All students at BBPS have the right to feel safe and well, and know that they will be attended to with due care when in need of first aid.
The school maintains an exceptionally large number of first aid trained staff to meet the level of care required for our students. The first aiders are responsible for looking after unwell or injured students and referring on where necessary, coordinating first aid supplies, individual student management plans, medication administration and communicating with parents regarding student's health needs when necessary.
A parent or guardian will always be notified via a printed first aid summary if their child has required First Aid. If your student has become unwell or has sustained an injury that requires going home or further treatment, the parent or guardian will be notified via phone. Parents may also receive phone calls to touch base about a students medical condition, treatment or mental well being.
As school first aiders we are often asked the same questions from many parents so we have put together a few Frequently Asked Questions that may be of assistance to families:
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Q) My child has a cough should I send them to school?
A) If your child does not have a temperature, does not have a runny nose or productive/mucousy cough and is otherwise generally feel well, they can attend school. Always keep in mind that a cough can sometimes be a symptom of asthma and this should also be ruled out. If your child’s learning becomes affected or their condition deteriorates, you may be asked to collect them from school - not only for their benefit, but other class members and staff.
Q) My child has head lice, should I send them to school?
A) Your child is able to come to school, but only AFTER they have had their first treatment. You also need to notify the school that your child has head lice so a generic email can be sent to classmates parents to ask them check their child. It is very important to retreat your child after 7 days.
Q) Why did the school call me about a head bump if my child is ok?
A) It is a BBPS and Department of Education policy that a parent/guardian be notified of any knock/bump/injury that occurs above the shoulders whilst at school. This is because sometimes the effects of an injury can be delayed and the carer needs to know to look out for delayed onset symptoms.
Q) Why do I have to fill out a form for my child to have medication?
A) At BBPS we are able to administer prescription and non-prescription medication. We also have students who have allergies to medication and recognise that medications can be dangerous if not administered correctly. The school has a duty of care to protect all students - and this involves knowing what medications a student has taken in the event of an adverse reaction. Click here to access the form
Q) My child vomited last night but seems fine this morning, what should I do?
A) The child should remain at home for a minimum of 24hrs from the last vomit in case the vomit was due to a mild case of gastroenteritis which may still be present in your child’s system.
Q) My child has begun complaining of headaches, why?
A) It is generally not normal for primary school children to get headaches and even though there may be a simple reason why a child might have an occasional headache (virus, mild dehydration etc); repeated complaints of headaches should be investigated by your GP.
Q) My child just feels a little ‘off’, what should I do?
A) As long as your child does not have a temperature or has not had diarrhoea and/or vomiting, you should send your child to school. Make sure you inform your child’s teacher as it is useful for them to know why they may be acting a little different, and we can keep a close on them. Again, if your child deteriorates they will be sent to sick bay for assessment and you may be asked to come and pick them up from school.
Q) My child’s medical condition has changed, what do I do?
A) Please inform the office – the helpful office staff will provide you with the appropriate form to fill out. Depending on the medical condition in question the school may call you to discuss further care and treatment. You can also always make contact with the school if you have any health concerns you would like to discuss.
So that incidents/accidents and injuries may be avoided:​​
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Children will not be permitted to leave the school grounds during school hours unless they are collected by a responsible person, nominated by the parents, who first signs the collection register.
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Children should come directly to school and return directly to their homes after school.
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​Road safety rules will form a part of the Health and Physical Education program in addition to general safety rules.
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It is important that children crossing local roads use the identified and manned school crossings.
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In order to avoid accidents keep well clear of the school crossing when dropping off or picking up children by car.
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Children who ride bikes to school must wear an approved safety helmet.
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Bikes, scooters and skateboards are not to be ridden in the school grounds at any time.
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In the event of a child becoming ill, parents or their nominated representative will be contacted.
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In the case of serious injury, every effort will be made to advise parents. We will obtain medical attention if the situation is urgent.
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Parents are advised to consider the need for ambulance cover for their families, as ambulances will be used in cases of serious illness or injury. Private student accident insurance is also worth considering as this is not covered by the Education Department.
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Children know their full name, address and phone number.
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All the emergency contact details in the school office are kept up to date.
The School is always happy to hear from parents with any medical updates, or any other relevant concerns about their child's health. We look forward to working with parents and other staff to give the students at Brighton Beach Primary School the best opportunity for good health and learning.