Parents and/or health professionals are expected to alert the school to any medical need a child may have.6

The Department for Education’s statutory guidance on supporting pupils at school with medical conditions states that governing bodies must ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place. In addition, they must also “ensure that school leaders consult health and social care professionals, pupils and parents to ensure that the needs of children with medical conditions are properly understood and effectively supported.”7

Schools should review their policy regularly, and ensure:7

·      staff are suitably trained;

·      all relevant staff are made aware of the child’s condition, including supply teachers, and that someone is always available to assist when necessary;

·      risk assessments include activities inside and outside the normal school timetable;

·      the child’s healthcare plan is monitored.

“Schools do not have to wait for a formal diagnosis before providing support to pupils,” says the guidance. “In cases where a pupil’s medical condition is unclear, or where there is a difference of opinion, judgements will be needed about what support to provide based on the available evidence. This would normally involve some form of medical evidence and consultation with parents. Where evidence conflicts, some degree of challenge may be necessary to ensure that the right support can be put in place.”