Nursing Handbook 2025/26

NURSING HANDBOOK

2025/26

NURSING HANDBOOK CONTENT

P 04 Meet The Nursing Team

P 05 School Clinic - Timing

P 06 Student Medical Information

P 07 Emergency Care and Individual Health Care

P 08-9 Medication Administration

P 10 Sickness And Absence

P 11 Leaving the School Unwell - Nurse Pass

P 12-13 Sickness and Guidelines

P 14 Broken Bones, Reduced Mobility

P 15 Vaccinations

P 16 Healthy Eating, Allergies and Drinking

P 17 Health Screening

P 18 Health Promotion / Education

P 19 Sun Protection, Exposure, Heat Index

P 20 Holistic Care and Safeguarding

MEET THE NURSING TEAM

Maria Verayo School Nurse

Carol Favila School Nurse

Natasha Saunders School Nurse

Carli Sanchez Head Nurse

Jennifer Lawson Nursing Administrator

Hawaya Noor Nursing Administrator

SCHOOL CLINIC

The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) has a fully licensed Nursing Clinic, staffed by four qualified School Nurses and two Nursing Administrators. The clinic is well-equipped to manage minor injuries and initial emergency concerns that arise during the school day, as well as providing ongoing care for students with long-term health conditions.

Our School Nurses follow evidence-based practices to ensure the highest standards of care and continuously update their skills and knowledge through ongoing professional development.

The clinic is regularly inspected by both the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements.

In addition to providing daily care, the BSAK School Nurses deliver health education in classrooms and to the wider school community. We are committed to empowering students and parents with the latest, research-based health information.

Located on the ground floor near to Primary reception.

SCHOOL CLINIC TIMINGS

Nursing Services are available: Mon - Thurs: 7.15 until 17.00 Friday- 7.15 until 12pm

Contact the School Nurse on nurses@britishschool.sch.ae

STUDENT MEDICAL INFORMATION

Parents are required, on admission, to provide completed medical information, including consent for over-the-counter medications, first aid and emergency treatment, and health screening. This information is essential prior to the student’s start date to ensure nursing and teaching staff are aware of any medical conditions. All medical data remains confidential and is stored securely, in accordance with ADEK and DOH regulations. You may be contacted by the school nurse to provide additional information.

We also ask parents to provide an up-to-date vaccination card before a school place is offered. ADEK states this is a mandatory part of the student registration and enrolment process in all UAE schools. All schools in the UAE are required by health and educational authorities to hold copies of original immunisation records for each child, from birth to present day, as part of the admissions process.

MEDICAL HEALTH DECLARATION FORM

The annual Medical Health Declaration Form, found on the school portal, must be completed each year. This ensures the school has the most up-to-date medical information about your child. Without this form, your child will not be allowed to participate in any co-curricular clubs, sporting events and matches, or school trips.

If your child has medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or other high-risk conditions, a Student Care Plan will be sent to you. This must be completed to provide the school with essential information regarding your child’s diagnosis and to determine any additional support or care pathways required at school.

Please note: If these forms are not completed, your child will not be permitted to take part in school trips or sports fixtures, as this information is required to ensure your child’s safety.

EMERGENCY CARE

In the event of a medical emergency the school clinic has clear protocols in place to ensure that they will be dealt with safely and professionally, providing high standards of care for each student.

● Many of our teaching and support staff are first aid trained.

● We have nurse call bells located throughout the school that are pressed in the event of an emergency or if medical assistance is required.

● If a cardiac emergency is suspected, the school has 4 Automated External Defibrillators (AED) 3 onsite and 1 located off-site at our sport facility. In the event of an emergency and an ambulance is required, parents will be informed and the child will be transported to nearest hospital with the school nurse until parents arrive.

INDIVIDUAL

HEALTH CARE NEEDS

The school nurses support children with long-term health care needs throughout the school day. The nurses work closely with parents and staff to create an individual student medical profile which outlines the needs of the student relating to their medical condition and needs. If your child requires specific medical interventions to be put in place to support them please contact the nursing team for a meeting.

Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease (CHD)

Musculoskeletal problems

Medically unexplained Syndromes

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Chronic fatigue Syndrome

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

The Nursing Clinic can store and administer medication needed during school hours. However, to do so, we require both a Care Plan and a Prescription Form to be completed and signed by a licensed physician in the UAE.

The medication must be brought to the School Clinic in its original container, clearly labeled with the following information- student’s name, name of the medication, expiry date, dosage instructions.

Regular Medication

Students with long-term health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, ADHD, or diabetes may require regular medication during the school day. All students with long-term medical needs must have a Care Plan and a Prescription Form completed and signed by a DOH-licensed physician.

Students Carrying Medication

Students should not self-medicate or carry medication without the prior knowledge and approval of the School Nurse. For students to self-administer medications such as inhalers, EpiPens, or insulin, approval must be given by the doctor, parent, and School Nurse, confirming that the student is capable of doing so safely. A backup supply of the medication must be provided to the School Clinic in case of emergency or if the original is misplaced. If parents do not wish to supply a back up medication to the clinic this is the responsibility of the parent to ensure the student carries the required medication with them within school hours, including off-site sports fixtures and school trips.

It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that any medication carried by the student is regularly checked at home for expiry dates, is in clean and working condition, and is clearly labeled with the student's name and date of birth. For diabetic students who carry glucometers, parents must ensure that the devices are calibrated and tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Over-the-Counter Medication

If your child requires over-the-counter (OTC) medication to be stored and administered at school—such as antihistamines, eczema creams, or eye drops—a Prescription Form must be completed by the parent. This form should include the child’s name, the name of the medication, expiry date, dosage, and specific timing or days the medication is needed.

Other OTC medications, such as paracetamol and topical creams, may also be administered with prior parental consent. However, for Primary School students, the School Nurse will contact parents before administering medications like paracetamol to confirm that no prior dose has been given. Secondary School students do not require this additional confirmation.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

Temporary Medication

If a student requires temporary medication—such as a course of antibiotics, antiviral medication, or eye drops—parents are asked to provide a copy of the original prescription form (This is often retained by the pharmacy, so please request a copy at the time of dispensing.)

In addition, a Temporary Medication Form must be completed by the parent. The medication must be brought to the School Clinic in its original container, clearly labeled with the following informationstudent’s name, name of the medication, expiry date, dosage instructions

School Trip Medication

Some students who normally have medication out of school hours will need a teacher to administer the regular medication on a school trip. All medication must be received by the school clinic at least a week prior to the trip. Please be aware the school nurses are not present for off site school activities or school trips therefore a first aid trained teacher will be responsible for administering the medication.

A clear prescription is required with a physician signature with clear instructions The medication must be brought to the School Clinic in its original container, clearly labeled with the following informationstudent’s name, name of the medication, expiry date, dosage instructions.

No medication will be administered in school or during school activities or whilst on residential trips without the above consent and paperwork completed, a handwritten note or a verbal message is not acceptable.

Teachers will not accept medication on the morning of the trip this is not safe for your child as a handover and written instructions from the nurse to teacher is required.

Emergency Medication

School Nurses at BSAK are licensed to administer emergency medication in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi. The DOH requires that schools obtain parental consent for the administration of the following emergency medications:

● Epinephrine/Adrenaline – for treatment of severe allergic reaction

● Ventolin Inhaler/Metered Dose Inhaler –exacerbations

● Midazolam – for seizure activity

This consent is collected during the school admission process and is updated annually through the Health Declaration Form. The form is kept on file for the duration of your child’s enrollment at BSAK.

SICKNESS AND ABSENCE

Reporting Absence

If your child is unwell and cannot attend school, please report the absence via the school parent portal in the Unplanned Absence section. Be sure to include your child's name, class, and the reason for the absence.

Sickness Certificates

Students absent for more than three days must provide a medical certificate from a physician to cover the absence. Without this, the absence will be marked as unauthorised, in accordance with ADEK guidelines.

Once a sick note is obtained, please upload it to the school portal. All communicable diseases - for example, chickenpox, scarlet fever, and influenza - must be reported to the school nurses. The nurses will notify the Department of Health (DOH), who may request specific information. A nurse will contact you as needed.

Sickness in School and Collecting Your Child

If your child is sick for more than three days, a sick note from a doctor is required.

If your child becomes unwell at school or requires home or doctor care, the school nurse will assess their condition and contact you directly with appropriate healthcare guidance. Please collect your child as promptly as possible, ideally within one hour, as students should not remain in school when unwell.

● Students over 14 may go home by taxi with parental permission.

● Students are not permitted to leave the school premises without staff permission and a parent’s direct knowledge.

● All students must be signed out using the Sign In/Out app at either the Primary or Secondary reception. This ensures school registers are updated for fire and emergency procedures.

If someone else will collect your child, or there are any issues with pick-up, please notify the nurse in advance.

It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure all telephone contact details are up to date on the Parent Portal.

Unwell students may not travel home by bus. This poses a risk to other students and is not appropriate for a sick child.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL WHEN UNWELL

If a student feels unwell, they must come to the school clinic and be assessed by a nurse. It is against school policy for students to use their mobile phones in school, and therefore students should not be calling their parents to take them home. The only exception to this is that certain students with specific medical conditions have permission to call the duty nurse on their mobile in an emergency and they are issued a pass to confirm this.

STUDENTS ACCESSING THE CLINIC

Nursery – Year 2

Students are escorted to and from the clinic by their teacher or Learning Assistant (LA).

The Nurse Pass System

The Nurse Pass system allows teachers to monitor and ensure students are accounted for when visiting the clinic. It confirms that the teacher is aware of the student’s whereabouts.

Year 3 – Year 6

Students may access the clinic with a Nurse Pass issued by their class teacher or the teacher on break duty.

Secondary Students

Secondary students may go to the clinic independently. However, during class time, they must obtain written permission from their teacher.

● Students may self-refer during break and lunch times only.

● In an emergency, all students may access the clinic without a pass at any time.

Parents Informed

You will be contacted by the nurse if your child has a significant injury, requires monitoring due to illness/injury, or needs to be collected for doctor or hospital assessment.

For minor injuries or when no monitoring is required, you will not be informed about your child’s clinic visit.

SICKNESS AND GUIDELINES

School Health Guidelines Based on Department of Health (DOH) Recommendations

In accordance with the Department of Health's guidelines for infection control, if your child returns to school earlier than the recommended period, a signed letter from a hospital physician is required to confirm that your child is no longer contagious.

Parents will typically be notified of an infectious disease case in a class or year group when there are two or more confirmed cases, unless otherwise directed by the DOH. Notification will be sent once the school clinic is made aware of the situation.

Common

Illnesses

Diarrhoea and/or vomiting

Fever >37.8°C

Flu (Influenza)

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Impetigo

48 hours from last episode. If with fever 48 hours free from fever or fever reducing.

Must be fever free for 24 hours without fever medication.

As per doctors guidelines depending on treatment.

5 days from onset of rash and when all spot are crusted.

48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment or until lesions are crusted.

Molluscum contagiosum Not required

Must be collected from school if occurs within school timings

Must be collected from school if occurs within school timings

Must provide a sick note and will be reported to DOH as per guidelines.

Must provide a sick note and will be reported to DOH as per guidelines.

Open sores must be covered over to reduce spread.

Times when infected will require physician follow up.

SICKNESS AND GUIDELINES

Common childhood Illnesses

Head Lice

Conjunctivitis

Scarlet fever/Strep throat

Recommended

absence from school

A student will only be checked at school if a teacher suspects head lice. Parents will be informed and advised treatment after school. No absence required.

If student has no visual compromise such as swelling/redness/discharge then they can stay in school and parents will be contacted for treatment after school.

48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment and 24 hours following fever.

Mumps 5 days from onset of swollen glands- Can return with physician exemption.

Hand, foot and Mouth Fever free for over 24 hours When blisters have scabbed over/dried up

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Antibiotic treatment- After 5 days

No antibiotics- 21 days after the onset of symptoms.

Extra information

A Year group/class notifications will be sent with 1 or more cases.

If child is aware of hand hygiene and can follow the recommendations then ok to remain at school.

Preventable by vaccination (MMR).

Good hand hygiene is a good precaution

Preventable by vaccination. After treatment non-infectious coughing may continue for many weeks. Contact tracing is necessary as per DOH. Must provide a sick note and will be reported to DOH as per guidelines.

BROKEN BONES AND REDUCED MOBILITY

If your child has had an injury that has resulted in reduced mobility, such as leg fracture, arm fracture or back injury, please notify the school nurse directly. We will assess the student on their return to school and complete a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

We will require a medical report to be uploaded to the student file. Identifying children with reduced mobility is important during school evacuations and fire alarms, to ensure the student can get out of the building safely. We can also provide the student with a lift pass until recovery.

The nursing team can also provide support in the recovery such as ice, elevation and pain relief. Furthermore, we will also communicate any injuries, to the appropriate staff and advise the PE department that lessons will be missed.

Please contact nurses@britishschool.sch.ae

Identifying children with reduced mobility is important during school evacuations and fire alarms, to ensure the student can get out of the building safely.

When entering the UAE the Health Authority recommends that all parents should review their child’s immunisation status with their doctor, the school nurses are happy to provide guidance with this.

Currently the Abu Dhabi School Health Department (SEHA) offer Year 1, Year 8 and Year 11 immunisations as per UAE schedule (see link) These vaccination are free to students in these years in school. Parents can choose to vaccinate their child privately, however, you will be charged by the medical practice. Please provide copies of any vaccinations had outside of school to the school clinic so your child file can be

All year 1, year 8 and Year 11 Parents will receive a vaccination pack at the start of the academic year via their class teacher which must be returned. If you do not wish your child to be vaccinated you will still need to complete the consent form declining the vaccination. A vaccination date will then be scheduled and

BSAK offer an extensive range of school trips both locally and overseas. Please check well in advance of any planned overseas travel and review specific health care needs with your own doctor; particularly the

Grade 1 DTaP-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis, Injectable Polio Vaccine)

bOPV (Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine)

Var (Varicella Vaccine)

Grade 8 HPV9 (Human Papillomavirus 9 valent Vaccine) for females and males - (2 Doses)

Grade 11 Tdap (Tetanus, reduced Diphtheria and acellular Pertussis Vaccine)

MCV4 (Meningococcal ACYW135 Conjugated Vaccine)

For Grade 1 students who have not been fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine, initiate or complete the vaccination schedule for those who do not have documentation of receiving 2 doses after their first birthday, with a minimum 4-week interval between doses.

HEALTHY EATING

BSAK is a nut free School. Nuts are not permitted BSAK is a nut free school, Please do not send your child into school with nuts including peanut butter

FOOD IN SCHOOL

Students have the option to have hot school food provided by our school caterers (Food Nation) or to bring a packed lunch. We encourage all students to eat a healthy well balanced Diet.

Click here for more Information about healthy meals

Please refer to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi links for guidance on food in schools. We understand that children can go through phases of picky eating. If you’d like support, feel free to email your child’s teachers, they can help encourage healthy eating at snack time and even use sticker charts as motivation. We also run nutrition mornings with younger students and provide health education on balanced diets for older students.

Allergies

A school cannot guarantee a completely allergen free environment, but we will always seek to minimise the risk of exposure, of any child or adult suffering allergy-induced anaphylaxis whilst at school or attending any school related activity.

BSAK has minimised risk by becoming a Nut Free School. Nurses work closely with teaching staff and students regarding all allergies in the classroom. If your child has food or other allergies/ anaphylaxis, please speak to the School Nurse.

All food provided by our school caterers in school is nut free and ingredients are clearly identified.

We would appreciate your support in ensuring that you or your helpers at home do not provide nuts or nut products in any snacks, drinks and lunches to your child whilst they are on the school premises.

DRINKING WATER

Please provide your child with a safe leak proof plastic type water bottle that can be refilled at the school’s water fountains throughout the school day. All children can drink liberally in lessons. We recommend that children drink water in preference to fruit juices which should be limited, due to the natural rapidly absorbed sugar content, and be consumed at home. Low fat plain milk and Laban are healthier options to fresh fruit juice.

OTHER FOODS NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL

● All types of nuts or nut products i.e. peanut butter or Nutella like spreads and cookies containing nuts

● Chocolate, candies, sweets and chewing gum

● Doughnuts and cakes

● Canned soft drinks like Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Red Bull and other energy drinks

GLASS

HEALTH SCREENING

As part of our commitment to student health and wellbeing, our school is required by ADEK to conduct BMI and vision screenings

will be provided upon admission to BSAK and will remain valid for the duration of the student’s time at the school. An email will also be sent prior to each screening, giving you the option to opt out if you change your mind.

Understanding BMI

BMI is a simple measure that compares a child’s height and weight to provide an indication of whether they are within a healthy range. However, it is important to remember that BMI does not account for factors such as muscle mass, bone density, or individual growth patterns. Therefore, it should be viewed as a general guide rather than a definitive assessment of your child’s health.

Vision Assessment

We conduct a basic eye assessment as part of the screening. If the vision assessment indicates any abnormalities, we advise you to see a pediatrician or an eye specialist for further evaluation.

Comprehensive Health Screening

This screening is available to specific years within the school and is performed by SEHA. This screening aims to assess the students health status by conducting a screening that may detect certain health problems. This screening includes physical examination, blood pressure, hearing test and dental examination. A consent form for selected year groups will be sent to parents in the first term and dates will be confirmed after consent forms are received.

HEALTH PROMOTION HEALTH EDUCATION

We provide health promotion on multiple health topics to students and parents such as:

- Nutrition/Water Intake

- Handwashing

- Oral hygiene

- Negative impact of mobile phones and social media

- First Aid and what to do in an emergency

- Car seat safety

- Mental health

- Puberty

- Eye health

- Importance of sleep

Health promotion and health education is a large part of the nursing role within BSAK.

SUN PROTECTION AND EXPOSURE

Sunhats and Sunscreen

We recommend that all children wear a BSAK Sunhat when playing outside, It is also expected that sunscreen protection is used by all children and this is the responsibility of parents. Please make this part of your morning routine and ensure that your child is protected with a high SPF lotion prior to arrival.

Heat index and Air quality

The heat index and air quality is closely monitored by the Health and Safety team and the nursing team. Outside play is closely monitored for safety and decided by the SLT team based on the readings taken in the surrounding area. Please note that although warnings may be publicised the readings are taken accurately at the school in real time and in the specific area. If you have concerns and your child is high risk, such as asthmatic, prone to chest infections, please contact your child's teacher directly regarding other arrangements at break/lunchtime.

It is mandatory to wear a BSAK Sunhat when playing outside.

HOLISTIC CARE & SAFEGUARDING

HOLISTIC CARE

The nursing team works closely with the school counsellor and pastoral leads to provide holistic care and ensure a safe, supportive environment within the school.

Safeguarding at BSAK

The welfare and safety of children who attend The British School Al Khubairat is our paramount concern. We are committed to promoting the health, wellbeing, and safety of students in all that we do.

Our children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, or social background. They have a right to feel and be safe in our school. BSAK expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

The school recognises and understands its responsibility to work in partnership with other agencies, both in the UAE and the UK, to help children grow up in a healthy and safe environment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory checks, including the Enhanced DBS Check, Prohibition Check, and references.

In the interest of safety and security, all adults are required to wear a BSAK lanyard visibly at all times:

● Navy blue lanyards – BSAK staff

● Light blue lanyards – Parents (issued upon admission)

● Orange lanyards – Temporary visitors (issued once cleared by Security)

If you have any concerns regarding safeguarding, please contact a member of our Safeguarding Team:

Telephone: (02) 204 0200

Email: safeguarding@britishschool.sch.ae

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