We believe this policy should be a working document that is fit for purpose, represents the school ethos, enables consistency and quality across the school and is related to the following legislation:

• Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
• Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984
• Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974
• Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002
• Equality Act 2010
• School Premises (England) Regulations 2012
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

The following documentation is also related to this policy:

• Equality Act 2010: Advice for Schools (DfE)
• Race Disparity Audit - Summary Findings from the Ethnicity Facts and Figures Website (Cabinet Office)

We have a duty of care under The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 to promote the health, safety and welfare of all pupils, school personnel and school visitors by providing adequate first aid equipment, facilities and school personnel qualified in first aid.

We will ensure that under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) that all accidents resulting in death, major injury or the prevention of the injured person undertaking their normal work for more than three days will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

We will ensure that first aid provision is up to date and available at all times. Children and staff with specific health needs and disabilities will be given specific consideration.

We ensure all staff:

• are trained in first aid;
• will attend periodic first aid refresher training;
• are trained in how to administer medication in the case of a severe allergic reaction;
• are familiar with the Individual Health Care Plans of children in their care;
• know what to do in an emergency;
• are aware that allergy management strategies are incorporated into risk assessments for all events, visits and excursions. 

We work hard to have in place and to maintain a system that ensures all medical care plans are kept up to date and are available at all times to school personnel who may need them in an emergency. It is vital that all medical care plans clearly indicate whether pupils or staff need emergency medication such as asthma inhalers or epipens.

Those members of the staff who have volunteered to administer or supervise the taking of medication attend regular refresher training and are up to date with the medical care plans for those children with specific medical needs or emergency medication.

We are aware that following a change in the law, we are allowed to purchase spare adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPen, Jext or Emerade for use on children with serious allergies in emergencies. 

We acknowledge that these spare devices can only be used on children at risk of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) where consent from doctors and parents has already been obtained.

We believe it is essential that this policy clearly identifies and outlines the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the procedures and arrangements that is connected with this policy.

Aims

• To provide adequate first aid provision and medical care for all.

• To have in place qualified first aid personnel who are aware of hygiene and infection control procedures.

• To have in place adequate first aid equipment.

• To have in place excellent lines of communication with the emergency services and other external agencies.

• To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation connected to this policy.

• To work with other schools and the local authority to share good practice in order to improve this policy.

Role of the Lead Person

• Ensure the service complies with The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR).

• Ensure adequate first aid equipment, facilities and staff qualified in first aid are in place.

• Ensure that the nominated person is suitably trained, has sufficient time to undertake their role and an adequate budget to purchase first aid equipment.

• Purchase and have in place spare adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPen, Jext or Emerade for use on children with serious allergies in emergencies.

• Train all staff in first aid arrangements.

• Ensure all staff, children and parents are aware of and comply with this policy.

• Provide leadership and vision in respect of equality.

• Provide guidance, support and training to all staff.

• Monitor the effectiveness of this policy by speaking with children, personnel and parents.

Role of the Person in Charge

• Ensure all staff are trained in first aid arrangements and hold a valid certificate of competence that is valid for three years.

• Ensure all staff receive refresher training every three years.

• Organise and maintain the medical area as suggested by HSE:

• a sink with hot and cold running water;

• drinking water and disposable cups;

• soap and paper towels;

• a store for first-aid materials;

• foot-operated refuse containers, lined with yellow, disposable clinical waste bags or a container suitable for the safe disposal of clinical waste;

• a chair;

• a telephone or other communication equipment; and

• a record book for recording incidents attended by a first-aider or appointed person.

• ensure that there are adequate stocks of first aid equipment;

• ensure first aid kits are British Standard BS 8599 and contain the following as suggested by HSE:

  • a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid; 
  • individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (hypoallergenic plasters can be provided if necessary);
  • sterile eye pads;
  • individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile;
  • safety pins;
  • large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings;
  • medium-sized sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings;
  • disposable gloves. 

• Position and maintain first aid containers at appropriate locations.

• Conduct with the Health and Safety coordinator annual risk assessments.

• Ensure all accidents and injuries are recorded and reported.

• Ensure that pupils and school personnel with specific health needs and disabilities are given specific consideration.

• Ensure the appropriate medical resources (asthma inhalers, insulin, epipens) are available for those pupils with specific health needs at all times.

• Ensure school personnel are aware of the specific health needs and disabilities.

• Determine the level of provision:
  • at breaktimes and lunch time
  • for curriculum activities
  •  for all educational visits and sporting activities
  • when school personnel are absent

• Ensure first aid kits are taken on educational visits or off-site sporting activities.

• Ensure there is a designated medical area that is kept well stocked and free from clutter.

• Ensure staff follow basic hygiene procedures and have access to disposable gloves and hand washing facilities.

• Inform parents of any accident especially head injuries and of any first aid administered.

• Ensure first aid notices are displayed in the appropriate places.

• Provide guidance and support to all staff.

• Keep up to date with new developments and resources.

• Review and monitor effectiveness of this policy.

Role of Provision Personnel

• Be aware of first aid arrangements.

• Be suitably trained in identifying children with expected medical problems.

• Report any concerns they have on the medical welfare of any child.

• Undertake training in first aid, administration of medicines and awareness of medical problems in children.

• Report and record all accidents and first aid treatment administered.

Role of Parents/Carers

• Be aware of and comply with this policy.

• Inform the service of their child’s medical history that may be a cause for concern.

• Complete the necessary paper work before the service administers any medication to a child;

• Be asked to take part periodic surveys.

Role of Pupils

• Remember to report all accident, injuries or if becoming unwell.

• Listen carefully to all instructions and support offered from all staff.

• Ask for further clarity if not understood.

• Ask for further help if needed.

Recording Accidents and Injuries

• Recorded in the Accident Book with all details given.

• Reported to parents in person, by letter or phone.

• All accidents involving the loss of life, major injury or preventing the injured person undertaking their normal work for more than three days must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Training

• All staff have equal chances of training, career development and promotion receive training related to this policy on induction which specifically covers:

  • Health and Safety

  • Basic first aid

  • Medical care

  • Dealing with emergencies

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection

  • Administering Medicines

  • Hygiene

• Receive periodic training so that they are kept up to date with new information.

Next Review Date:  

September 2024