Healthcare needs in schools guidance consultation: response analysis report

Chapter 5 - Circumstances where a school may need to make special arrangements for supporting children and young people with healthcare needs

Question 8: Are there any areas missing, requiring strengthening, or which are not required and could be removed?

43. A majority of respondents also felt that amendments could be made to this chapter. There were 47 responses which provided additional comments as to what changes could be made. All responses, bar one, came from respondents who had answered ‘yes’ to this question. This response echoed an issue raised in the preceding chapters about how the practices set out in the guidance will be monitored and what can be done when they are not followed.

44. Among the respondents who suggested amendments be made to this chapter respondents asked for information about school trips. This included what happens when schools refuse to take medication on school trips unless it is labelled, highlighting that over-the-counter medications cannot be labelled; risk assessments and planning for occasions where those trips go abroad, including a transport risk assessment; this guidance refers to the 2004 guidance on educational excursions ^[15] and it should be reviewed to reflect more up to date guidance; and the same standards should be used for storing and administering medicines on school trips as within the school setting.

45. Over and above school trips, other responses highlighted exam-time where pupils taking time-limited medicines and that consideration should be given where medication is required outside the exam room. There was also a specific request for this chapter to be expanded slightly to include a paragraph about fundraising or social events within the school, particularly where food is involved, recognising the potential risks for children with severe food allergies.

46. A number of respondents also highlighted changes to specific paragraphs. In paragraph 118; refer to Equality Act 2010; paragraph 119, several comments suggested replacing “disabled children” with “children and young people with additional healthcare or support needs” to bring this paragraph into line with the rest of the document; paragraph 122, that risk assessments should be done in collaboration with AHP; paragraph 123, could we add precautionary measures for children with diabetes to take before participating in sport; paragraph 127, fuller information regarding appropriate training for transport escorts who are required to provide emergency medication. Professional bodies also suggested wording changes to paragraphs 120, 122 and 124.