Medical Needs
At St Philip's we are an inclusive community that aims to support and welcome pupils with medical conditions. We aim to provide all pupils with all medical conditions the same opportunities as others at the school. As a school we ensure that:
- All staff understand their duty of care to children and young people in the event of an emergency,.
- All staff feel confident in knowing what to do in an emergency.
- The school understands that certain medical conditions are serious and can be potentially life threatening, particularly is ill-managed or misunderstood.
- All staff understand the common medical conditions that affect our children and receive training on the effect these conditions can have on these children.
- Staff receive additional training about any children who may have complex medical needs supported by an individual Healthcare Plan (IHCP)
- The school works alongside Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and the Local Authority where necessary.
All our staff are First Aid trained. In addition to this, we have two members of staff who have undergone an enhanced Paediatric First Aid training course - Mrs Davies and Miss McConnell - and are our named First Aiders. Their training includes the administration of epi-pens in the event of an anaphylactic episode, as well as dealing with a variety of medical conditions and emergencies.
As a school, we have experience of dealing with complex conditions that need day-to-day management. If your child has a medical condition, please let the school know and we can work together to come up with an effective medical management plan.
Inhalers - Asthma
If your child has asthma, even if you consider it to be mild and you don't feel it affects your child on a day-to-day basis, please let the school know as soon as possible. Each asthmatic child must have their own blue 'reliever' inhaler and spacer in school. We will administer blue inhalers as and when they are needed. If your child takes their inhaler in school, they will come home with a sticker on their uniform stating when they took it and how many puffs. Each asthmatic child must have an Asthma Management Plan within school. These are available in the office. We will let you know if your child's inhaler is close to expiry.
Epi-pen
All members of staff are fully-trained in administering epi-pens in the event of an emergency. If your child has been issued with an epi-pen, we will need to fill in an IHCP. Please arrange an appointment with Mrs Davies at emily.davies@st-phillips.stockport.sch.uk or on 0161 483 0977 so we can complete this together. We will let you know if your child’s epi-pen is due to expire.
Antibiotics
We are unable to administer antibiotics in school. If your child is on antibiotics and they are well enough to be in school, arrangements will have to be made to administer the medicine yourself to your child during the school day. Please speak to Mrs Tiplady in the office to arrange this.
Pain/Fever Relief
If your child has a fever in school, we will contact you using the emergency contact details held on record. We are unable to administer paracetamol (Calpol), ibuprofen or any other over-the-counter medicines in school. You are however welcome to come into school and administer the medicine yourself.
Any Other Medicines
If your child needs to take any other routine medication on a daily basis as part of a medical management plan, please make an appointment with Mrs Davies emily.davies@st-philips.stockport.sch.uk or 0161 483 0977 to arrange this.
Accidents in School
If your child injures themselves at school or complains of malaise and our First Aiders don't think they are well enough to remain in school, they will be sent home with a first aid slip stating the issue, how any injury was treated and the outcome following the injury. If we feel your child needs additional medical attention, we will notify you either at the end of the school day or at the time of the injury (depending on the severity of the injury).
Common Illnesses and Infection Absence Periods
Below is a list of common illnesses and, if necessary, how long they should stay off school for. As we are an inclusive school and do have pupils with complex medical conditions, we would ask that you follow these guidelines in order to protect the health of our school community. If your child is suffering from a illness not on the list, please contact Mrs Tiplady in the school office for further guidance.
