It is best practice for all school pupils with allergies to have an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP). Below we explain why an Individual Healthcare Plan is important and what information should be in it. Plus, follow the links to template Individual Healthcare Plans.
What is an Individual Healthcare Plan?
An Individual Healthcare Plan documents a pupil’s health needs and any adjustments needed to support them.
It should be created with the pupil’s parents or carer and can include input from the young person themselves if age appropriate.
What should be included on an Individual Healthcare Plan?
- iA recent photograph of the pupil
- iDetails of all their medical needs including allergies and other related conditions such as asthma, eczema and hay fever.
- iInformation about any adjustments required. Eg. A younger pupil with a wheat allergy may not be able to model with Play-Doh, so consider a safe alternative such as wheat-free Play-doh.
- iA record of how the young person feels about their medical condition and how it affects their wellbeing. Are they very sensitive about it or do they like to talk about it and explain it to others?
- iExplanation of previous symptoms they have shown during allergic reactions, always being mindful that no two allergic reactions will be the same and they do not always follow a pattern.
- iA copy of the pupil's Allergy Action Plan if they have one. This documents their medication and how to administer it and has been signed off by a healthcare professional. If the child has asthma, their asthma plan should also be included.
- iExpectations around pupils being responsible for their own medication eg. adrenaline pens.
- iConsents for the administration of medication including spare adrenaline pens (this is also included on Allergy Action Plans).
Help with creating an Individual Healthcare Plan?
Schools find it really useful if parents or carers create a Me and My Allergy personalised allergy video. This explains a child’s allergies, their medication and how to use it in short, accessible video format.