Medical & Well-being

Ensuring the safety and health of every child at St Ambrose Barlow.

At St Ambrose Barlow, your child’s welfare is our absolute priority. We work closely with parents, healthcare professionals, and Wigan Borough Council to ensure we can safely meet the medical needs of all our pupils.

Our policies align strictly with the Department for Education’s guidance: ‘Managing Medicine in Schools and Early Years Settings’.

 

Critical Information: Serious Medical Conditions

Includes: Asthma, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Severe Allergies (EpiPen users)

If your child has a serious or long-term medical condition, strict safety protocols apply to ensure we can care for them properly.

1. Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP): A formal plan must be agreed upon by the school, the parent, and relevant medical professionals.

   
   

2. “Safety First” Attendance Rule: For the safety of the child, pupils cannot attend school until this plan is signed and active.

   
   

3. Medication on-site: Emergency medication (e.g., Inhalers, EpiPens) must be kept on school premises at all times.

   • Please note: The school aims to finalise Healthcare Plans within two weeks of notification. Your prompt cooperation helps us speed up this process.

     
     

Medication Policy

We understand that children may sometimes need medication during the school day. However, strict guidelines apply to what staff can administer.

1. Prescription Medication Staff will only administer prescription medication if:

• It has been prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or nurse prescriber.

  
  

• AND it is prescribed to be taken four times per day. (Medications prescribed 3 times a day should be taken at home: before school, after school, and at bedtime).

  
  

• AND you have completed a Parental Consent for Medication form.

  
  

2. Non-Prescription Medication

• The school generally does not administer non-prescription medication (e.g., Calpol, cough syrup, throat lozenges).

  
  

• Exceptions are made only at the specific discretion of the Head Teacher and require written parental authorization.

  
  

3. Emergency Medication

• Children with emergency medication (Inhalers/EpiPens) will have immediate access to them.

  
  

• These medications are taken on all school trips and residential visits.

  
  

 

New Diagnoses & Injuries

New Conditions: If your child is diagnosed with a new condition, please inform the school office immediately. We will arrange a meeting to discuss whether an Individual Healthcare Plan is required.

Temporary Injuries (e.g., Broken Bones): If your child suffers a temporary injury that affects their mobility or care needs:

1. Contact the school before they return.

   
   

2. We will conduct a risk assessment to confirm if it is safe for them to attend and what adjustments are needed.

   
   

 

Illness & Sickness Absence

If your child is unwell and cannot attend school:

• Notify Us: Please contact the school office by 9:00 AM on the first day of absence.

  
  

• Sickness at School: If a child becomes ill during the day, we will care for them on-site and call you immediately to collect them. Please ensure your contact details are always up to date.

  
  

 

Forms & Downloads

• Download Parental Consent for Medication Form

  
  

• View Full Medical Policy (PDF)

  
  

 

Contact Us regarding Medical Needs

If you have questions about a new diagnosis, a healthcare plan, or an upcoming intake meeting, please reach out.

• Tel: 01942 883912

  
  

• Email: enquiries@admin.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk