Standards for under 8’s day care providers, make it clear that non-prescription medicine should not normally be administered.
Parental Responsibilities
Parents have a prime responsibility for their child’s health and should provide the school with information about their child’s medical condition. Parents are responsible for making sure their child is well enough to attend school. Where a child is acutely unwell it is advised that the child be kept at home by the parent/carer. In all instances of illness, school will follow the advice issued by the Health Protection Agency and Public Health England for guidance and the recommended period for a child to be kept away from school.
