Including Children with Medical Needs in School: A Guide to Best Practice

This accessible book is packed with information and strategies that will build your confidence in ensuring that children and young people with medical needs have equal access to education and can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Including Learners with Medical Needs in School provides school staff with a guide for best practice in supporting learners with complex health conditions in their schools. The book includes:

• An overview of legal considerations and the responsibilities of schools and local authorities
• How to create a welcoming environment and support the smooth reintegration to school following absences, as well as advice on managing medication and creating strong home–school partnerships
• Guidance on working effectively with hospital schools, medical alternative provision, paediatric hospitals, and mental health units
• A wealth of case studies, top tips, and tried-and-tested practical strategies that can be easily applied without huge costs or training
• Signposting to further resources as well as downloadable specimen polices, exemplar Individual Healthcare Plans, and training materials

By implementing the recommendations in this book, schools can make a commitment to inclusion and make a real difference to the educational experience of children with medical needs. It is essential reading for SENCOs, pastoral leads, and senior leaders, as well as a useful resource for school governors and school nurses.

Cath Kitchen is an experienced leader in Alternative Provision for learners with medical needs, working alongside the Department for Education. She chairs the National Association for Hospital Education, provides school improvement advice, and was a pathfinder for the Ethical Leadership Framework. Cath has an OBE for services to children and young people.