Health Needs and Education

The Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on maintained schools, academies and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), to make arrangements to support pupils with medical conditions.

Schools and educational settings must follow the advice given within the Statutory Guidance written by the Department of Education ‘Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions’, which explains the support children with medical needs should receive in schools.

Individual healthcare plans will normally specify the type and level of support required to meet the medical needs of your child. Where children and young people also have special education needs, their provision should be planned and delivered in a co-ordinated way with the healthcare plan.

The aim is to ensure that all children with medical conditions, in terms of both physical and mental health, are properly supported in school so that they can play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve their academic potential.

It is important that parents feel confident that schools will provide effective support for their child’s medical condition and that pupils feel safe. In making decisions about the support they provide, schools should establish relationships with relevant local health services to help them.

It is crucial that schools receive and fully consider advice from healthcare professionals and listen to and value the views of parents and pupils.

Pupils at school with medical conditions should be properly supported, so that they have full access to education, including school trips and physical education.

Notts special educational needs and disabilities SEND Local Offer. Information services and support all in one place.

SEND Local Offer

The Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council SEND Local Offers are a great resource for finding events, support and activities in your area.

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