Thorney Close Primary SchoolMedical and Health Information
Medication
Thorney Close Primary School will administer medication that is prescribed by your child’s Doctor or Hospital. However, we cannot administer anything that is bought “over the counter”.
All medication must be brought to the school office by an adult, who will be asked to complete an “Administration of Medication” Form, giving full instructions of dosage needed etc.
Please note that:
- It should be noted that medicines that need to be taken three times a day could be taken in the morning, after school hours and at bedtime.
- The school will not accept medication that has been taken out of the container as originally dispensed and will not make changes to the prescribed dosage on parental instruction.
- The medication must be collected at the end of the school day by the parent/carer.
- There is no legal or contractual duty on child-care settings or school staff to administer medicine or supervise a child taking it. This is a voluntary role.
- Asprin and Ibuprofen will not be administered to any child under 16 unless prescribed by a doctor.
Illness
In the event of your child being unable to attend school because they are unwell please call the school office on 0191 5250808.
If your child has vomiting or diarrhoea they should not attend school until 48 hours from the last episode of vomiting/diarrhoea.
The school follows the Health Protection Agency guidance on preventing infection. Please click on the following links for further information and guidance.
Injuries at School
At all times there are qualified First Aiders in school who are able to take care of any children who have an accident while at school. The First Aiders at Thorney Close Primary School are:
- Mrs S. Anderson
- Miss A. Croft
- Mrs S. Fishburn-Parkin
- Mrs N. Leyland
- Miss S. Rose
- Mrs S. Wetherell
The First Aiders qualifications are renewed regularly.
Any minor bumps and scrapes sustained by children are treated by school staff. Children who receive First Aid treatments will receive a slip detailing the injury and the treatment given so that parents know what has happened. All injuries and treatment are logged in the accident book. If a child receives a serious injury we will contact you. Should we be unable to contact you we will act as a reasonable parent would act and contact the doctor or in an emergency take the child to the Accident and Emergency Department at the hospital. It may be necessary in some cases to call for an ambulance to take the child to hospital. Clearly it is helpful therefore if we have up to date contact details as well as any information about any health issues or known allergies.
Food Allergies
Some pupils and members of staff may suffer from food allergies e.g. nut allergies. These can be potentially very serious, leading to anaphylactic shock, which is life threatening. Other pupils may have special dietary needs because of a medical condition. The child’s parent or those with parental responsibility have the responsibility of informing school staff of any food allergies or special dietary needs when they register their child, or as soon as it becomes known.
The school should pass on any requests for special diets to the Catering Services Manager at Sunderland Local Authority.
Requests will only be passed on if a letter or other documentary evidence from a doctor or dietician supports them. A risk assessment should be undertaken for each child at risk, and measures put in place to minimise the risk as much as possible. Key staff should be trained to administer any required treatments e.g. an epipen.
If a child is identified as having a food allergy or special diet due to medical reasons and staying for school dinners the Cook in Charge will receive training and take appropriate action. The School Health Service can offer advice and information about diets, food allergies and implications for schools.
Head lice
Head lice or nits are never very far way. We would politely request that parents check their children's hair at least one a week and treat the whole families' hair if any are found. There are many good quality products available for pharmacies and supermarkets. The school does not recommend any specific treatments but some of the following links may be sponsored by certain products.
The Prevention and Treatment of Headlice
School Health Service
Every child deserves to be as fit and healthy as possible. The School Nursing Team regularly visits all schools. The Team comprises a qualified nurse, who is available to help you with any health concerns about your child and has close links with community paediatricians, GPs, health visitors and other professionals who care for children. The team also includes health care assistants who carry out routine screening of children at school entry and in Y6.
With parental agreement the School Nurse can provide a link between home and school and act on the child’s behalf. The nurse will also provide information, advice and support on health issues to teachers, parents and children. This can be offered individually or in groups as part of health promotion programmes.
Routine screening of your child’s height, weight, vision and hearing is offered to all children within the first year of school. Where any problems are identified, appropriate follow-up and referral can be made.
If you have any questions regarding vaccinations that you feel your child may be due please contact your School Nurse or GP surgery.
You can contact your School Nurse at any time during your child’s school life. Contact details are available from the school office.
Helpful Health Links