At Manor High School, we recognise that some students have medical conditions that may require support during any part of the school day, educational visits and wider school activities.
In line with statutory guidance from the Department for Education and our school policy, we aim to ensure that students with medical conditions are properly supported so that they can access education and participate in school life as fully and safely as possible.
Medical needs are not automatically special educational needs or disabilities. However, some medical conditions may have an impact on learning, attendance, emotional wellbeing, physical access, concentration, stamina, independence or participation. Some students with medical conditions may also be considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010, and some may also have SEND or an Education, Health and Care Plan.
The governing board has responsibility for ensuring that arrangements are in place to support students with medical conditions. The Headteacher has overall responsibility for the implementation of the school’s Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy and for ensuring that staff are aware of their role in supporting students safely and appropriately.
At Manor High School, medical needs are coordinated through the school’s agreed procedures, with relevant staff working with students, parents and carers, the Lead First Aider and, where appropriate, health or social care professionals. This helps the school gather relevant information, coordinate support, share key information with staff who need to know, and review arrangements where needed.
Where necessary, an individual Healthcare Plan may be prepared in consultation with parents/carers and relevant healthcare professionals. The level of detail in the plan will depend on the complexity of the student’s medical condition, the support required, the level of risk and the arrangements needed during the school day.
An Individual Healthcare Plan may include:
- the student’s medical condition, triggers, symptoms and treatment;
- medication, dosage, side effects or storage requirements, where relevant;
- the support needed for the student’s educational, social and emotional needs;
- arrangements for physical education, school trips or wider school activities;
- whether the student can self-manage medication or procedures;
- what staff need to know or do to support the student safely;
- emergency procedures and contact details;
- staff training requirements;
- any reasonable adjustments or support arrangements needed in school.
Relevant information from healthcare plans is shared with staff who need to know, while preserving confidentiality. The school will also consider what training staff may need in order to support students with medical conditions confidently and safely. Staff will not undertake healthcare procedures or administer medication without appropriate training.
Training may include support linked to allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, emergency medication or other medical needs, depending on the students in school and the advice received from parents, healthcare professionals or appropriate training providers.
Parents and carers are responsible for informing the school if their child has a medical condition, providing up-to-date information, completing consent forms where medication is required, and informing the school of any changes to medication, treatment or emergency arrangements.
Where a student’s medical condition may affect attendance, access to lessons, participation in physical education, educational visits or wider school life, the school will work with families and relevant professionals to consider appropriate support.
