Medical & Wellbeing

The nurses will determine if the medical need requires escalation to a GP, urgent care or A&E. They can also arrange for access to other NHS services as required.

When the Medical Centre is closed, any students needing care can be assessed by out-of-hours staff who are trained in basic first aid, treatment of minor conditions, emergency management of common complaints, and administration of medication. If they require further advice, they will utilise NHS services such as 111 or 999.

The School Counselling Service is a confidential and professional support available to all students, designed to promote emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Where are we

We are located in the Wellbeing Centre next to Longfield House.

Confidentiality & consent

While the wellbeing team takes every opportunity to involve parents and seek their input, there may be times when this is not appropriate. If a child is deemed to be able to consent to his or her own medical treatment, they can ask that the matter be kept confidential. In this circumstance, we cannot legally disclose to parents.

The team will always encourage students to talk to parents; however, they must respect the students’ confidentiality and right to make independent choices. Exceptions to this confidentiality can be made if the student poses a danger to themselves or others.

Access to a GP

A GP from Barnard Castle Surgery contacts the medical centre daily, Monday – Friday, between the hours of 10am and 11am to discuss medical matters with the school nurses and give advice. When indicated, telephone or face-to-face GP consultations can be arranged for boarding students. Typically, these appointments are available in 1-2 days. Flexi-boarding and day pupils will be registered with their own family GP, and parents will be asked to make appointments when recommended.

Illness

If a boarding pupil becomes unwell, they will be assessed at the medical centre and, if indicated, a GP appointment will be made. Depending on age and staff availability, boarders too unwell to return to school are either bedded in the medical centre or allowed to return to their rooms and monitored by house staff and/or nurses.

Emergency medical treatment

In a medical emergency, efforts will be made to contact a parent/ guardian. However, if they cannot be reached, the school has the authority to act on the advice of an appropriately qualified medical specialist to initiate emergency care.

Medication brought to School by pupils

Pupils bringing medications to school must notify either the day matron (boarding pupils only) or the nurses. If a day pupil requires prescribed medications to be administered throughout the school day, parents should complete a Request for Administration of Medicines form.

Routine medical appointments

Parents are encouraged to organise dental, orthodontic, optometric, physiotherapy and other specialist services during school breaks. However, this is not always practical, especially for international students. For boarders needing appointments in school term time, we can arrange for house staff to take them. Sixth form pupils may attend appointments alone.

Counselling service

We understand that young people may face a variety of challenges, from academic pressures to personal or social issues, and our experienced, qualified school counsellor provides a safe, non-judgmental space where students can talk openly and be heard. The service works closely with pastoral staff while maintaining appropriate confidentiality, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive both personally and academically.