Assess
Children with medical needs usually have had their needs identified before entering nursery and there is a lot of information about their medical condition available. It is important to gather as much information as possible from parents/carers and possibility medical professionals. More information may need to be found about what needs to be in place for the medical needs can be met in the early year setting:
- A more detailed assessment of the pupil’s sensory, physical and medical needs may be needed and the effect they have on the access to the nursery curriculum needs to be considered. This could be through observations and assessments in school and/or collating information from health professionals.
- More specialist medical services may be involved, such as the Diabetic Nurse Specialist or Physiotherapist. Please refer to the 'Using Specialist Support Services' section for relevant referral pathways.
- As all children are different, this assessment is crucial to identify the child’s specific needs in order to ensure that the intervention and support is effective.
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A multidisciplinary approach may be required so information, assessments and recommendations are shared. All relevant professionals need to be invited to regular review meetings and telephone conversations or reports such be provided if attendance is not possible to ensure that the support provided is the most effective.
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Communication between home, school and medical professionals needs to be transparent and based on mutual respect to ensure a consistent approach.
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A delegated risk assessment may be needed which clearly outlines the responsibilities of the early years provider and the health professionals:
- It is the responsibility of the CCG to ensure the school are capable of meeting the child’s needs
- It is the responsibility of the school to provide the capacity to meet the needs.
Other information available: