As a school, we employ first aid appointed persons, we do not have a school nurse on site. As such, they are here to support pupils with health conditions or care plans and to treat any injuries that occur during the school day.

If a pupil is sent into school, then we would expect they have been deemed fit to do so. As such, we would not expect to treat existing ailments unless there is a pre-determined care plan which specifies a need exists. If there are changes to your child/children’s health, then please ensure the school is kept up to date by contacting first_aid@gts.devon.sch.uk.

On occasions, a pupil may feel unwell during the school day. If this happens, our process is for the pastoral team (pupil coaches) to triage them to determine whether they need to be sent home or can continue at school. If the pupil needs to be sent home, contact will be made.

If medication is required, then pupils must have a consent form. A copy of this form can be found on this page, or can be collected from reception. Please bring the completed consent form into school with your child’s medication. This must be provided in its original container with all information enclosed. When the course of treatment has ended, or at the end of each academic year, medication must be collected from school.

Please ensure your child/children are aware that it is their responsibility to come to the medical room, rather than requesting a staff member administers, or oversees, the administration of that medication. This should only be administered at school when it would be detrimental to a child’s health or school attendance not to do so.

If paracetamol consent has been provided then our first aid team may administer this, if appropriate to do so. They will first check hydration, and food intake, to try and avoid unnecessary medication. If necessary, they will provide one 500mg tablet for your child and record accordingly. To avoid unnecessary risks, pupils will only be provided paracetamol at the beginning of lunchtime. Please note that consent does not mean paracetamol will be provided, it just means it can be provided if a medical need has been identified. A copy of the paracetamol consent can be found on this page.

We also have a well-defined head injury protocol. If a head injury is suspected, then the first aider will complete a head injury form and contact home for that child to be collected. This is due to the nature of concussion, where it can take some time for signs to become apparent.

If you child has a care plan this will be reviewed on an annual basis, with recommendations being made regarding how we can best support the pupil. This is signed by parents/carer each review.

Please note, it is your responsibility to keep the school informed about any changes to your child/children’s health. Contact: first_aid@gts.devon.sch.uk.