Medical

If a student has an accident or feels unwell they must tell a member of staff straight away. If they are too ill to remain in school, their parents/carers will be contacted by the school nurse.

It is always best to make medical appointments outside Academy hours. If this is not possible, students MUST bring a note from their parents/carers at least 24 hours in advance of the date along with a letter of appointment from their doctor or hospital to show to their Form Tutor and Head of Year. If their Head of Year agrees with the necessity to miss school they will countersign the letter and the student will present that at student reception where they will need to sign out. Reception will retain the letter.

With the exception of asthma inhalers, students are not allowed to administer drugs themselves. All inhalers should be clearly labelled with the child’s name and be carried by the child at all times. A second inhaler, clearly marked with the pupil’s name, can also be left with the school nurse if required. If a student needs to take a prescribed medicine at the Academy, they must sign an authorisation document with the school nurse, giving permission for her to administer the medicine. If a child wishes to take a painkiller, they must go to the school nurse. No pupils will be provided with paracetamol unless permission has been expressly given by parents in advance. Students should not carry any medicines or painkillers on their person.

At Ark Charter Academy, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our pupils is always our top priority. We work closely with families to ensure that any medical needs are fully understood and properly supported during the school day.

If your child has a medical condition or allergy, please inform the school as soon as possible. Our Student Entitlement Team and Medical Officer will work with you to create an Medical Care Plan outlining:

• The nature of your child’s condition
• Known triggers, symptoms, and treatment
• Required medication (e.g. inhalers, auto‑injectors)
• Emergency procedures
• Any reasonable adjustments needed in school

These plans are reviewed at least annually, or sooner if your child’s needs change.

Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that all medication provided to school is in-date, clearly labelled, and supplied in the original packaging.

Emergency Response

At Ark Charter, we have many staff trained in Emergency First Aid. They can all recognise allergic reactions and know what to do in an emergency. If a pupil displays signs of anaphylaxis, staff will:

1. Follow the student’s medical plan
2. Administer emergency medication as required
3. Call emergency services
4. Contact parents/carers immediately

To keep all students safe—especially those with severe, life‑threatening allergies—Ark Charter Academy is a nut‑free school. This means:

• No nuts or nut‑containing products should be brought onto site.
• Packed lunches must avoid items such as peanut butter, Nutella, cereal bars containing nuts, and mixed nuts.
• The school canteen does not use nuts in meals prepared on site.

We ask for everyone’s support in maintaining a safe environment for pupils with allergies. Even trace amounts can pose a serious risk, so your cooperation really does make a difference.