The aim of this policy is to ensure the health and safety of all learners and Hunt Scholars Team and provide a framework for responding to incidents. It outlines the difference between first aid and medical needs and any overlap. It outlines the team responsibilities for administering medication provided by parent for their child during the time at our setting.

All members of the team are encouraged to undertake first aid training; all staff employed or contracted by February 19th 2025 have completed Paediatric First Aid Training. Depending who is on site, first aiders include Ellie Hunt, Unit Leads, Specialist Teachers, and Learning Mentors.

First Aiders are trained, qualified and responsible to:

• Take the role of first responder when someone is injured or becomes ill, assess the situation where there is an injured or ill person, and provide immediate and appropriate treatment.

• Ensure that an ambulance or other professional medical help is summoned when appropriate.

·        Filling in an accident report on the same day, or as soon as is reasonably practicable, after an incident and providing feedback to Ellie Hunt.

·        Providing appropriate feedback to parents or passing on appropriate feedback to Ellie Hunt to allow her to liaise with parents around treatment given.

• Ensuring there is an adequate supply of medical materials in first aid kits, and informing Ellie Hunt of any replenishment needed for the contents of these kits 

There will always be two qualified first aiders on site when learners are present.

First aid procedures

 In-setting procedures In the event of an accident resulting in injury:

• The closest member of staff present will assess the seriousness of the injury and seek the assistance of a qualified first aider, if appropriate, who will provide the required first aid treatment

• The first aider, if called, will assess the injury and decide if further assistance is needed from a colleague or the emergency services. They will remain on scene until help arrives

• The first aider will also decide whether the injured person should be moved or placed in a recovery position

• If the first aider judges that a student is too unwell to remain in school, parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child. Upon their arrival, the first aider will recommend next steps to the parents

• If emergency services are called, a member of the team not acting as first aider or in charge of other students will contact parents immediately

• The first aider will complete an accident report form on the same day or as soon as is reasonably practical after an incident resulting in an injury with as much detail as possible and this will be shared with Ellie Hunt

Off-site procedures

When taking students out of setting for routine visits (see educational visits policy), staff will ensure they always have the following:

• A mobile phone/Walkie Talkie.

• A portable first aid kit.

• Appropriate details from the communication passports of the learners regarding allergies/ medical needs.

When out of setting for longer visits, the first aiders will note from the risk assessment what the first aid access points are for the location of the visit and carry appropriate contact information regarding medical needs and permission slips for the learners involved.

A lightweight first aid kit is available to take off site for routine educational activities.

A full adult specification and a sperate child specification first aid kit are stored in 55 Elgar Close in the marked office drawer. A body spills kits for cleaning after incidents is kept adjacent and the incident logbook.

Medical Needs

While First Aid is given in response to an incident, many of the learners attending our setting may have medical needs relating to diagnosed conditions. These include but are not limited to epilepsy, FND and asthma. We encourage all parents to share relevant medical information with us.

If a risk assessment highlights a learner’s medical needs as increasing risk this will be highlighted to and discussed with both the parents and the educational budget holder.

The Hunt Scholars Team have no legal duty to administer medication, they must agree to do so on a voluntary basis. This includes routine support included in a care plan around self-care or similar tasks. However, in an emergency, the Hunt Scholars Team act in loco parentis, having a duty to do their best, in the best interest of the child.

Any medication, prescription or otherwise, that a parent request’s is administered during setting hours is subject to day by day assessment and agreement by staff. A medicines form detailing the medication to be administered is included in the appendix to this document, however it does not guarantee agreement from staff to administer the medication and a parent may be asked to come to setting to support with the medication or treatment. The form also contains a log of when medication has been administered and having been brought to the setting this will be copied at the end of each day and kept for our records whilst a second copy is sent home to parents.

Medication supplied must be In-date, labelled with the student's name and provided in the original container containing the additional information sheet, as dispensed by a pharmacist if by prescription. Medicines requiring refrigeration should be placed in a suitable additional container e.g., a plastic box and clearly marked medicines. Access to a fridge containing medicines should be restricted. Medical needs requiring ongoing support should be included in a learner’s EHCP if they have one.

Information regarding health conditions should be added to the relevant sections of the Data Collection form provided by the setting and it is the parent’s responsibility to make sure this is kept appropriately updated.

Where a child requires medication to safely attend a setting, such as an epipen or inhaler, a care plan will detail its use, storage and accessibility. The care plan will be subject to termly (6 times a year) review at minimum.

Controlled drugs (such as ADHD medication) will be kept in a locked box in the office with a log of administration. The office is also kept locked if not occupied.

Learners who are competent, and where it is safe to do so, will be encouraged to take responsibility for managing their own medicines and procedures. This will be discussed with parents and educational budget holders, and it will be reflected in their Care plans. The Hunt Scholars team will not force a student to take a medicine or carry out a necessary procedure if they refuse but will record details on the medication log and inform parents asap by telephone so that an alternative option can be considered, if necessary.

Information on medical needs will be shared with relevant health care professionals during any emergency events.