At Mapperley Plains Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to ensuring that all children with medical conditions are properly supported so that they can access education safely, fully and confidently.

We recognise that some children may require additional arrangements in school to support their medical needs, health conditions or allergies. This may include children who:

• require medication in school
• use inhalers or other prescribed medical equipment
• have allergies or risk of allergic reactions
• have diagnosed or emerging medical needs
• require staff awareness or support to help them access school safely and successfully.

Our approach is informed by the Department for Education’s statutory guidance: Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions, alongside current Department for Education recommended practice and documentation relating to supporting children and young people with medical conditions and allergies in schools.

The Department for Education guidance makes clear that:

• children with medical conditions should be properly supported so that they have full access to education, including school trips and physical education
• governing bodies should ensure arrangements are in place to support children with medical conditions
• schools should work in partnership with parents, healthcare professionals and children wherever appropriate
• support should be flexible and responsive to individual needs
• schools should not unnecessarily prevent children from attending or participating in school activities
• support may sometimes be required even where a formal diagnosis has not yet been confirmed.

As part of our ongoing review of healthcare provision, Mapperley Plains Primary and Nursery School has introduced an updated healthcare plan format based on current Department for Education guidance and recommended documentation. This is intended to ensure that medical information is recorded clearly, consistently and in a way that supports effective communication between school, families and relevant professionals.

Healthcare plans help ensure that staff:

• understand a child’s medical needs
• are aware of symptoms, triggers and required support
• know what action to take in an emergency
• can support children safely, consistently and appropriately
• can help children access school life as fully as possible.

Healthcare plans are reviewed regularly and should also be updated whenever there is a change to a child’s medical condition, treatment, medication or support needs.

Parents and carers should inform school if their child:

• has a medical condition or health need
• requires prescribed medication in school
• uses an inhaler
• has allergies or risk of allergic reaction
• requires emergency medication
• has changing or emerging medical needs
• may require additional support arrangements in school.

Where children require prescribed medication, inhalers or specific medical support in school, it is important that school holds up-to-date information, medication and emergency contact details so that children can be supported safely.

Where appropriate, school may also ask for separate parental consent to include a child’s photograph on a staff quick-reference medical information guide. This supports staff in safely identifying and supporting children with medical needs. Any such information is handled sensitively and in line with data protection requirements. Consent for this is optional and will not affect the support or care a child receives in school.

If you believe your child may require a healthcare plan or additional medical support arrangements, please contact the school office.