Information for Parents and Carers

Health Matters

On Admission

When your child starts school, you will be asked to complete an admissions pack. You should complete the sections in the admission pack which asks you about your child’s medical history and medication at school and at home. Please complete these sections carefully so that we can make sure your child receives the correct medical treatment.

What happens if my child is unwell at school?

If your child was unwell or injured every effort will be made to contact you by telephone using the emergency contacts you have supplied in the admission pack. In the event of you not being available, we would take whatever action necessary to ensure the welfare of your child, including taking them to hospital for any treatment which might be required.

What should I do if my child has, or has had, an infectious disease?

If your child has an infectious disease, you should follow your doctor’s instructions regarding length of quarantine, etc. It helps if you contact school as quickly as possible so that we can inform any “high risk” members of our community. The school also takes advice from the Dept of Education’s Infectious diseases: education and childcare settings guidance regarding contact and returning to school.

What should I do if my child has a medical appointment during the school day?

Whenever possible, appointments of this type should be arranged outside of school hours. If this is not possible, it is important that you contact the school office so that they can inform the class teacher so that the attendance register can be completed correctly.

If you have to collect your child from school during the day, please inform the school office prior to collecting your child so that they can tell the class staff and arrange for your child to be collected from the classroom. Children will not be allowed to leave the premises unless they are accompanied by a parent or another authorised adult.

Will my child be examined by a nurse at school?

Under normal circumstances the school nurse will only examine a child if the parents, or the school, feel that there is a valid reason for this to happen. If the school feels that your child would benefit from such a medical examination, you will be contacted in writing and asked to return a permission slip giving permission for your child to attend the examination.

What should I do if my child has head lice, or I am informed someone else in the class has them?

If you discover that your child has head lice, (which is a very common complaint in all schools), you should take advice from the local chemist and treat the problem immediately. Only after your child has been treated should you send them back to school. It is important that parents check their children’s hair regularly and inform the school straight away if they find any trace of head lice.

If your child was unwell or injured every effort will be made to contact you by telephone using the emergency contacts you have supplied in the admission pack. In the event of you not being available, we would take whatever action necessary to ensure the welfare of your child, including taking them to hospital for any treatment which might be required.

If your child has an infectious disease, you should follow your doctor’s instructions regarding length of quarantine, etc. It helps if you contact school as quickly as possible so that we can inform any “high risk” members of our community. The school also takes advice from the Dept of Education’s Infectious diseases: education and childcare settings guidance regarding contact and returning to school.

Whenever possible, appointments of this type should be arranged outside of school hours. If this is not possible, it is important that you contact the school office so that they can inform the class teacher so that the attendance register can be completed correctly.

If you have to collect your child from school during the day, please inform the school office prior to collecting your child so that they can tell the class staff and arrange for your child to be collected from the classroom. Children will not be allowed to leave the premises unless they are accompanied by a parent or another authorised adult.

Under normal circumstances the school nurse will only examine a child if the parents, or the school, feel that there is a valid reason for this to happen. If the school feels that your child would benefit from such a medical examination, you will be contacted in writing and asked to return a permission slip giving permission for your child to attend the examination.

If you discover that your child has head lice, (which is a very common complaint in all schools), you should take advice from the local chemist and treat the problem immediately. Only after your child has been treated should you send them back to school. It is important that parents check their children’s hair regularly and inform the school straight away if they find any trace of head lice.

If you require any further information or have concerns about any health issues, you should contact the school office.