Health needs

The medical needs service is responsible, in liaison with schools and professionals, for ensuring that Norfolk County Council Children's Services fulfils its statutory duties in relation to medical needs provision for children and young people who cannot attend school for medical reasons.

Schools can consult the Joint Protocol between health services and schools in respect of the management of pupil absence from school when medical reasons are cited (opens new window) to access advice in respect of the management of pupil absence from school. The Protocol aims to clarify information sharing arrangements between health professionals and schools in Norfolk to promote the health and well-being of school children in relation to the management of sickness absence. Please watch this short recording (opens new window) if you would like additional information on the process to follow when utilising the Joint Protocol.

Schools can contact the medical needs service coordinator to get support, advice and guidance in relation to:

• Medical needs education provision and their own statutory responsibilities
• Supporting children with additional health needs, both in general terms and in relation to specific cases

The medical needs service will also liaise with professionals and colleagues within both health and education as appropriate. This is to ensure children with additional health needs are able to access a suitable education. The service has produced a template to assist schools to develop their own policy (Word doc) [38KB] for supporting pupils at school with medical conditions, as recommended in the statutory guidance (opens new window).

Medical needs service policy and support documents

Our policy and related support documents are available to download below. You can also find our template policy for supporting pupils at school with medical conditions.

In addition, the following forms are now available online:

• Medical Needs Service referral form (opens new window)
• Medical needs provision evaluation form (opens new window)
• Medical needs continuation request form (opens new window)

Need help?

Email: medicalneeds@norfolk.gov.uk

Call: 01603 223609

Termly e-newsletter

The medical needs service provides a termly e-newsletter for professionals supporting pupils with health needs in schools. If you would like to be added to the mailing list please fill in the below form.