Medical Information
Last updated:The Headteacher should ensure that all relevant and up-to-date medical and health information is maintained within the School Swimming Folder.
It is a requirement that all relevant medical conditions are documented on each school's swimming register and Risk Assessment. Specialist swimming teachers and accompanying school staff must be made aware of all medical information one week prior to that pupil swimming (see Appendix X - Swimming class registers including information on pupils with medical conditions and/or additional needs - information for leisure providers). This will need updating when necessary.
If a pupil experiences a new medical condition during a school swimming lesson, this must be documented in writing by the Teacher in Charge of School Swimming and the Risk Assessment amended accordingly.
School staff should discuss the condition with the Parent/Guardian/Carer of the pupil and review whether the pupil is able to continue swimming. This will ensure that safety procedures can be put in place before the pupil participates in the next swimming lesson.
Written permission from parents may be required prior to allowing a pupil with a particular medical condition to participate in the School Swimming programme. The school may need to seek help from outside organisations to understand how aquatic activities may affect the pupil.
The requirements for pupils with Epilepsy may vary depending on whether an effective medication management regime is in place, the effectiveness of this in controlling the onset of episodes, and whether the pupil has a history of episodes whilst swimming. For pupils with Epilepsy, an assigned member of staff will need to be given the role of a ‘spotter’.
The pupil may need to work alongside a responsible person in the water when they are out of their depth. Using a ‘buddy’ system with a pupil or helper in the water can provide non-intrusive supervision, which also avoids embarrassment on behalf of the pupil.
Important Information
It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that all medication (including inhalers) is accessible at all times at the poolside. All medication should be placed in a watertight container.
Useful Links
A pupil should not be allowed to swim if their medication is not available at the poolside.
Please refer to the Department of Health Guidance on the use of inhalers in schools (gov.uk)
Please refer to the Department of Health Guidance on the use of Adrenaline Auto-injectors in Schools (gov.uk)