Children with medical needs, conditions and diagnosis
Sometimes, children and young people are unable to attend school regularly because of a medical need, condition or diagnosis. This can include all types of conditions, including mental health issues such as Anxiety that are preventing a child from attending regularly.
What schools must do
Schools should have a policy for supporting pupils with medical needs, that is regularly reviewed.
You should be able to view this policy on the school’s website or you can ask for it at the school office.
Schools must following the legal guidance about what support they should put in place:
Schools do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis, to provide support to your child.
If your child’s medical condition is unclear then the school should seek further medical advice, so that a judgement can be made about what support may be needed.
How schools can help
If your child has missed 15 or more days of school, in an academic year, due to their long term medical condition, their school should support them by providing a suitable education.
This could be through things such as:
- work being sent home
- an IT application for learning
- home tuition
- an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP)
- a referral to a teaching service for students who are unable to attend school for medical reasons
In Hertfordshire the Education Support for Medical Absence (ESMA) team is a teaching service for students who are unable to attend school for medical reasons.
They help pupils continue their education around their needs and work towards getting them back into school life as soon as possible.
Individual Health Care Plans
An Individual Health Care Plans (IHCP) is a plan for children and young people with ongoing medical needs.
It is used to ensure that schools know how to support your child effectively and clearly explains what needs to be done, when and by who. It should be reviewed annually, or earlier if your child’s needs have changed.
Writing the ICHP
Once a school is aware that one may be needed, they should bring everyone together who is involved with your child and can provide information to help with drawing up the IHCP.
You should be involved in the process of writing and reviewing the plan, along with any relevant medical professionals. You can suggest people who should be involved.
If possible, your child should be also be involved in any discussions about their medical support needs and be able to contribute to the development of their plan.
Things to consider
When developing an Individual Health Care Plan it’s important to consider:
- The medical condition, signs, symptoms, and treatments.
- The child’s resulting needs, including medication.
- The level of support needed – if a child is self-managing their medication, this should be clearly stated with appropriate arrangements for monitoring.
- Who will provide this support and their training needs.
- Arrangements for written permission from parents and the headteacher for medication to be administered by a member of staff or self-administered by the pupil during school hours.
- Arrangements for school trips or other school activities.
- What to do in the event of an emergency, including who to contact, and contingency arrangements.
The difference between an IHCP and EHC Plan
An IHCP is not the same as an EHCP.
An EHCP is a legal document that outlines any special educational needs and the provision that the local authority must put in place to support a child or young person.
An IHCP is not a legal document, but is good practice with the of aim of making sure that the school knows how to support the child or young person, being clear about what needs to be done, when and by whom.
Reviewing an IHCP
An IHCP should be reviewed at least once every 12 months, or earlier if your child’s needs have changed.
Get in touch with us
If you can't find what you need, feel free to get in touch with us. Our opening hours are:
- Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm
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We aim to respond to all enquiries within 3 working days.
Other sources of help and support:
Hertfordshire Local Offer
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.
Visit the Local Offer →
Contact
A charity for families with disabled children offering information and advice.
Visit Contact →
HPCI
An independent parent carer organisation ensuring family voices are heard.
Visit the HPCI →
IPSEA
Independent information, advice and support, with free guides, resources and template letters.
Visit IPSEA →