Introduction

National Public School – Hosur Road (NPS-HRD) is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of every student. This policy establishes structured guidelines for medical care, hygiene, nutrition, safety, and emergency response within the school environment. It aligns with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) expectations and promotes a holistic approach to student well-being.

Objectives

• Ensure a safe and hygienic school environment.
• Provide basic medical care and immediate first aid as required.
• Establish clear emergency response protocols.
• Encourage collaboration between the school, parents, and healthcare providers.

School Health Infrastructure

The school maintains a well-equipped infirmary with:

• Beds with clean and regularly washed sheets to ensure hygiene.
• First-aid supplies and essential medicines.
• Medical equipment (thermometer, BP monitor, pulse oximeter).
• Maintained medical records.
• A qualified staff nurse is available during school hours.
• The school is associated with Narayana Health for emergency medical support.

Student Health Records

• Parents must submit the completed Health Card, in the almanac, certified by a registered medical practitioner, at the start of the academic year.
• Submission is mandatory as per CBSE guidelines.
• Incomplete or delayed submission will not be accepted.
• Parents must update the school regarding any changes in health status during the year.

Disclosure of Medical Conditions

Parents are required to inform the school in writing about any existing or emerging health concerns, including:

• Chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, etc.).
• Allergies (food, environmental, medication).
• Physical disabilities.
• Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, ADHD).
• Medication requirements during school hours.

All information will be treated with strict confidentiality and accessed only by authorized personnel for student safety.

Hygiene and Sanitation Policy

1. Personal Hygiene (Students are expected to):

• Wash hands regularly.
• Maintain trimmed nails and groomed hair.
• Wear washed and clean uniforms.
• Use personal napkins/handkerchiefs.
• Avoid sharing personal items.

2. Campus Hygiene

• Daily cleaning and sanitization of classrooms and facilities.
• Daily washroom maintenance.
• Safe waste disposal practices.
• Routine pest control.

3. Drinking Water

• Provision of safe, filtered drinking water.
• Water quality is regularly tested to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Nutrition and Food Policy

• Students must bring balanced meals including fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein.
• Junk food and sugary drinks are strictly prohibited.
• Sharing of food is discouraged to prevent allergies and infections.

Illness and Attendance Policy

1. When Students Must Stay Home
Students should not attend school if they have:

• Fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
• Any contagious illness.

2. Return to School

• Only after full recovery.
• A medical fitness certificate is mandatory if absence exceeds 3 consecutive days.

Illness During School Hours

• Students feeling unwell will be sent to the infirmary.
• Basic care will be provided.
• Parents will be informed promptly.
• Students may be sent home if required.
• Suspected contagious cases will be temporarily isolated.

Medication Policy

1. Self-Administration of Medication

• Students must self-administer prescribed medication.
• Requires: Valid doctor’s prescription and written authorization from parent/guardian.
• Medication must be in the original labelled packaging.
• Students are responsible for timely intake.
• If a child cannot self-administer medication, parents must make alternate arrangements.

2. Role of School

• School staff will not administer prescription medication.
• Students may self-administer under nurse supervision where applicable.

3. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication

• Basic OTC medicines (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen) may be provided by the school, if needed, ONLY with written parental consent.
• Parents must inform the school of any known medication allergies or sensitivities to any of these OTC medicines.
• Administered under supervision in the infirmary.

Injury Management

Minor Injuries:

• Immediate first aid.
• Recorded in the medical register.

Major Injuries:

• Immediate stabilization.
• Parents informed.
• Hospital referral arranged if required.

Emergency Medical Protocols

In case of emergencies:

• Immediate action will be taken in the best interest of the student.
• If parents are unreachable, the school reserves the right to: Provide first aid, arrange transportation, and admit the student to a hospital (preferably partner hospital).
• Any expenses incurred towards medical treatment will be the responsibility of the parents.

For major school events (e.g., Annual Day, Sports Day, Science Exhibition), ambulance services are arranged on campus.

Examination and Illness Protocol

• Students must not attend exams if unwell.
• If illness occurs during exams: Immediate medical care will be provided and parents will be informed.
• Re-examinations will not be conducted under any circumstances.

Mental Health and Well-being

• The school promotes a safe and supportive environment.
• Counselling support is available with parental consent.
• Awareness programs on emotional well-being and stress management are conducted.

Health Check-ups and Awareness

• Awareness sessions on hygiene, nutrition, and fitness.
• Menstrual health education and access to sanitary facilities for girl students.
• Annual health camps are organized, and basic first aid and CPR training is provided to students and staff.

Roles and Responsibilities

School:

• Maintain hygiene and safety standards.
• Provide medical care and emergency response.
• Maintain accurate medical records.

Parents:

• Inform the school of all health conditions.
• Keep children at home when unwell.
• Provide required documentation and updates.
• Ensure timely submission of Health Card.
• Promptly inform the school office of any changes or updates in their child’s health status during the academic year.

Students:

• Follow hygiene practices.
• Report illness promptly.
• Develop healthy habits.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed biannually and updated as required to maintain best practices.

Conclusion: NPS-HRD believes that a healthy child is the foundation of successful learning. This policy reflects the school’s commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive, and health-conscious environment. Active cooperation between the school, parents, and students is essential for its effective implementation.

Parents must download and submit the Specific Health Form (available on the school website Annexures) if applicable, in original, to the school on or before June 16.