First Aid and Administering Medicine
First Aid
At Kirton Primary School, we take first aid seriously to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils and staff. Trained first aiders are available throughout the school day to respond to minor injuries and medical incidents. Our first aid provision includes appropriately stocked equipment, clear procedures, and prompt communication with parents or carers when necessary.
FIRST AID IN SCHOOLS, EARLY YEARS AND FURTHER EDUCATION - GOV.UK
FIRST AID FOR PARENTS: WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW - FIRST STOP SAFETY TRAINING
FIRST AID ADVICE - ST JOHN AMBULANCE
Paediatric First Aid
Our list of staff with a full Paediatric First Aid Certificate can be found here.
Medical Tracker
We use Medical Tracker to notify parents and carers by email about first aid incidents and medication administration at school.
Emails are sent shortly after a first aid incident and immediately following medication administration. We may still contact you by phone if further action is needed.
Please ensure the school office has your up-to-date email address.
Notifications will be sent from donotreply@medicaltracker.co.uk — please add this to your safe sender list.
Administration of Medicine
At Kirton Primary School, the storage and administration of medicines are considered on an individual basis to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils. No child will be given medication without written parental consent. A clear record is kept of the date and time medication is administered, along with the child’s name, date of birth and dosage details. This information is securely recorded using Medical Tracker.
If there is any uncertainty regarding instructions for medication, the school will contact parents or carers for clarification. Where appropriate, support for children with medical conditions will be detailed in an Individual Health Care Plan, which is reviewed at least annually. No arrangements for staff to administer medication will be agreed without the permission of the Headteacher, and any staff member who volunteers to do so will receive appropriate training and guidance.
There is no legal duty requiring staff to administer medication; however, staff are expected to use their best endeavours, particularly in emergencies, as the school acts in loco parentis and has a duty of care to all pupils. The school’s liability insurance provides cover for the administration or supervision of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines, provided staff act in accordance with school policy and guidance.
Where possible, parents are encouraged to request dosing schedules from doctors that allow medication to be taken outside school hours. In some cases, however, medication may need to be administered during the school day, for example for short-term illnesses, chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy, or as part of a prescribed behaviour management programme. In these circumstances, medicines must be provided in their original container, clearly labelled with the child’s name and dosage instructions, and will be stored securely in the medical room. The school does not store medication for short-term infections requiring antibiotics, and children under 12 should not be given aspirin unless prescribed by a doctor.
Asthma
Children prescribed inhalers must have immediate access to them at all times. Inhalers are not locked away. Older, responsible pupils may carry and manage their own inhalers, while younger children may require supervised access, agreed in consultation with parents.
Diabetes
Children with Type 1 diabetes will have an Individual Health Care Plan outlining their specific needs. Suitable arrangements will be made for blood glucose monitoring and, where required, insulin administration. Staff supporting pupils with diabetes will receive appropriate training from healthcare professionals, and at least two trained members of staff will be available wherever possible. All pupils with diabetes will have immediate access to monitoring equipment and hypo remedies.
Controlled Medication
Medications such as Ritalin (Methylphenidate), which are classified as controlled drugs, are stored securely under lock and key. Administration follows strict guidance and agreed procedures.
Infectious Diseases
Pupils who are unwell with an infectious disease should remain at home until they are well enough to return and no longer pose a risk to others. Recommended exclusion periods follow Department of Health guidance. In particular, children who have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting must remain away from school for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped to prevent the spread of infection.
Guidance from UK Health Security Agency
UKHSA Should I Keep My Child Off School
