STUDENT SUPPORT POLICY
CONTENTS
Student Care Guidelines
Page
2-3
Intimate and Personal Care, Physical Contact and One to One work
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4-6
Health and Hygiene
Page
7
Behavioural Interventions
Page
8-10
Alcohol and Substance Misuse
Page
11-14
Incentives and Rewards for Young People
Page
15-16
Administration of Medication
Page
20-23
Searches of Young Persons’ Property
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21-22
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STUDENT CARE GUIDELINES Background Lapwing provides a safe and secure educational and caring environment. Students will be encouraged to develop the self-respect, self-confidence, self-control and selfadvocacy necessary for participation as members of their community. Teaching will promote each student’s intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral and spiritual development so that s/he can develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to integrate within the wider community. Definitions Intimate Care - physical assistance or supervision for a student which involves seeing, touching or other contact with the student’s normally clothed body, because of the student’s disability or care needs – assistance with toileting, washing, changing, dressing or undressing, etc. Personal Care - provision of individual help to a student including help with bodily functions and intimate care. Physical Contact - provision of help, guidance or support by an adult for a student in which actual physical holding or touching has to take place . One-to-one work with students - working, on an individual basis, with an individual student sometimes away from groups of people. Links to other policy documents These guidelines support the Child Protection Policy and Procedures (2003) and Vulnerable Adults. Broad aims of the guidelines:
To protect the interests and well-being of students for whom employees have a shared responsibility; To protect employees in the fulfilment of their responsibilities to students; To protect Lapwing Suffolk which ultimately has responsibility for the actions of its employees.
Rationale Physical contact, touching, is an essential part of life. The difference between acceptable and unacceptable touching behaviour is often the most difficult skill to teach. It must be tackled concisely and conscientiously because it is the central goal of all education for the student’s protection. It is particularly important that issues around touch are made explicit and s/he is taught what is ordinarily acceptable and unacceptable. Guidelines Where a member of staff is providing personal and/or intimate care on a professional basis it is good manners, and good practice to talk about what you are doing and why, all the time. Where a member of staff is providing personal support for a physical activity it is essential to ensure that the private, sexual parts of the student’s body are not touched and to check with the student that s/he is comfortable with the touch.
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Where an adult is providing personal support for comfort or assurance s/he must remain aware of an exceptional, potentially difficult situation. If possible, offer comfort without touching the student. If this is not possible offer a “side-by-side� hug in a place open to other colleagues. As soon as personal comfort becomes a social act the physical support should be gently withdrawn whilst explaining what the social norm would be in that situation. Where a member of staff is touching a student to initiate, support or maintain communication the touch should be momentary, and in the nature of a prompt. . Where a student likes to touch and stroke an adult s/he is probably driven by a very real need for human contact, or to explore the boundaries of what is allowable. Employees should try to establish what is actually happening and respond accordingly. The student should be told gently but directly what is acceptable behaviour.
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INTIMATE AND PERSONAL CARE, PHYSICAL CONTACT AND ONE TO ONE WORK WITH LAPWING STUDENTS - GUIDELINES Background Lapwing provides a safe and secure educational and caring environment. Students will be encouraged to develop the self-respect, self-confidence, self-control and selfadvocacy necessary for participation as members of their community. Teaching will promote each student’s intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral and spiritual development so that s/he can develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to integrate within the wider community. Rationale The purpose of this policy is to set out guidelines that safeguard children, young adults and staff by providing a consistent approach. Staff providing personal care must be aware of the need to adhere to good safeguarding practice in order to minimise the risks for both children and staff. Physical contact, touching, is an essential part of life. The difference between acceptable and unacceptable touching behaviour is often the most difficult skill to teach. It must be tackled concisely and conscientiously because it is the central goal of all education for the student’s protection. It is particularly important that issues around touch are made explicit and s/he is taught what is ordinarily acceptable and unacceptable. Aims The aim of this policy is to provide a framework which ensures that all staff follow practices which maximise the safety, dignity and independence of children and young adults at all times whilst minimising the potential for their actions being called into question. The aims are:
To safeguard the dignity, rights and wellbeing of children and young adults. To ensure that children and young adults are treated consistently when they experience personal care. To provide guidance and reassurance to staff. To ensure that parents, carers and guardians are involved in planning the intimate care of the child or young adult and are confident that their concerns and the individual needs of their child/young adult are taken into account. To reassure parents that staff are knowledgeable about intimate care.
Definitions Personal care involves helping children with aspects of personal care which they are not able to undertake for themselves, either because of their age and maturity or because of developmental delay or disability. Intimate Care - physical assistance or supervision for a student which involves seeing, touching or other contact with the student’s normally clothed body, because of the student’s disability or care needs – assistance with toileting, washing, changing, dressing or undressing, etc. Personal Care - provision of individual help to a student including help with bodily functions and intimate care. Physical Contact - provision of help, guidance or support by an adult for a student in which actual physical holding or touching has to take place.
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One-to-one work with students - working, on an individual basis with an individual student sometimes away from groups of people. Responsibilities Management must:
Ensure permission has been sought from parents, carers or guardians of the child or young adult for staff to support the young person’s personal care. Ensure all staff that have a current DBS certificate before the commencement of any personal care. Ensure that facilities are available for personal care to take place. Provide guidance, training, supervision and reassurance to staff to ensure safe practice. Ensure that staff will receive ongoing training in good working practices which comply with health and safety regulations, hygiene procedures, first aid and safeguarding procedures. Keep a record of all staff training and ensure that refresher training is provided where required. Ensure that all staff are familiar with the contents of this policy. Provide an induction programme for all new staff and to ensure that they are made fully aware of personal care procedures for the young people they will be supporting. To ensure all mobile phones are turned off and no unauthorised recording equipment is in use or accessible whilst conducting personal care.
Staff must:
Be familiar with the contents of this policy. Report any concerns to management. Liaise with parents, carers or guardians of the young people to establish care routines for them. Take part in training prior to carrying out personal care.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE Purpose
To encourage independence in personal health. Where assistance is required this is to be offered with dignity and respect for the individual receiving the assistance. To promote a healthy and hygienic environment for employees and students.
Context
Aspects of health and hygiene may be promoted through aspects of an individual learning programme Matters relating to health and hygiene may be found within other Lapwing policies e.g. First Aid, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Manual Handling, Medicines. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with Health and Safety Guidance.
Implementation There are particular aspects of Lapwing life when health and hygiene are particularly important.
Personal Care – this relates particularly to issues of continence and menstruation. Mealtimes. A healthy diet should be encouraged. There may be particular issues relating to gastrostomy feeds.
When working in the above situations, it is essential that you are aware of fundamental hygiene procedures. These are either essential or desirable. Essential Wash hands after going to the toilet Gloves to be worn at all times for personal care Desirable Wash hands before eating Promote a healthy diet If there is an outbreak of head lice or an infectious disease, parents will be responsible for the treatment of their young person. Notification to relevant people will be at the discretion of the Chief Executive.
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BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTIONS The intention of this policy is to support the management of challenging behaviours that can pose difficulty for those working with young people. This policy gives advice in an attempt to provide clear guidance for good, safe and positive practice. Rationale We acknowledge that many of our students may present with a wide range of behaviours. It is important to understand that these behaviours have a purpose for the person who is displaying them. Many of our students have communication and emotional difficulties and unusual behaviour can be an attempt on the part of the student to express their desires and frustrations. As an organization we recognise that on some occasions students’ behaviour can become extreme, challenging and can threaten the safety of themselves and other people in the vicinity. Reason for use of intervention/levels of intervention
Reasons for use of intervention 1. Committing any offence (or, for a student under the age of criminal responsibility, what would be an offence for an older student). 2. Causing personal injury to, or damaging the property of, any person (including the student himself) 3. Prejudicing the maintenance of good order and discipline at a Lapwing teaching session or among any students receiving education at Lapwing whether during a teaching session or otherwise.
Examples of levels of intervention (not exhaustive) 1. Low Level – to include escorting to a safe place, re-diversion, hand-on-hand work. 2. Medium Level - separation where the young person’s actions are overpowering and they are separated from others - no use of physical intervention. 3. High Level – where there is a risk of significant harm to the young person or others around them - possible use of physical intervention.
Management of Behaviour There is no legal definition of reasonable force1 and therefore it is not possible to set out when it is reasonable to use force, or the degree of force that can reasonably be used. This will always depend on the circumstances of the case. The use of force can be regarded as reasonable only if the circumstances warrant it. The use of any degree of force is unlawful if the circumstances do not warrant the use of physical force. Therefore physical force could not be justified in order to prevent a child or young person from committing a trivial misdemeanour, or as a punishment, or in a situation that clearly could be resolved without force. ________________________ 1.Force - This covers both physical and non-physical means of controlling a given situation
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The degree of force employed must be in proportion to the circumstances and the seriousness of the behaviour or the consequences it is intended to prevent. Any force used should always be the minimum needed to achieve the desired result. Also there may be emergency interventions that could be required in relation to unforeseen circumstances. Any use of any force is only considered lawful where it is:
Reasonable Proportionate Necessary
Management Responsibilities
To ensure that all authorised staff are appropriately trained and understand and accept responsibility for their role in the use of reasonable force to control a young person.
Lapwing staff are trained in a low arousal non aggressive approach to managing challenging behaviour where physical intervention is used only as a last resort and to keep students or others safe.
To ensure as far as possible, preparation and planning has taken place to identify areas where physical intervention might be used.
To monitor and record any use of physical intervention in a comprehensive and prompt manner. To also ensure that the policy is examined and reviewed yearly and that it informs future planning.
There should be easy access to a complaints system for young people, parents and staff, with known procedures and identified senior member of staff to monitor outcome. The complaints procedure must be consistent with Child Protection/Safeguarding procedures.
This monitoring should have a known timescale.
To ensure that, following a physical intervention, clear procedures are established to support the young person and the member of staff involved in the incident.
Risk Assessment Management should assess environments in order to gauge the potential triggers or factors that may provoke or exacerbate difficult behaviour. This assessment and constant monitoring should consider equality issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and difficulties the young person has. The assessment should identify:
Potential Hazards2 Possible outcomes, both negative and positive. How staff are kept informed of young people who may present a risk. Who might be harmed such as the young person, their support, bystanders or property. The least restrictive method to respond to foreseeable incidents.
__________________ 2. Hazards – These can be wide ranging from setting, objects, other students, staff or bystanders.
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Student Support Plan Each student will have a personal student support plan which will be written by the Lapwing Management Team in collaboration with the student, his/her parents, carers and other relevant people involved in the delivery of the student’s programme. The student support plan will be signed by the student, his/her parent/carer and the Programme Manager. Copies of the plan will be given to all people working with the student. The behaviour support plan will be reviewed at regular intervals, at least once a term, and necessary modifications made. A copy of the plan will be kept on the student’s file. It is the Programme Manager’s responsibility to monitor the effectiveness of the plan and the implementation of strategies within the plan. Post Incident
If a serious incident should occur then an incident report form should be completed immediately and sent to the Chief Executive Officer of Lapwing. The Programme Manager is to ensure that parents are kept informed of any incidents that occur and to ensure follow up action is completed such as modifying risk assessments, student support plans and activities.
Reference:
Education and Inspections Act 2006 Education Act 2011 Department of Health Children Act 1989 and 1993 Guidance on ‘Permissible Forms of Control in Children’s Residential Care Human Rights Act 1998 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the SEN and Disability Act 2001 Care Standards Act Department for Education ‘Use of Reasonable Force’ ‘Advice for head teachers, staff and governing bodies’ July 2013
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ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE Introduction Lapwing is committed to the safe and efficient delivery of services, promoting the health and wellbeing of students and employees and to the provision of a safe working environment. Lapwing adopts a very strong stance on the misuse of alcohol, drugs and chemical substances by its staff, students and visitors. Lapwing forbids the consumption of, or the possession of alcohol or the use of prohibited drugs on Lapwing and partner organisations’ premises and facilities (except where such use is a necessary part of the curriculum or where alcohol is served in a properly licensed facility.) Lapwing will comply with the relevant legislation and promote a corporate culture where substance and alcohol misuse is not tolerated, to which end Lapwing will work collaboratively with the police and other local agencies. Lapwing will help to protect students and its employees from the dangers of alcohol and substances misuse and will encourage those with a problem to seek help. Lapwing will endeavour to raise awareness of substance and alcohol abuse and its consequences by providing up to date information about alcohol and drugs and details of local treatment and support services. Scope and Purpose of Policy This policy is intended to ensure that Lapwing is consistent in the way it tackles instances of alcohol and substance abuse both in terms of legal obligations, support for staff and students and internal procedures. The policy applies to all students, staff and visitors to Lapwing. In compiling the policy the following legislation has been taken into consideration:
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 The Children Act 1994
The substances covered by this policy are alcohol and illegal drugs, which are not used for a specific medical condition. This policy also includes the use or misuse of substances regulated by COSHH (Control of substances hazardous to health). The purpose of the policy is to ensure that students and staff: • • • • •
have an appropriate learning environment which is protected from the damaging effects of alcohol and substance misuse are protected from the pressures of illegal trading in these substances have access to alcohol and drugs education information are made aware of the issues relating to misuse of these substances are encouraged to access appropriate support for difficulties resulting from misuse of substances.
Roles and Responsibilities Everyone has a responsibility to report alcohol and substance misuse in any of its forms. All members of staff have a responsibility to promote a culture where alcohol and substance misuse is not tolerated, is free from unacceptable behaviour and reacts to any reports of substance and alcohol abuse as quickly as possible and to record these appropriately.
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Training Training will be provided to all members of staff to ensure that they are aware of the policy and the guidelines for both staff and students through the staff development programme. Students will be taken through the guidelines for reporting alcohol and substance misuse and the implications of alcohol and substance misuse in college as part of their induction programme. There will be the opportunity for drugs and alcohol education through awareness raising events in Lapwing. Confidentiality Staff at Lapwing should deem confidential information as private to the institution and not to themselves, as an individual employee. Staff should make it clear at the onset of discussions with the individual concerned, whether the content is to be confidential and the extent of the confidentiality to be afforded. In particular they should inform the individual of: • • •
The concern of Lapwing to respect privacy. The circumstances under which information should be shared with a third party, taking account of the duty of care which may be owed to the individual and/or others. The duties of Lapwing under the Data Protection Act.
Staff Support Staff and students must present themselves for duty in a fit condition, unimpaired by the use of alcohol, drugs and chemical substances. Lapwing staff who contravene these rules may be dismissed. However, Lapwing will provide assistance for staff who need advice and/or assistance because they are concerned that alcohol, drugs or other substance abuse may interfere with their ability to attend work and perform their duties in a safe and effective manner. Lapwing has written procedures for dealing with incidents of alcohol and substance misuse on Lapwing and partner organisations’ premises. These procedures are designed to deal quickly and effectively with difficult situations. Staff and student welfare is our uppermost concern. Students suspected of possession of alcohol or drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs i)
Ask yourself - what evidence can I see / hear / smell to confirm your suspicions? If you feel that your suspicions are confirmed, then consult with the Chief Executive Officer of Lapwing, the Director of Development and Education or the Programme Manager
ii)
It is important to remember that Lapwing staff do not have the right to stop and search students. However, this could be a condition of entry to Lapwing. If the student offers to turn out their pockets or bag you may choose to let them. If students do not co-operate the alternative is to involve the police.
iii)
If the student admits to possession of alcohol or drugs or being under the influence of either of them, ask the student to leave the venue and report the incident to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Development and Education or the Programme Manager. The Team Leader will invite the student back in and invoke the disciplinary procedure.
iv)
If the student denies possession, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, take the following action:
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• •
If you believe the student, explain why your suspicions were aroused and remind them of Lapwing’s policy and code of conduct. Record the incident in the student’s record. If you feel that the situation warrants further investigation/action despite the denial, refer to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director Development and Education or the Programme Manager.
v)
There is a key Health and Safety issue of people in classes and workshops under the influence of alcohol. Staff will need to make a considered judgement as to the level of influence and if there is any doubt about a student’s condition they must not be allowed to participate in the session. Staff should refuse entry and seek support for the student from their colleagues if necessary.
vi)
Lapwing has a duty of care to its students under the influence of drugs or alcohol and an individual assessment will need to be made with regard to the personal safety of the student being asked to leave the premises of Lapwing or partner organisations.
vii)
Summary of action to be taken: • • •
automatic immediate suspension pending an investigation if under 19, telephone call and letter to parent decision made to call police depending on circumstances
Students suspected of selling drugs on Lapwing or Partner Organisations’ Premises i)
If you suspect that drugs are being sold contact the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Development and Education or the Programme Manager. Do not attempt to detain the student physically if they attempt to run away.
ii)
Summary of action to be taken if proved: • • •
The Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Development and Education or the Programme Manager contacts the police Automatic immediate suspension pending investigation If under 19, telephone parents, followed by written letter
Staff suspect that student is misusing drugs but not currently under the influence of or in possession of drugs i)
This is a delicate situation and must be treated in confidence. Refer to Item 6.
Student disclosing drug misuse to a member of staff i)
This is also a delicate issue and must be treated in confidence. Try to get the student to talk to the Programme Manager, who will be able to signpost appropriate support.
Staff or students finding drug equipment i)
Contact the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Development and Education or the Programme Manager who will deal with the incident. Do not touch anything yourself.
Parent, employer or neighbour contacting Lapwing with an issue relating to drug misuse i)
These should be referred to the Chief Executive Officer immediately.
Incidents of suspected drug misuse off-site, including visits and residential i)
Incidents of drug and alcohol abuse in the above situations are to be treated as seriously as if they had occurred on Lapwing or partner organisations’ premises. The action taken by
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the member of staff involved will be tempered by the particular circumstances they find themselves in, but should fit into this framework wherever possible. Support for students who are the victims of drug misuse i)
ii)
Lapwing fosters a supportive environment and will provide appropriate support for students who are: • Users of drugs • Family or friends of users • Victims of drug-related activities • Notwithstanding the disciplinary procedures outlined earlier, Lapwing will signpost support and counselling.
Staff suspected of being in possession or under the influence of banned drugs or alcohol i)
Any incident involving staff suspected of drug or alcohol misuse will be reported to, and investigated by, the Chief Executive Officer. If the drug or alcohol incident is confirmed the Chief Executive Officer will then report to a member of the Trustees. This may result in disciplinary/advisory or monitoring action being taken. If the incident involves a member of Senior Management, this will be reported to the Chair of Trustees.
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INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Purpose Lapwing is committed to recognising young people’s contributions and achievement in improving the development, delivery and evaluation of our services. We are committed to equality of opportunity and safeguarding. This policy is to be read in conjunction with the other organisational policies. Persons affected All employees, paid and unpaid All service users Policy As far as possible employees should consult young people on the types of incentive and reward they would prefer for a particular task. Employees must work within this policy when doing so. In areas of work where a range of young people are involved on a regular basis undertaking a specific task e.g. sitting on a recruitment, funding panel etc., the amount and method of reward should be agreed and applied across the area of work to ensure consistency and fairness. Expenses Out of pocket expenses will be paid in line with our finance and expenses policy. Incentives There are a wide range of incentives that employees can use to encourage young people to become involved in/with our organisation. These include:
Learning new skills and ideas (through activities or training) Building confidence and self esteem Meeting new people and friends Having fun Experience days e.g. trips to national events Having their voice heard
Rewards May include: certificates, accreditation, prizes, and a meal as part of the working session. Rewards will be fair and equitable and will reflect the task, time and contribution of the young people. The amount should be agreed by the budget holder in line with this policy. Vouchers
Vouchers may be bought by the Chief Executive and reclaimed through expenses All vouchers should be signed for by young people and copies retained by the Director Vouchers must be appropriate
The use of vouchers will be monitored as part of the Organisation’s audit process. Recommended amount for use of vouchers is up to £10 for a half day and £15 for a full day.
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Subsidising trips, meals out etc. Costs of meals and or activities should not exceed £15 per head and alcohol will not be provided under any circumstances, regardless of age. All activities will follow the appropriate organisational policies e.g. Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Risk Assessment, consent forms etc. V accreditation Recognition takes the form of a certificate for 50 hours volunteering, a V50 and a V Impact Award which is for a 100 additional hours. Participation must be voluntary and there must be no other financial awards except for out of pocket expenses. A “V Thank you” can also be issued for one off volunteering that is less than 50 hours.
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ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION Introduction Lapwing is an inclusive education provider that aims to welcome students with medical conditions. It understands what it is to be welcoming and supportive of students with a range of medical conditions who may enrol in the future. Lapwing will aim to provide all students with the same opportunities as they would have at other locations. We will ensure that the students can:
Be healthy Stay safe Enjoy and achieve Make a positive contribution Achieve economic well-being and independence
Students with medical conditions are encouraged to take control of their own condition, but should also feel confident that they can receive assistance from their Lapwing support to enable them to achieve this. Lapwing also understands that certain medical conditions are both serious and can be potentially life threatening, particularly if ill managed or misunderstood. First Aid First Aid trained staff are aware of the most common and serious medical conditions at Lapwing. This is done by giving staff basic First Aid training with certain key personnel trained to a higher level. This training of Lapwing Staff is managed by the Programme Manager, who ensures that all staff remain current in their training for their role. The main serious medical conditions that staff are expected to deal with are:
Epilepsy Diabetes Anaphylaxis Asthma Hyperglycaemic (High Blood Sugar)
Lapwing staff understand their duty of care to students in the event of an emergency. This may include the administration of medication or by calling 999. Where appropriate, specific training is given to staff who work with students with particular medical conditions and refresher training is conducted as necessary. Administration of Emergency Medication All students should have easy access to their own emergency medication and are encouraged to carry and administer their own medication such as inhalers, epipens and insulin where practicable. Where this is not possible Lapwing staff supporting the student are to have the relevant training to enable them to administer the relevant medication to the student in an emergency. General Medical Administration All use of medication defined as a controlled drug, even if the student can self-administer the medication, is to be kept in a secure location where there is no general access by any unauthorised people.
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All Lapwing staff should understand the importance of the medication being taken as prescribed. Staff should be aware that there is no legal contractual duty for any member of staff to administer or supervise a student taking medication unless they have been specifically contracted to do so. In regard to the administration of medication where no specific training is necessary, any member of staff may administer prescribed and non-prescribed medication to students, but only with the written consent of the student’s parent. Training is to be given to all staff who agree to administer medication to pupils where specific training is needed. Parents/Legal guardians understand that if the medication is changed, discontinued, or if the dosage changes, they should notify Lapwing immediately and the information should be re-written and signed by the parent/legal guardian. Prescribed medication will not be accepted on a Lapwing programme without complete written and signed instructions from the parent. Safe Storage of Emergency Medication Emergency medication is readily available to the students who require it at all times during their day on a Lapwing programme. If the emergency medication is a controlled drug that is required to be secured, the keys for access to this secure place should be available for whom ever is working with the student at all times. All students who are required to carry epipens should carry them at all times and also to have a spare in case of any further need of the use of one. Students should where possible be reminded of the need for them to carry this medication with them at all times. Storage of Non-Emergency Medication All non-emergency medication is kept in a secure location; preferably one that the students Lapwing support has sole access to. The medication should also be stored within the parameters and conditions of this medication, for example within the temperatures listed on the packaging. Medication General It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure new and in date medication is passed to the Lapwing Skills Coach at the first practical opportunity. However, on handover/takeover of the medication at the time of collecting the student, the Lapwing support person must:
Ensure the medication is prescribed for the student with their name clearly printed. Ensure the name of the medication is clear and that the medication is in date and has not expired. Ensure that the instructions for dosage and times are clear and relevant to the student. Confirm the storage parameters are clear and that this is able to be facilitated within the Lapwing Programme day.
Safe Disposal Parents are asked to collect out of date medication and dispose of this in accordance with the practices at their family medical practice. If parents do not collect the out of date medication, it is to be taken to a local pharmacy for safe disposal.
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The Lapwing support person is to make regular checks of the medication and if found to be out of date to inform the parents as soon as practicable and not to dispense this to the student. Enrolment Forms/Documentation All parents, guardians or care staff will be asked to complete the relevant forms on enrolment and these are to be renewed at the start of each academic year. Parents starting at other times through the academic year will be asked to provide this information on enrolment. Healthcare Plans Lapwing records important details about an individual student medical need, their triggers, signs, symptoms, medication and other treatments. These plans are held centrally in the Lapwing office on all students. If a student has a short-term medical condition that requires medication during Lapwing hours, a medication form plus an explanation is to be sent to the student’s home for completion. Parents are to ensure that if the student has a medical emergency or there have been changes in symptoms, or their medication and treatments change. This is to ensure the healthcare plans are updated accordingly. Management Responsibilities
Ensure the health and safety of their employees and students on a Lapwing programme. This responsibility extends to those staff working within the office to those out at providers or in the community, including outings and field trips. Make sure the medical policy is effectively monitored and evaluated and regularly updated. Provide indemnity to staff who volunteer to administer medication to students with medical conditions. Ensure that Lapwing is inclusive and welcoming and that the medical conditions policy is in line with local and national guidance and policy frameworks. Liaise between interested parties including students, parents, Programme Coordinators, Skills Development Coaches and Trustees. Ensure the policy is put into action, with good communication of the policy to all. Ensure every aspect of the policy is maintained. Ensure that the information held by Lapwing is accurate and up to date and that there are good information sharing systems in place using the students healthcare plans. Access to the training and development of staff and arrange for them to be met. Update the medical policy at least once a year according to review recommendations and recent local and national guidance and legislation.
Staff Working Directly With Students
Be aware of potential triggers, signs and symptoms of common medical conditions and know what to do in an emergency. Understand the medical policy. Know which students in their care have a medical condition. Allow all students to have immediate access to their emergency medication. Maintain effective communication with parents including informing them if their child has been unwell at Lapwing. Ensure students who carry their medication with them have it when they go on a visit or out of the usual setting. Be aware of students with medical conditions who may be experiencing bullying or need extra social support.
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Ensure all students with medical conditions are not excluded unnecessarily from activities that they wish to take part in. Ensure students have the appropriate medication or food with them during any exercise and are allowed to take it when needed.
Parents*
Tell Lapwing if their child or young person has a medical condition. Ensure Lapwing has a complete and up to date health plan for their child. Inform Lapwing about the medication their child requires while taking part in the Lapwing programme. Inform Lapwing about changes to their medication, what they take, when and how much. Inform the school of any changes to their child or young person’s condition. Ensure their child/young person’s medication and medical devices are labelled with their child/young person’s full name. Provide Lapwing with appropriate spare medication labelled with their child/young person’s name. Ensure medication is within expiry dates. Keep their child/young persons at home if they are not well enough to attend their lapwing programme. Ensure their child/young person has regular reviews about their condition with their doctor or specialist healthcare professional.
* The term ‘parent’ implies any person or body with parental responsibility such as foster parent or carer or referring agent e.g.: school. Students
Treat other students with and without medical conditions equally. Tell their parents, Skills and Development Coach or Tutor if and when they are not feeling well. Let a member of Lapwing staff know if another student is feeling unwell. Treat all medication with respect. Know how to gain access to their medication in an emergency. Ensure a member of Lapwing staff is called in an emergency situation.
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CARRYING OUT SEARCHES OF STUDENTS The carrying out of searches on students is not to be done as routine or a matter of course. The searches are only to be conducted with authority from Chief Executive Officer, Director of Development and Education or the Programme Manager, unless a risk in delaying the search would involve harm to the student or other people, property in the immediate vicinity. A copy of the Secretary of States Guidance on Searching and Screening dated February 2014 (next update December 14) is available to read on the intranet and on the R Drive. All Lapwing Staff should be aware of this and to keep themselves updated in regard to this guidance, when implementing the use of this policy in regard to the searches of students. Reasons for Search Immediate Search – (Searching without Consent) The search should only be conducted if the member of staff reasonably suspects that an article has been used or is likely to be used to:
Commit an offence, or To cause personal injury to, or to damage to the property of any person or person(s).
That the person carrying out the search reasonably believes that there is a risk that serious harm will be caused to a person if the search is not carried out as a matter of urgency and in the time available it is not practicable for the search to be carried out by a person of the same sex or in the presence of another member of staff. Approved Search – (Searching with Consent) This search should only be conducted on the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Development and Education or the Programme Manager. The permission of the student will be required to conduct this type of search, if you suspect a student has the following in their possession:
Alcohol or its container. A controlled drug. Illegal drugs. Pornographic material. A stolen article. Fireworks. A prohibited item that has contravened Lapwing Policies and Procedures.
If the student refuses to be searched then consultation with the person who gave the permission needs to take place to discuss whether the student can remain on programme for that day. Seized Goods Dangerous Item
A person who seizes a prohibited item in regard to this policy that would have caused personal injury or damage to the property should: 1. Deliver the item to the police as soon as reasonably practicable. 2. Return the item to its owner.
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3. Retain the item or 4. Dispose of the item.
In deciding what to do with the item, the person who has seized it must have regard to the guidance issued for the purpose of this by the Secretary of State.
Electronic Devices
In regard to an electronic device the person who seized the item may examine any data files on the device, if the person thinks there is a good reason to do so.
Following an examination of the device, if the person has decided to return the item to its owner, retain it to pass onto the police or dispose of it, the person may erase and data or files from the device if the person thinks there is a good reason to do so. In determining there is a good reason to do so, the person must have regard to any guidance issued for the purposes of this by the Secretary of State.
Alcohol/Controlled Drugs
In relation to alcohol this should be retained by the person taking this and on return of the student to his/her residence, these are to be handed over to the responsible parent, carer or to the student if of an appropriate age and independence at the end of the day, or may disposed of as deemed necessary.
In relation to controlled drugs or other substances, these must be delivered to the police as soon as possible, but maybe disposed of if the person thinks there is good reason to do so.
Stolen Items
Where they find stolen items, these must be delivered to the police as soon as reasonably practicable – but may be returned to the owner if the person thinks that there is a good reason to do so.
Within the guidance it is not necessary to inform parents before a search has taken place or to even seek their consent to search their child. If during the search alcohol, illegal drugs or potentially harmful substances are found then this information should be passed to the parents/guardians/carers of the student. Any complaint about the search should be dealt with through the normal school complaints procedure.
References:
Education and Inspections Act 1996 Education Act 2011 Department of Education ‘Searching, Screening and Confiscation’ advice for Head teachers, School Staff and governing bodies – Dated Feb 2014. European Convention on Human Rights
Approved by the Trustees : Dolores Fisher
Date : 22 October 2014
Review Date : October 2015
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