HEALTH AND WELFARE IN SCHOOL

ACCIDENTS

From time to time, children may have accidents in school – usually in the playground at break and lunchtimes.  We have a large number of First Aid or Paediatric First Aid trained staff and our Midday Supervisory team have also had First Aid Awareness training.  The vast majority of accidents will be treatable in school.  If your child has bumped their head, he/she will be monitored and a red ‘bumped head’ letter will be sent home the same day, informing you of the fact.  If your child is allergic to plasters please make sure that they know this and can say so to the first aider who is treating them.
 

If  staff feel that an injury is severe enough to need professional medical attention parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child and take them to a doctor’s surgery or A & E as appropriate.  PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE SCHOOL OFFICE HAS YOUR UP TO DATE MOBILE NUMBER SO THAT WE CAN CONTACT YOU IN AN EMERGENCY.

In an emergency, where urgent medical treatment is needed, we will call an ambulance and ensure that the child is transported safely to A & E with a member of staff.   Please be aware that as the staff of the school are legally  ‘in loco parentis’ (in place of parents) during  school time, we can authorise medical treatment for your child if you cannot be contacted.

ASTHMA IN SCHOOL

If your child uses an inhaler to relieve asthma symptoms, this should be in school at all times, accessible in their tray so it can be used when necessary.  Doctors' surgeries should supply additional inhalers to parents for school use.   School inhalers will be returned during the summer holidays – please check the expiry dates, keep a diary note at home  and renew them as necessary.  Aero-chamber devices to make inhalers easier to use can also be obtained from the doctor’s and  should be in school with the inhaler if needed.

GLASSES

If your child needs to wear glasses in school it is far better if a second pair is obtained  from the opticians and kept in their tray.  Most high street opticians will do special deals on second pairs of glasses for children.   It is really important that if glasses are needed, they are worn every day in class to maximise  learning – otherwise your child may be missing out on vital information.

HEARING IMPAIRMENT

There may be children in school who wear hearing aids or have a radio aid system.  The school is experienced in working with hearing impairments and there is a wall pilot device in the assembly hall which synchronises radio frequencies so that those children with radio aids can all hear the speaker clearly.

HEAD LICE

Unfortunately, schools are an ideal environment for headlice. Please check your child’s scalp regularly and take appropriate action for every member of the family if you find lice or eggs.  Further information on tackling headlice effectively can be found on parenting or child health websites or ask in school for advice. If you are having persistent problems with headlice, you can contact the School E-nurse for help. Please ask in school for details on how to use this service.

INFECTION CONTROL ADVICE

Tummy bugs can often strike and your child will need to be at home if this happens.  If there has been vomiting or diarrhoea, please leave 48 hours from the last episode before returning your child to school.   Please note that rigorous hand washing prevents the spread of infection.  Impetigo, conjunctivitis and ‘slapped-cheek’ disease are all highly infectious  and regularly seen in school - please familiarise yourself with the symptoms of these and other common childhood infections so you can take prompt action if your child becomes ill. Please let school know if your child has been diagnosed with any illness.
 

Threadworms – a common infection in primary school children.  Please help your child to practice good hygiene when going to the toilet, washing hands etc   but if you suspect your child has threadworms (they will have a very itchy bottom) please take them to your doctor’s then administer treatment and follow the advice that you are given by the health professionals before returning your child to school.  This will include washing of bedding and towels and treatment for all members of the family.

MEDICINES IN SCHOOL

If your child needs to take a dose of medicine in school for any reason you must complete the appropriate form in the School Office first, which authorises school staff to dispense  the medication.  All medicines must be handed to school, clearly labelled with the child’s name and a note of the dosage.  Medicines are stored securely in the Headteacher’s office. We will only administer pain relief medicines such as calpol after 4 hours have elapsed from when your child came into school so that we are sure that there has been a large enough gap between doses. Therefore calpol or such medicines will not be administered before 1pm.

CHILDHOOD PROBLEMS

If your child is having problems with eating, bedwetting, emotional or behaviour difficulties, sleeping and other child health-related issues please contact school and we will try to help you with this or refer you to the e-school nurse.

SAFEGUARDING

If you have any safeguarding concerns regarding a child please ask to speak to one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads in school.

​FLU IMMUNISATION

About the nasal spray flu vaccine

The flu vaccine for children is given as a single dose of nasal spray squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free (a big advantage for children), but the nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine.

It’s quick and painless and will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus.  The nasal spray is a porcine-containing product. If parents have concerns, they should speak to a trusted religious leader. Children who can't have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons can request an injected flu vaccine instead. If you need further information on the nasal spray flu vaccine, please contact your GP.

CHANGES IN YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH

Please notify the school if there are any changes to your child's health eg. if they develop an allergy or are diagnosed with new or developing medical condition of which we should be aware.

If your child attends our Breakfast Club or After School Club, kindly ensure they are aware of all medical conditions. 

E-SCHOOL NURSE VIDEO CLINICS

Twice weekly online health support and advice for parents, carers and professionals supporting children and young people aged 5-19 years old is available via this service every 

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

You will be able to talk to the nurse over a live video link that is private, secure, confidential and convenient for you. In consultation with you, the nurse will assess the child or young person's health problem and provide you with the support and advice needed

For more information on the E-School Nurse video clinic, please contact them on tel: 0300 30 34 365