First Aid and Medicines in School
First Aid in School
Children frequently experience minor bumps, grazes, and scrapes during the school day, particularly while running and playing at break and lunchtime. When these minor incidents occur, appropriate first aid is provided by staff and recorded in the school's first aid log. We do not routinely contact parents regarding these minor injuries.
However, if your child sustains a more significant injury, or if they remain particularly upset despite our efforts to comfort and reassure them, we will contact you using the emergency contact details held on Arbor. In some cases, we may ask you to come to school to assess the injury and, if necessary, take your child for further medical advice or treatment.
If your child receives a head bump, first aid will be administered and you will be informed by email. For the purposes of our procedures, a head bump is classified as any injury above the neck. If the injury is considered significant, we will contact you immediately by telephone.
Please note that paper copies of first aid records are not routinely sent home. All relevant information will be included in the email notification, and the original first aid records will be retained securely in school.
Medicines in School
If your child has been prescribed medication that must be administered in school, please contact the school office to discuss your child's needs and complete the required paperwork.
Wherever possible, we kindly request that medicines are administered outside of school hours. For example, antibiotics that are prescribed three times a day can often be given before school, after school, and before bedtime. Administering medication in school requires two members of staff and takes valuable time away from classroom support and pupil supervision.
We understand that there may be occasions when a child requires medication during the school day. In line with current guidance, we are able to administer both prescribed medicines and certain non-prescription medicines, including pain and fever relief such as Calpol (paracetamol) and ibuprofen, provided that the appropriate consent forms have been completed by a parent or carer.
Occasionally, a child may experience minor discomfort during the school day, such as a slight headache, earache, or other mild symptoms. In these circumstances, administering pain relief may help them remain comfortable and able to continue participating in their learning.
However, we would strongly advise against sending a child to school if they have a high temperature or significant fever that requires medication to keep it under control. Children with a high fever often require a much greater level of monitoring and supervision throughout the day to ensure their safety, comfort, and wellbeing. In these circumstances, children are generally best cared for at home until they are well enough to fully access their learning and participate safely in school activities.
Ofsted guidance for registered childcare providers allows schools to administer medication recommended by a pharmacist, nurse, or other healthcare professional, even where a written prescription has not been issued. This includes certain over-the-counter medicines such as pain and fever relief medication. However, written parental consent must always be obtained, and all medication administered in school will be recorded in accordance with our medicines policy.
If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend school, or if you would like to discuss any medication requirements, please contact the school office, who will be happy to advise and support you.
Our First Aid Policy, including the administering of medicines, can be found here