Medical Support
At The Hayling College, we want pupils with medical conditions to be safe, supported and able to participate fully in their education and College life.
We have trained members of staff who can provide first aid across the College, with appropriate oversight of the care provided. Where first aid or medical support is given, appropriate records are maintained.
Parents and carers should ensure that the College is informed of any medical condition, allergy, medication or change in their child's health that may affect them during the school day.
Where a pupil has a medical condition requiring ongoing or more complex support, we will work with the pupil, their family and relevant healthcare professionals. An Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) may be put in place where appropriate so that staff understand the pupil's needs and the support required.
Our arrangements follow the Department for Education's statutory guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions.
Medicines in College
Where pupils are sufficiently competent to manage their own medication safely, we will encourage them to develop appropriate independence, taking account of their individual needs and healthcare advice.
Where medication needs to be stored or administered by the College, it should be brought to Michelle Wood, Healthcare Coordinator, with the appropriate written parental/carer consent.
Prescribed medication must normally be supplied in its original container as dispensed by the pharmacist, clearly labelled with the pupil's details and instructions.
An Authority to Administer Medicines Form is available below or from Reception.
Parents and carers should contact the College if they are unsure about arrangements for a particular medication rather than sending medication into school without prior agreement.
Asthma, allergies and emergency medication
If your child has asthma, please ensure the College has up-to-date information about their condition and medication. We ask parents and carers to provide a spare, in-date reliever inhaler for emergency use where appropriate.
If your child has a known allergy, particularly where there is a risk of a serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, please make sure that we have current medical information and any prescribed emergency medication.
The College's arrangements for pupils with allergies reflect the DfE's statutory Allergy Safety in Schools guidance introduced in 2026, including appropriate planning, staff awareness and emergency arrangements.
Medical conditions, SEND and reasonable adjustments
Some medical conditions may also constitute a disability under the Equality Act 2010 or interact with a pupil's special educational needs.
Where appropriate, we will work with families, the SENDCO, healthcare professionals and other relevant staff to make reasonable adjustments and ensure that pupils can access learning, educational visits, enrichment and the wider life of the College. Government guidance confirms that schools must make reasonable adjustments where a pupil's medical condition amounts to a disability.
Should my child come to College today?
It is not always easy to decide whether a child who is unwell should attend College.
Minor illnesses do not always require a child to remain at home. For example, NHS guidance states that a child with a minor cough, cold or sore throat can normally attend if they are otherwise well and do not have a high temperature. However, children with vomiting or diarrhoea should remain away from school until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
For current guidance about common childhood illnesses, please use:
NHS – Is my child too ill for school?
If your child is absent because they are unwell, please follow the College's normal absence reporting procedure.
If a health condition is beginning to affect your child's attendance regularly, please contact us. We will work with you to understand the circumstances and consider what support or reasonable adjustments may be appropriate. Where a child cannot attend school because of significant health needs, there are also statutory arrangements intended to ensure that their education continues.
Contact us
If you have questions about your child's medical care or medication in College, please contact:
Michelle Wood
Healthcare Coordinator
admin@hayling.hants.sch.uk
