Overview

This bill amends the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to improve support for children with specified health conditions in schools. It mandates that schools develop and implement medical conditions policies, including individual healthcare plans, and ensures cooperation between schools, NHS bodies, and local authorities.

Description

The Schools (Health Support) Act 2009 aims to standardize the support provided to children with specified health conditions in schools in England. Key aspects include:

Medical Conditions Policy

Schools must create and implement a medical conditions policy outlining how they will support children with specified health conditions. This policy must detail procedures for recording and maintaining health records, creating individual healthcare plans, and providing staff training.

Individual Healthcare Plans

For each child with a specified health condition, an individual healthcare plan must be developed, involving consultation with parents and the child (where appropriate) and requiring parental approval. NHS bodies have a duty to cooperate in this process.

Cooperation and Collaboration

The bill emphasizes cooperation between schools, NHS bodies (as defined in the National Health Service Act 2006), local authorities, and primary care trusts in providing support.

Inspection of Standards

The Act amends inspection procedures to include the well-being of children with specified health conditions.

Specified Health Conditions

The Secretary of State will define which health conditions are considered "specified" through regulations.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The implementation will likely involve increased costs for schools in developing policies, training staff, and creating individual healthcare plans. There may also be indirect costs for NHS bodies and local authorities in supporting schools' efforts.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect:

• Schools: They will need to develop and implement new policies and procedures, potentially requiring additional resources and staff training.
• Children with specified health conditions: They will benefit from improved support and tailored healthcare plans within their school environment.
• Parents of children with specified health conditions: They will be involved in the development of their child's individual healthcare plan.
• School staff: They will receive additional training to support children with specified health conditions.
• NHS bodies, local authorities, and primary care trusts: They will have a duty to cooperate with schools in implementing the Act.

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