Medical

The welfare of our students is of the utmost importance, and this includes meeting their medical needs. At Horizon School we follow the guidance issued by the Department for Education: ‘Managing Medicine in Schools and Early Years Settings’. 

At Horizon School, we aim to ensure the needs of children with medical conditions, both physical and mental, are effectively supported in consultation with health and social care professionals, their parents and the students themselves. We want all of our students to play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve their academic potential.   

Horizon School is supportive of students with medical conditions and provides them with the same opportunities and access to activities as other students, as long as this is safe. No student will be denied admission or prevented from taking up a place in this school because arrangements for their medical condition have not been made.  

We understand that all students with the same medical condition will not necessarily have the same needs; our school will focus on the needs of each individual student.  

Horizon School recognises its duties as detailed in Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014. (Other related legislation is referenced in DfE guidance p21). Some students with medical conditions may be considered to be disabled under the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010. Where this is the case, this school complies with their duties under that Act. Some may also have special educational needs (SEN) and may have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which brings together health and social care needs, as well as their special educational provision. For students with SEN, this policy should be read in conjunction with the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice. 

What do I do if my child has a medical condition and is starting at Horizon School?

During the Induction meeting, you will be asked about your child’s medical needs and you should bring any documents about their condition with you to the meeting.  You will then be asked to complete any relevant forms (e.g. administering medication at school form and/or health care plan) 

  • If your child’s medical condition is serious and poses a risk to life or long-term health, they will require a health care plan to be agreed with the medical professional, parent and Horizon School. 
  • If your child needs a health care plan, the school aims to complete this during the Induction process.  This is then shared with the relevant staff before your child starts at horizon School 
  • Parents/carers will need to complete the relevant form, available from the school office.   
  • Medicines should be handed to office staff by the child’s parent and if needed after school hours collected by the parent.  
  • The medication must be in the correct packaging and have your child’s name on the medication. A member of the office staff will then check that the medication is in date, matches what is written on the form and is stored correctly within school. Trained staff will then administered the medication and sign to say they have done so in line with what is recorded on the form. 
  •  On completion of the placement at Horizon, all unused medicines should be collected.  
  • Medicines are kept in the School Office under the control of the office staff. 
  • You must inform the school of any new medical diagnosis as soon as possible 
  • You must have a full discussion with the school and confirm whether your child can attend school 

You must inform the school if you child is unable to attend school due to illness. 

If your child is sick during the day, they will be cared for by first aid trained staff and if necessary, you will be called to collect then from school. You might be asked for verbal consent for staff to administer Paracetamol. 

An Asthma Champion is a designated member of staff, who takes on the responsibility of coordinating asthma management within the school. This role is crucial for creating a supportive and safe environment for children with asthma. The Asthma Champion helps ensure the school meets the criteria to be recognised as an Asthma Friendly School. Horizon School has an Asthma Champion, with staff being trained in the importance of supporting students with asthma correctly.