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Supporting pupils with complex medical needs
Find out about the statutory requirements around pupils with complex medical needs, and how to seek additional help if you are struggling to support them.
Contents
The statutory guidance from the Department of Education (DfE) on supporting pupils with medical conditions sets out what schools must do to ensure their pupils are properly supported.
We refer to these requirements below.
Ensure individual healthcare plans (IHPs) are in place
An IHP can include information on the pupil's:
- Medical condition
- Needs resulting from the condition
- Level of support needed, and who will provide the support
This information can be used to make sure that:
- Staff are fully aware of the pupil’s needs
- Any training required is identified
- Support is targeted effectively
Not all pupils with medical conditions will need an IHP. Agree with parents and healthcare professionals when one would be appropriate, based on evidence. Involve the pupils too, whenever appropriate (pages 10 and 11).
Train your staff to support pupils
You can ask any member of school staff to provide support to pupils with medical conditions, although they can't be required to do so.
- Administering medicines in school: guidance
- Administering medicines: parental consent
- Administering medicines: template record forms
- EpiPens in school: guidance and risk assessments
- First aid provision: requirements and guidance
- Individual healthcare plans: guidance, templates and examples
- Supporting pupils with asthma
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