Student Health in Public Schools Procedures

Guidance

In this document, it is the principal’s responsibility, as site manager, to manage its implementation. This does not mean the principal will personally undertake the duty, rather to ensure systems, processes and roles are established and staff are aware of these.

A whole school approach recognises that all aspects of the school community can impact positively upon student wellbeing, engagement and achievement. A whole school approach may include consistent practices, procedures and programs, shared messaging or written plans tailored to the school context.

Culturally responsive approaches and practices consider the social, cultural and historical contexts of the school community. Culturally responsive practices aim to create the conditions for Aboriginal students to experience cultural safety.

The Health Promoting Schools Framework can assist schools to develop a whole school approach which considers the broad health needs of the school community. These health needs are addressed using a combination of strategies linked to:

• curriculum (teaching, learning and professional learning)
• environment (school ethos and policies)
• partnerships with student, families and the local community.

Guidance

Parents provide information about their child’s health care needs as informed by health professionals. The principal works in partnership with parents and use this information to develop the student’s health care plan.

It is important to consider the diverse backgrounds and, where possible, the experiences of families when requesting health information. In circumstances where literacy and/or language is a barrier, it is expected that parents are supported to complete relevant health care documentation. Information is available on how to access interpreting services (staff only).

If parents choose not to provide this information, they should be informed in writing of the possible implications. If parents do not respond to written communication, the principal may:

• in the case of students who are independent minors as per Section 147 of the School Education Regulations 2000, deal directly with the student who can make their own health care decisions
• seek agreement from the parent to liaise directly with the student’s medical practitioner
• if the school becomes aware that a student has a complex and/or potentially life-threatening condition, seek advice from the regional education office, community health nurse and/or Legal Services, or
• report a concern of medical neglect to the Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support by following procedure 3.6 for principals in the Child Protection in Department of Education Sites policy.

Schools have a responsibility to support student health including the administration of medication and first aid and delivery of PCIS. An employee can decline requests to administer medication, non-emergency first aid and/or deliver PCIS if the employee has reasonable belief they are not capable of such support or believes it is unreasonable as part of their employment.  Reasonable belief may include cultural, physical or medical reasons that impede an employee’s ability to provide this support.

The Department is vicariously liable for an employee’s conduct. An employee is extensively covered for liability arising from their employment unless the employee has acted in a deliberately wrongful or outrageous way. This coverage includes duties undertaken to support student health which may or may not be stated in the employee’s JDF. 

The Department is responsible for compensating a person harmed as a result of the employee’s conduct. An employee will be eligible for compensation (staff only) if injured while supporting student health.

Resources available to schools include financial, physical and specialist support (staff only).  Principals who believe the school may not be able to provide the level of health care support required to sustain health or life for students with high-risk health conditions should refer the matter to their Director of Education.