Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 1

Epilepsy Management and Seizure Policy

Policy Management

Prepared by Mrs Katrina Baines

Date prepared June 2019

Monitored by Head of Early Childhood

Review by Head of Early Childhood / Principal

Date for review June 2020

Status ACTIVE

Related Policies,

Procedures, Work

Instructions, Forms or

Manuals

First Aid Policy

Enrolment Policy

Family Communication Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Illness Policy

Medical Conditions Policy

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

Supervision Policy

Work Health and Safety Policy

Version History

Version Date Notes

1.0 04/06/2019 New Policy

Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 2

Table of Contents

Epilepsy Management and Seizure Policy ................................................................................................... 1

Policy or Procedure Management .................................................................................................................. 1

Links to Standards, Regulations and Framework ..................................................................................... 3

National Quality Standards (NQS) ............................................................................................................................ 3

Education and Care Services National Regulations ........................................................................................... 3

Early Years Learning Framework ............................................................................................................................ 3

Target Audience .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Purpose .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Framework and Rationale .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Implementation ................................................................................................................................................... 5

Responsibilities of Management and Nominated Supervisor ........................................................................ 5

Responsibilities of Educators .................................................................................................................................... 5

Epileptic Emergency Response ................................................................................................................................. 6

Responsibilities of Families........................................................................................................................................ 6

Sources ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Appendix 1: Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan ......................... 8

Appendix 2: Long-Term Medication Form ................................................................................................ 10

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Links to Standards, Regulations and Framework

National Quality Standards (NQS)

Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety

2.1.1 Wellbeing and comfort Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for,

including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s

needs for sleep, rest and relaxation.

2.1.2 Health practices and

procedures Effective illness and injury management and hygiene

practices are promoted and implemented.

2.2 Safety Each child is protected

2.2.1 Supervision At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate

supervision ensure children are protected from harm and

hazard

2.2.2 Incident and emergency

management Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are

developed in consultation with relevant authorities,

practiced and implemented.

Education and Care Services National Regulations

Education and Care Services National Regulations

90 Medical Conditions Policy

91 Medical Conditions Policy to be provided to parents

92 Medication record

93 Administration of medication

95 Procedure for administration of medication

Early Years Learning Framework

Learning Outcome 1

1.1 Staffing arrangements enhance children’s learning and development and ensure their safety and wellbeing.

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Target Audience

This policy applies to children, families, staff, management and visitors of PCS Prep and Early Childhood

Services.

Purpose

Our Service is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment that is inclusive for all children,

staff, visitors and family members that are diagnosed with Epilepsy or seizure disorders. The aim of this

Policy is to ensure that Educators, staff and families are aware of their obligations in supporting children

with epilepsy and management of seizures.

Framework and Rationale

The prevalence of epilepsy in children under 14 years is 4-8 per 1000 children. It is important to provide

appropriate care for children with epilepsy and seizure disorders in the childcare setting to minimise risks

to their health and safety, and optimise their behavioural and academic development.

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Implementation

Responsibilities of Management and Nominated Supervisor

The Nominated Supervisor will ensure:

• All staff members have completed first aid training approved by the Education and Care Services

National Regulations at least every three years and that this is recorded, and each staff members’

certificate held, on the Service’s premises

• Training on the management of epilepsy and, where appropriate, emergency management of seizures

using emergency epileptic medication, is organised when a child with epilepsy is enrolled at the

Service

• A Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan is completed for each child

diagnosed, outlining procedures to minimise the incidence and effect of a child’s epilepsy and seizures.

The Plan will cover the child’s known triggers and, where relevant, other common triggers which may

cause a seizure

• All staff members are trained to identify children displaying the symptoms of a seizure, and locate their

personal medication and Epilepsy Management Plan

• All children enrolled at the Service with epilepsy must have an Epilepsy Management Plan, seizure

record and, Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan on file

• Individual Epilepsy Management Plans will be displayed in key locations throughout the Service

• A copy of this Policy will be provided to a parent or guardian of each child diagnosed with epilepsy or

seizure disorders at the Service and reviewed regularly

• Any child who has been prescribed epilepsy medication may not attend the Service without the

medication or completed Long-Term Medication Form

• A staff member accompanying children outside the Service must carry the prescribed medication and a

copy of the Epilepsy Management Plan for children diagnosed with epilepsy attending excursions

• If a child has a seizure that has an imminent or severe risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of the

child, or if an ambulance was called in response to the emergency, the regulatory authority will be

notified within 24 hours of the incident.

Responsibilities of Educators

Educators will:

• Recognise the symptoms of a seizure, and treat appropriately by locating the Epilepsy Management

Plan

• Follow the child’s Epilepsy Management Plan in the event of a seizure

• Record all epileptic seizures according to the Epilepsy Management Plan

• Administer prescribed medication when needed, according to the Long-Term Medication Form in

accordance with the Service’s Administration of Medication Policy

• Identify, and where possible minimise, possible seizure triggers as outlined in the child’s Epilepsy

Management Plan

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• Increase supervision of a child diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorders on special occasions such

as excursions, incursions, parties and family days

• Regularly check and record the expiry date of the prescribed Epilepsy Management medication on a

Medication Expiry Date Register

• Ensure that if a child who is not diagnosed with epilepsy has a seizure, a suitably trained and qualified

Educator will:

o Protect the child from injury - remove any hazards that the child could come into contact with

o Not restrain the child or put anything in their mouth

o Gently roll them on to the side in the recovery position as soon as possible (not required if, for

example, child is safe in a wheelchair and airway is clear)

o Monitor the airway

o Call an ambulance

o Contact the parent/guardian when practicable

o Contact the emergency contact if the parents or guardians can’t be contacted when practicable.

Epileptic Emergency Response

In the event that a child (known to have an epileptic conditions) suffers from an epileptic emergency, the

Service and staff will:

• Follow the child’s Epilepsy Management Plan

• If the child does not respond to steps within the Epilepsy Management Plan, call an ambulance

immediately by dialling 000

• Commence first aid measures

• Contact the parent/guardian when practicable

• Contact the emergency contact if the parents or guardians cannot be contacted when practicable

Responsibilities of Families

Families will:

• Share information upon enrolment, or on diagnosis, of their child’s medical condition – epilepsy or

seizure disorders

• Provide the service with:

o An Epilepsy Management Plan developed and signed by a Registered Medical Practitioner for

implementation within the Service

o The prescribed medications from the Epilepsy Management Plan, providing an adequate supply of

emergency medication for their child at all times.

o Medication that is within date of expiration

• To develop an individual Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communications Plan with

Service staff.

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• To complete a Long-Term Medication Form, if needed, for any medication required as part of the

Epilepsy Management Plan

• To provide staff with notification of any changes to their child’s medical condition and provide a new

Epilepsy Management Plan in accordance with these changes.

Sources

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority

Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services

National Regulations 2018

ECA Code of Ethics

Guide to the National Quality Standard

Epilepsy Australia – www.epilepsyaustralia.net

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne

http://www.rch.org.au/neurology/patient_information/about_epilepsy/

Staying Healthy in Childcare 5th Edition

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Appendix 1: Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication

Plan

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Appendix 2: Long-Term Medication Form

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