Supporting Students with Medical Needs
At The Valley School, we are committed to ensuring that all students can fully participate in school life, make progress in their learning, and develop as individuals. We recognise that some students may have medical needs and will support them through appropriate care, reasonable adjustments, and access to medical or therapeutic interventions as required.
Key Statutory Regulations and Significant Links
It is the responsibility of parents and carers to keep the school informed of any medical conditions or changes to their child’s health. This includes notifying the school of short-term illnesses, providing up-to-date information, and ensuring that any medication sent into school is in-date, clearly labelled, and accompanied by written consent for administration. Parents and carers must also complete a medical form when their child joins the school and should update this information whenever there is a significant change.
The school has a duty to respond to medical needs in a safe and effective way. Relevant medical information is recorded and shared with appropriate staff to ensure consistent support. Where a student has a long-term or serious condition, a Medical Support Plan will be developed in collaboration with the family. This plan outlines any specific actions, adjustments or support required and is reviewed regularly by key staff.
All staff involved in the administration or management of medication receive appropriate training and ongoing support from healthcare professionals. A trained First Aider is always available during the school day. While there is no legal obligation for school staff to administer medication, The Valley School has a policy in place that allows trained staff to do so where appropriate.
Key Practices
Medication will only be administered when it is essential for the student’s health or school attendance, and always in accordance with the prescriber’s instructions. We will only accept medicines that are in-date, provided in the original container, and clearly labelled. The first dose of any new medication must be given at home to monitor for adverse reactions. Medication will never be administered without checking dosage instructions and the time of the last dose. We do not give students medication containing aspirin unless prescribed by a doctor.
Medicines
A record is kept of all medication administered at school, and parents or carers will be informed. If medication is no longer needed, it will be returned home for safe disposal. Students must always have access to essential devices such as inhalers, blood glucose monitors, or adrenaline pens.
Students who are too unwell to remain in school will be sent home and must be collected by a parent or carer, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance. For minor ailments such as headaches, colds or period pain, students are encouraged to take simple self-care steps—such as drinking water, having a snack, using heat or cold packs, or taking rest breaks—so they can remain in school and continue learning.
School Trips
On school trips, medical needs are reviewed and planned for in advance. Medication is prepared beforehand, carried by staff, and returned safely after the trip. Basic first aid equipment is taken on all visits, and staff are aware of individual student needs through information recorded on Arbor.
Accidents
All accidents and injuries are assessed by qualified First Aiders and logged in the school’s accident record within 24 hours. Where incidents may involve a safeguarding concern or possible misconduct, these are investigated by appropriate pastoral or senior staff rather than by the First Aider.
Through strong communication between school and home, staff training, and clear procedures, The Valley School ensures that students with medical needs are supported to participate fully, safely, and confidently in their education.
Investigations
In the event of an accident or injury which may have been caused by the deliberate or accidental actions of a student or staff member, it is not the responsibility of the First Aider to investigate the incident or record it in the behaviour log. This must be investigated by the appropriate staff member, usually the tutor or Head of Year.
