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We understand that sometimes a child is too unwell to attend. NHS guidance on when a child should stay at home can be found here:

Our medical room is staffed by trained first aiders, including a registered nurse. If your child becomes unwell during the school day, we will contact you.

If your child cannot attend school due to illness or exceptional circumstances, please email [email protected] by 8am on each day of absence.

Include:

• Your child’s name
• Tutor group
• Reason for absence (please provide specific details)

We will determine whether the absence is recorded as authorised or unauthorised based on the information provided.

Authorised Absences – where the school accepts the explanation (e.g., illness). Unauthorised Absences – where no valid reason is provided or permission has not been granted.

If your child is absent due to mental health difficulties, please state this in your communication. You may also wish to contact your child’s GP or NHS 111 for advice.

You may also report short‑term absences by calling 01223 262503 and leaving a message with:

• Pupil name
• Tutor group
• Reason for absence

If we do not receive a notification, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised, and a text message will be sent requesting the reason.

If your child needs to leave school during the day (e.g., for a medical appointment), please email [email protected] and copy in your child’s teacher.

Pupils must:

• Have parental authorisation
• Have this checked by their form tutor or class teacher
• Sign out at the Attendance Office before leaving
• Sign in on return

We cannot allow pupils to leave school without prior notification from parents or carers.

Parents do not have the right to take children out of school for holidays during term time. Schools cannot authorise term‑time holidays

A Headteacher may only grant leave in exceptional circumstances. If you wish to apply:

1. Read the guidance notes for parents on the left of this page
2. Complete the Planned Absence Application Form on the left of this page
3. Submit the form to the Attendance Officer at least two weeks before the requested dates. Incomplete forms cannot be considered.

When reviewing requests, the school will consider:

• Whether exceptional circumstances have been met
• Timing of the absence
• Proximity to exams
• The pupil’s attendance history
• Previous term‑time leave
• The pupil’s age and ability to catch up on missed work

Forms are also available from the Attendance Office near the pupil entrance.

Our Education Welfare Officer works with the school to support families and resolve attendance concerns at an early stage.

Where attendance does not improve, the EWO has a legal role and may issue Penalty Notices or pursue prosecution through the Magistrates’ Court.

The EWO can be contacted via the school reception.

Only certain medicines may be carried by pupils in school. By law, parents/carers must provide written consent for:

• A child to carry their own medication
• Staff to administer medication

Pupils with conditions such as anaphylaxis, asthma, or diabetes must carry their emergency medication. For other diagnosed medical conditions, medication can be stored and administered in school, but pupils may only carry it if it is essential (e.g., specific migraine medication).

Parents/carers must:

• Complete the relevant medical forms
• Ensure medication is handed into the main office (preferably to the nurse or first aider)
• Provide medication in date and in adequate supply

The school cannot notify parents when medication expires.

2. Anaphylaxis Medication

Anaphylaxis medication must be:

• Stored in a clearly labelled plastic box (name on all sides)
• Accompanied by individual protocols, a recent photograph, and signed consent forms
• Carried by the pupil as an additional emergency supply

Parents/carers must monitor expiry dates and replace medication when needed.

3. Administration of Medicines

• A child under 16 must never be given aspirin unless specifically prescribed.
• School staff are not legally required to administer medication; this is voluntary.
• Staff who administer medication must be appropriately trained and follow school policy.

4. Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs

We are committed to equal opportunities for all pupils. Each child’s needs are assessed individually.

Parents/carers must provide up‑to‑date medical information. Facilities include:

• Disabled toilets throughout the site
• A showering facility in the Centre
• Lifts in key buildings (keys held by site team, reception, science technicians, Sixth Form staff; wheelchair users receive their own key)

5. Medication Procedures

Medication should only be taken in school when essential. Where possible, prescribers should be asked to provide medicines that can be taken outside school hours.

Parents/carers must:

• Complete Form 1 for prescribed or over‑the‑counter medicines
• Complete Form 2 if their child needs to carry medication
• Provide medicines in original pharmacy packaging with clear instructions, name, dose, and expiry date

The school cannot accept medication that does not meet these requirements.

6. Recognised Medical Conditions

Medication may be required in school for conditions such as:

• Migraine or regular headaches
• Period pain
• Osgood‑Schlatter disease
• Hay fever (eye drops)
• Infections requiring antibiotics

Written parental consent (Form 1) is required. Over‑the‑counter medication must also be in original packaging with clear labelling.

If your child has a condition not listed, please contact the school nurse.

7. Illness and When to Keep Your Child at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿

Pupils who are unwell should not attend school.

Do not send your child to school if they have:

• Vomited
• Had diarrhoea

Pupils must remain at home for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Parents/carers should notify the absence line if their child is ill.

8. If Your Child Becomes Unwell or Injured at School

If a pupil feels unwell, they must inform their teacher and go to the Medical Room (next to the Exams Office). If the nurse/first aider is unavailable, pupils should go to the General Office.

Procedures:

• Pupils are assessed and treated as appropriate
• Parents/carers are contacted if the pupil needs to go home
• A responsible adult must collect the pupil
• Pupils are not permitted to walk home or travel alone
• Staff are notified when a pupil is sent home

Alternative first aid cover is provided when the nurse is unavailable.

9. Accidents and Emergencies

If a pupil has an accident:

• They will be assessed and treated by the nurse/first aider
• Parents may be asked to take the child to a GP or hospital
• If urgent and parents cannot be reached, an ambulance will be called
• A staff member will accompany the pupil and remain with them until a parent arrives

Emergency services may require:

• School phone number: 01223 262503
• School address: ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, West Street, Comberton, CB23 7DU
• Child’s name, DOB/age, symptoms
• Directions to the best entrance

The site team will be informed when an ambulance is requested.

10. Accident Reporting (RIDDOR)

All accidents are recorded on the daily medical spreadsheet/blue book. Forms are completed online and stored in the medical room. Incidents are reviewed termly at Health & Safety meetings and audited annually.

11. Controlled Drugs

Controlled drugs prescribed to pupils are:

• Stored in a locked, non‑portable container
• Accessible only to the nurse/first aider
• Recorded carefully each time they are administered

12. Storage of Medicines

Medication is stored:

• In a locked cabinet in the medical room
• Anaphylaxis medication and protocols are stored separately near the General Office
• Refrigerated medicines are kept in the General Office fridge

All medication must be signed in, stored correctly, and signed out when administered. Out‑of‑date medication must be collected by parents. All medication must be taken home at the end of the school year.

13. Record Keeping

All visits to the medical room are recorded on a secure, password‑protected system.

14. Staff Training

Our nurse is a qualified registered nurse with First Aid at Work certification. Additional first aiders hold St John’s First Aid at Work or equivalent qualifications.

Annual staff training covers:

• Anaphylaxis
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Epilepsy
• Emergency medication

15. School Trips and Visits

Medication procedures on trips follow County School Visits guidance and mirror in‑school procedures.

16. PE, Sport and Physical Activity

Most pupils with medical conditions can participate fully in PE and extra‑curricular sport.

Some pupils may need:

• Precautionary measures
• Immediate access to medication (e.g., inhalers)

Medication must be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name. Staff follow guidance from the Association for Physical Education and relevant governing bodies. All activities are risk assessed, and first aid provision is in place for on‑site and off‑site events.