Crossacres Primary Academy

Policy for supporting children in school with Medical Conditions 2017

Date – January 2017

Review Date - January 2018

Responsible Person – Julie Harrison

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Administering Medicines policy and, if applicable, the SEN policy.

This policy is written in regard to Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 which places a duty on governing bodies to make arrangements for supporting pupils at their school with medical conditions.

Aims

To ensure pupils at school with medical conditions, in terms of both physical and mental health, are properly supported so they can play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve their academic potential.

To ensure the needs of children with medical conditions are effectively supported in consultation with health and social care professionals, their parents and the pupils themselves.

Procedure

The person named above is responsible for ensuring that whenever the school is notified that a pupil has a medical condition:

  • Sufficient staff are suitably trained
  • All relevant staff are made aware of the child’s condition
  • Cover arrangements in case of staff absence/turnover is always available
  • Supply teachers are briefed
  • Risk assessments for visits and activities out of the normal timetable are carried out
  • Individual health care plans are monitored (at least annually)
  • Transitional arrangements between schools are carried out
  • If a child’s needs change, the above measures are adjusted accordingly

When children are joining Crossacres Primary Academy at the start of a new academic year, these arrangements should be in place for the start of term.

Where a child joins mid-term or a new diagnosis is given, arrangements should be in place as soon as possible, ideally within two weeks.

Any pupil with a medical condition requiring medication or support in school should have an individual health care plan which details the support that child needs. If the parents, healthcare professionals and school agree that a health care plan is inappropriate or disproportionate, a record of the child’s medical condition and any implications for the child will be kept in the school’s medical record and the child’s individual record.

Individual Health Care Plans

Crossacres Primary Academy use the recommended format for Individual Health Care Plans which was devised by Lancasterian Outreach and Inclusion Service.

The following information should be considered when writing an individual health care plan:

  • the medical condition, it’s triggers, signs, symptoms and treatments
  • the pupils resulting needs, including medication and other treatments, times facilities, equipment, testing, dietary requirements and environmental issues.
  • specific support for the pupil’s educational, social and emotional needs
  • the level of support needed including in emergencies
  • who will provide support, their training needs, expectation of their role, confirmation of their proficiency and cover arrangements
  • who in school needs to be aware of the child’s condition and the support required
  • arrangements for written permission from parents and the head teacher for medication to be administered by a member of staff or self-administered (children who are competent should be encouraged to take responsibility for managing their own medicines and procedures, with an appropriate level of supervision)
  • separate arrangements or procedures required for school trips or other school activities outside of the normal timetable that will ensure a child can participate
  • confidentiality
  • what to do if a child refuses to take medicine or carry out a necessary procedure
  • what to do in an emergency, who to contact and contingency arrangements
  • where a child has SEN but does not have an Education, Health Care Plan their special educational needs should be mentioned in their individual health care plans.

Roles and Responsibilities

Supporting a child with a medical condition during school hours is not the sole responsibility of one person. The school will work collaboratively with any relevant person or agency to provide effective support for the child.

The Governing Body

  • Must make arrangements to support pupils with medical conditions and ensure that this policy is developed and implemented
  • Must ensure that sufficient staff receive suitable training and are competent to support children with medical conditions
  • Must ensure the appropriate level of insurance is in place and appropriately reflects the level of risk

The Head Teacher

  • Should ensure that all staff are aware of this policy and understand their role in its implementation
  • Should ensure that all staff who need to know are informed of a child’s condition
  • Should ensure that sufficient numbers of staff are trained to implement the policy and deliver IHCP’s, including in emergency and contingency situations and they are appropriately insured
  • Ensure that staff responsible for the development of IHCP’s are fully aware of the process

School staff

  • Any staff member may be asked to provide support to pupils with medical conditions, including the administering of medicines, although they cannot be required to do so
  • Should receive sufficient and suitable training and achieve the necessary level of competency before taking on the responsibility of supporting children with medical needs
  • Any staff member should know what to do and respond accordingly when they become aware that a pupil with a medical condition needs help.

School Nurses

  • Are responsible for notifying the school when a child has been identified as having a medical condition which will require support in school
  • May support staff in implementing a child’s IHCP and provide advice and liaison

Other health care professionals

  • Should notify the school nurse when a child has been identified as having a medical condition that will require support at school
  • May provide advice on developing healthcare plans
  • Specialist local teams may be able to provide support for particular conditions (eg asthma, diabetes)

Pupils

  • Should wherever possible, be fully involved in discussions about their medical support needs and contribute to and comply with their IHCP

Parents

  • Must provide the school with sufficient and up-to-date information about their child’s medical needs
  • Are the key partner and should be involved in the development and review of their child’s IHCP
  • Should carry out any action they have agreed to as part of the IHCP implementation

Notes

  • The school does not have to accept a child identified as having a medical condition at times when it would be detrimental to the health of that child or others to do so.

The following practice is considered not acceptable

  • Preventing children from easily accessing their medication and administering it when and where necessary.
  • Assuming children with the same condition require the same treatment
  • Ignoring the views of the child, their parents, ignoring medical advice or opinion
  • Sending children with medical conditions home frequently or prevent them from staying for normal school activities (unless specified in IHCP)
  • Penalizing children for their attendance record if their absences are related to their medical condition that is recognised under this policy
  • Preventing children from drinking, eating or taking toilet breaks whenever they need to in order to manage their medical condition effectively
  • To require parents to attend school to administer medication or provide medical support to their child, including toileting issues. (No parent should have to give up working because the school is failing to support their child’s medical needs)
  • Preventing children from participating, or create unnecessary barriers to children participating in any aspect of school life, including school trips (such as requiring parents to accompany the child)

Complaints

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

This policy will be reviewed in 2018

Julie Harrison 2017

Governors Approval……………………………………………………………….

List of Appendix

Appendix 1 – Procedure following Notification of a Pupil’s medical needs

Appendix 2 – Individual Health Care Planning flow chart

Appendix 3 – Medicines and Medical Interventions

Appendix 4 – LOIS – Individual Health Care Plans

Template A – Parent/Carer Information about a child’s medical condition

Template B – Parent/Carer request and agreement for school to administer medicine

Appendix A - Procedure following Notification of a Pupil’s Medical Needs

Appendix 2 - Individual Healthcare Planning (IHCP) Flow Chart

Flow Chart courtesy of Lancasterian Outreach and Inclusion Service (LOIS)

Medicines and Medical Interventions

Some of the medicines and medical interventions commonly managed within special and mainstream schools are detailed below.

Medicines

Medical Needs / Medicine / Training Requirements
Adrenal Insufficiency / Hydrocortisone
Diabetes Type 1 / Insulin / Training by specialist nursing team required
Eczema / Topical corticosteroids
Emollients (moisturising creams)
Epilepsy (rescue mediation in the event of a seizure) / Midazolam hydrochloride (Buccolam)
Midazolam maleate (Epistatus) / Training by specialist nursing team required
Muscle spasm (Cerebral Palsy) / Baclofen
Severe allergy / anaphylaxis / Adrenaline (EpiPen) / Training by specialist nursing team required

Medical Interventions

Situation / Medical Intervention / Training Requirements
Blood-Glucose (Sugar) Level Monitoring /
  • Testing procedure includes taking a small blood sample
/ Training by specialist nursing team required
Catheterisation /
  • Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC)
  • Self – Catheterisation (CIC)
  • Management of In-Dwelling Catheter
/ Training by specialist nursing team required
Diabetes and Insulin management /
  • Injection of insulin (insulin pen)
  • Dose management
/ Training by specialist nursing team required
Gastrostomy / Nasogastric feeding (tube feeding into the stomach) /
  • Bolus (Gravity) feeding procedure
  • Pump feeding procedure
  • Management of stoma site
/ Training by specialist nursing team required
Hickman (Central) Line /
  • Awareness raising, management and monitoring
/ Training by specialist nursing team required
Oxygen Therapy /
  • Management of oxygen via cylinders
/ Training required by suppliers and specialist nursing team
Tracheostomy /
  • Trache and equipment care and management
  • Suction
  • Changing / replacing trache tube
/ Training by specialist nursing team required

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REGULAR MEDICATION / MEDICAL PROTOCOL
for XXXX YYYY in Y
Date of Protocol: Date Review due: / CONFIDENTIAL
INSERT PHOTO
OF CHILD
HERE
This protocol has been discussed with parents/carers. Signed permission has been obtained for this protocol to be followed during the school day.
This protocol is to be reviewed yearly/termly (or sooner if needs change) in consultation with parents/carers.
Information / Action / Rationale
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Parents/Carer’s Contact Details: Home Mobile
I have read and agree to this procedure for XXXX YYYY:
______Parent/Carer Date:______
______TA Date:______
______Teacher Date:______
______SENCO/Lead Date:______
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROTOCOL
for XXXX YYYY in Y
Date of Protocol: Date Review due / CONFIDENTIAL
INSERT PHOTO
OF CHILD
HERE
This emergency protocol has been discussed with parents/carers. Signed permission has been obtained for this protocol to be followed during the school day in the event of an emergency.
This protocol is to be reviewed yearly/termly (or sooner if needs change) in consultation with parents/carers.
Information/Event / Action / Rationale
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
School Staff Trained in First Aid:
Parents/Carer’s Contact Details: Home Mobile
I have read and agree to this procedure for XXXX YYYY:
______Parent/Carer Date:______
______TA Date:______
______Teacher Date:______
______SENCO/Lead Date:______
PERSONAL CARE NEEDS PLAN
for XXXX YYYY in Y
Date of plan: Review Date: / CONFIDENTIAL
INSERT PHOTO
OF CHILD HERE
This plan has been discussed with parents/carers. Signed permission has been obtained for this plan to be followed during the school day.
This plan is to be reviewed yearly/termly (or sooner if needs change) in consultation with parents/carers.
Teacher: Mrs YYYY
Staff involved in routinely meeting XXXX’s personal care needs: Mrs HHHH (TA), Miss JJJJ (TA) & Miss KKKK (TA)
Medical Information:
Mobility
Communication Skills:
Details of Plan
Procedure:
Facilities, Resources & Equipment needed: / Management of Personal Care Needs
Management and review of the personal care needs plan with staff and parents/carers is the responsibility of the SENCO/Lead. Day to day responsibility for the implementation of the personal needs care plan remains the responsibility of the class teacher and named TAs.
Level of Supervision: 1 to 1
Confidentiality Agreement
Parents / carers and pupil (if appropriate) agree that this is to be shared with key staff who will treat all information confidentially and will respect the dignity and privacy of XXXX. / Additional Roles of Support Staff:
- maintain good health and safety practices
- maintain hygiene/cleanliness of the equipment/area,
- maintain standards of personal hygiene.
I have read and agree to this procedure for XXXX YYYY:
______Parent/Carer Date:______
______TA Date:______
______Teacher Date:______
______SENCO/Lead Date:______
ASSESSMENT OF RISK IN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
for XXXX YYYY in Y
Date of Implementation:
Date of Review: / CONFIDENTIAL
INSERT PHOTO
OF CHILD
HERE
This risk assessment has been written following an audit of the school environment made by (e.g. SENCO with Site Manager) on date. The following areas were identified and strategies put in place to reduce risk.
Area considered / Hazard / Risk / Barrier to Access / Strategy(ies) or Action(s) / Responsibility
Other Actions:
I have read and agree to this risk assessment for XXXX YYYY:
______Parent/Carer Date:______
______TA Date:______
______Teacher Date:______
______SENCO/Lead Date:______
PERSONAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
for XXXX YYYY in
Date of Plan: Review Date: / CONFIDENTIAL
INSERT PHOTO
OF CHILD HERE
Any issues affecting the child’s fast evacuation from school in the event of an emergency are considered below. Consideration has been given to evacuation when using different types of equipment and in different areas of the school. This plan has been discussed with parents/carers. Signed permission has been obtained for this emergency plan to be followed. This plan is to be reviewed yearly/termly or sooner if needs change, in consultation with parents/carers.
Relevant Information
TAs named to carry out the plan:
Risk / Action(s) / Rationale
Physical:
Medical:
Behaviour:
I have read and agree to this evacuation plan for XXXX YYYY in the event of an emergency:
______Parent / Carer Date:______
______TA Date:______
______Teacher Date:______
______SENCO/Lead Date:______

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ADDITIONAL NEEDS RISK ASSESSMENT FOR AN OFF-SITE TRIP OR VISIT
for XXXX YYYY in Year
PLACE OF VISIT ______DATE OF VISIT ______
LEAD ORGANISER ______
STAFF ATTENDING ______
DEPARTURE TIME ______RETURN TIME ______
Aspect Considered in addition to that on group risk assessment / Identified Needs / Potential Hazard / Risk / Action to be taken / Named Staff to action / Tick when actioned
TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE VENUE
Does the vehicle have space for the pupil to access the seats, including space for manual transfers and support?
Is specialized transport required e.g. tail lift vehicle for wheelchair, wheelchair space and clamps?
Does the vehicle have space for all necessary equipment?
If walking what additional strategies need to be in place to ensure pupil's safety?
ACCESS TO THE VENUE / SITE
Does the venue have parking facilities close to main entrance?
Does the venue have level access (ramp) or stairs?
Does the venue have level access to all rooms to be used inside?
Are corridors wide enough and doorways and doors accessible?
VENUE / ROOMS
Are rooms to be used accessible? e.g. space for a wheelchair to navigate through.
If in an auditorium are there ‘disabled’ seating / wheelchair spaces available? Have these been booked?
Is the seating appropriate for the pupil?
Are there sound systems available for hearing impaired pupils?
Are AV presentations accessible for the pupil?
PERSONAL CARE NEEDS
Does the venue have an accessible toilet / bathroom?
Does the venue have appropriate changing facilities for this age of pupil?
What equipment and resources should be taken? e.g. pads, wipes etc
Who is named to support the pupil in the bathroom?
MEDICAL NEEDS (including emergency protocol)
Have copies of medical protocols (including emergency protocols) been attached to this document?
Who is named to deliver the medical protocols on the trip?
How is medication and equipment to be transported?
How is medication and equipment kept safe?
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Is there a copy of the venue’s general emergency evacuation plan available?
Does the venue have an emergency evacuation plan for people with disabilities?
What additional strategies need to be in place for this pupil?
Have staff been fully briefed on their roles in an evacuation?
Who is named to support the pupil in the event of an emergency?
EATING FACITILIES
Is there level access to dining facilities?
Are tables and chairs of appropriate height?
Is the cutlery appropriate?
Does the pupil require specially prepared food? e.g. pureed, gastrostomy.
How is pre-prepared food to be transported?
Does the pupil require support with eating? Who is named to support the pupil?
Are there any foods / drinks that should be avoided due to allergies or dietary preferences?
RESOURCES REQUIRED
Have all weather conditions been considered?
Might the pupil need extra clothing, a sun hat, a raincoat etc?
SUPPORT
What level of support does the pupil require during different situations / activities? e.g. 1:1 bathroom support, small group curriculum support, 1:1 supervision support outdoors etc.
Which staff are named as support for which activities?
ACTIVITIES/
CURRICULUM
ARRANGEMENTS
Does the pupil need any support for classroom based activities?
Who is named to deliver the support?
Will the pupil be taking part in any physical activities? e.g. climbing, canoeing etc.
Are copies of the venue’s individual risk assessments for these activities available?
Have you discussed the activities with staff from the venue and how they may be adapted to meet the needs of the pupil?
Are any activities not recommended for the pupil? If so, what alternatives are offered?
MANUAL HANDLING
Have predicted transfers involving manual handling been discussed with the pupil’s physiotherapist? e.g. transfer to seat in coach, transfer to changing bed etc.
SCHOOL-HOME TRANSPORT
If the pupil is taken home by LA transport does the return time still allow this to happen?
Are arrangements in place for parents/carers to collect the pupil on return?
Are there arrangements for parents/carers to be contacted in the event of transport delays?
COMMUNICATION
Do all staff have access to a mobile phone during the trip?
Have all staff ensured that their phone is fully charged and switched on?
Do the staff need to have access to a walkie-talkie?
CONTACT NUMBERS
Do all staff have a full contact list that includes: all staff accompanying, the venue, school, parents/carers?
I have read and I agree to the above risk assessment, please print name, sign and date this document.
Class Teacher / Group Leader: / Signature: / Date:
SENCo: / Signature: / Date:
TA: / Signature: / Date:
TA: / Signature: / Date:
Parent / Carer: / Signature: / Date:

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