Healthcare plans
Individual healthcare plans can help to ensure that schools effectively support pupils with medical conditions, in terms of both physical and mental health.
They provide clarity about what needs to be done, when and by whom.
While not all children and young people will require one, they will often be essential, such as in cases where conditions fluctuate or where there is a high risk that emergency intervention will be needed, and are likely to be helpful in the majority of other cases, especially where medical conditions are long-term and complex.
The school, healthcare professional and parent should agree, based on evidence, when a healthcare plan would be inappropriate or disproportionate. If consensus cannot be reached, the headteacher is best placed to take a final view.
Governing bodies should ensure that the school’s policy covers the role of individual healthcare plans, and who is responsible for their development, in supporting pupils at school with medical conditions.
The governing body should ensure that plans are reviewed at least annually, or earlier if evidence is presented that the child’s needs have changed. They should be developed with the child or young person’s best interests in mind and ensure that the school assesses and manages risks to the child’s education, health and social wellbeing, and minimises disruption.
Guidance on school’s duties and developing an individual healthcare plan is provided in the EBSA toolkit.