We support pupils with a wide range of medical needs, including long-term conditions, temporary medical needs and conditions that require medication, treatment or adjustments during the school day.

Where appropriate, an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHCP) is developed in partnership with parents/carers, the pupil, school staff and relevant healthcare professionals. An IHCP sets out the support a child needs in school and may include medication, emergency arrangements, reasonable adjustments, access to activities and any relevant staff training.

A formal diagnosis is not always required before support can be put in place. We will respond to a child’s identified needs and available medical information.

The SENCO oversees Individual Healthcare Plans, supported by the SEND Team. This reflects Leeds guidance, which identifies the SENCO as an appropriate person to coordinate an IHP with health and education professionals.

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Where a child requires prescribed medication during the school day, parents/carers should contact the school office.

Medicines must be supplied in their original labelled container with clear instructions and appropriate parental consent.

Medicines are stored securely, while emergency medicines and essential medical equipment that need to be readily available remain accessible to the pupil.

St Nicholas does not routinely administer non-prescription medicines.

Parents/carers should inform school promptly of any changes to their child’s medication, dosage, treatment or medical needs.

Emergency medication and medical equipment must remain readily accessible.

Where medication such as an inhaler or other emergency equipment is normally kept in a classroom, staff ensure that it accompanies the pupil when they take part in activities away from the classroom, including PE, church, Forest School and educational visits.

Relevant staff receive appropriate training for the needs of the pupils they support.

Allergy safety is a whole-school responsibility.

From September 2026, schools have additional statutory responsibilities for managing allergies and anaphylaxis. St Nicholas has a separate Allergy Safety Policy which sets out how we identify and manage allergy risks, train staff, respond to emergencies and support individual pupils.

All staff receive allergy awareness training. Staff who may need to provide additional emergency support receive appropriate further training.

Where a pupil requires individual allergy arrangements, an Allergy Individual Healthcare Plan is completed in partnership with parents/carers and relevant healthcare professionals.

This may include:

• known allergens and typical reactions;
• measures to reduce exposure;
• arrangements at meal and snack times;
• prescribed medication;
• location and accessibility of adrenaline auto-injectors;
• emergency procedures;
• arrangements for trips and activities; and
• consent for emergency medication where appropriate.

That matches the structure you have already created in your Allergy IHCP, which covers the pupil's allergy, typical reaction, management arrangements, risk-reduction measures, meal/snack support and educational access.

Having a medical condition or allergy should not prevent a child from taking part in school life.

We make appropriate arrangements and reasonable adjustments so that pupils can participate in:

• PE and sport;
• Forest School;
• educational visits and residentials;
• church and worship;
• clubs and wider school activities; and
• wraparound provision through The Hive.

The statutory medical-conditions guidance specifically expects pupils with medical conditions to be supported so that they have full access to education, including PE and school trips.

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Where a child attending The Hive has medical needs, relevant information and medication arrangements are shared appropriately with the Hive Manager/ Breakfast Club Manager and relevant staff.

Medical support continues during wraparound provision, including after the main school office has closed.

Parents and carers know their children best, and partnership working is essential.

Please inform us if your child:

• has a diagnosed medical condition or allergy;
• is undergoing assessment for a medical condition;
• has been prescribed new medication;
• has had a change in treatment or dosage;
• has experienced a significant allergic or medical reaction; or
• develops a temporary medical need that may require support or adjustments in school.

You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis before speaking to us.

For general medical or medication queries, please contact the school office.

T: 0113 2930318

E: schooloffice@stnicholasprimaryleeds.org.uk

For pupils who may require an Individual Healthcare Plan or more coordinated medical support, please contact the SENCO/SEND Team. 

T: 0113 2930318

E: SEND@stnicholasprimaryleeds.org.uk

For urgent changes to a child's medication, treatment or emergency arrangements, parents/carers should contact school as soon as possible.