School Supervised Medication

The LEA provides guidance and model policies to schools on supporting children in school who have a medical need, so that schools can ensure that they are able to manage any situation where a pupil has a medical condition or need, without limiting their access to education.

How parents/carers can find out about supervised medication

The policies and procedures adopted within individual schools will be made available to parents and/or carers of pupils who are in attendance at that school.

Procedure

The LA, schools and governors recognise that a considerable number of pupils will at some time have a medical condition that may affect their participation in school activities. However, medication must only be taken into school when it is absolutely essential. Parents and/or carers are responsible for ensuring their child is well enough to attend school. If a child is acutely unwell they must be kept at home.

There is no legal duty which requires members of school staff to administer medication or a medical procedure to a pupil and any staff who agree to participate in administering medicines do so on a voluntary basis. Consequently individual schools have to determine their policy on supporting children in school who have a medical need.

Parents and/or carers should therefore make enquiries at the school their child attends or is due to be admitted to, in order to establish what arrangements are in place and what procedures have been adopted to support children with a medical need.

The schools policy will detail the arrangements in place for dealing with the following medical conditions, some which are short term and others long term.

• asthma;
• headlice;
• incontinence;
• prescribed medicines;
• non-prescribed medicines;
• anaphylaxis;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy.

Individual Health Care Plans will be drawn up for pupils who have more complex long term medical needs.

In situations where the school has agreed to administer medicines, parents and/or carers will have to complete a consent form, which also incorporates indemnity for school staff administering medicines or medical procedures.

The school will keep a record of all medication administered to pupils.

Helplines

Julie Youel (01226) 773597
The School Health Service (01226) 777893
The Community Nursing Team (01226) 777987

Opening Times/Locations

Health and Safety Team
Monday-Thursday
8.30am - 5.00pm
Friday
8.30am - 4.30pm

Berneslai Close
Barnsley
S70 2HS

Legislation

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated regulations place a duty on the Authority to ensure that safety measures are in place for all pupils, including those who have specific needs.

Owner Officer Contact Details

Tel: 01226 773597
email : julieyouel@barnsley.gov.uk

Additional Notes

The School Health Service work closely with the Children's Community Nursing Team and the LA.

Schools will normally use the LA and the School Health Service as a first point of contact if specific advice is needed on individual medical needs of a child in school. This will then enable arrangements and procedures to be put in place to ensure that adequate support is available for both the school and the child.

The School Health Service consists of the nursing team and each school has a named nurse. School nurses are involved in health promotion and education.

In addition they offer support to children, parents and teaching staff on a wide range of health issues including diet, exercise, sexual health, emotional well being etc. They can also provide access to information and support on a range of medical issues.

The Children's Community Nursing Team provide care and support to children, notably with:

• cystic fibrosis;
• cancer;
• ciabetes;
• palliative care needs;
• children who have had surgery;
• special needs children requiring specialist support.