- PURPOSE
Head lice causes frustration for parents, teachers and children. This policy outlines roles, responsibilities and expectations to assist with treating head lice in a consistent coordinated manner.
- POLICY STATEMENT
Whilst parents have the primary responsibility for the detection and treatment of head lice we will work in a cooperative and collaborative manner to assist to manage head lice effectively.
It is the expectation of this school that:
- Child’s
hair is checked weekly for head lice. Using the recommended conditioner/fine
toothed combing detection method.
- Children do not attend school with untreated head lice.
- Parents/carers will regularly inspect all household members and treat as necessary.
- Parents/carers will notify the school if their child is found to have live lice and advice the school nurse when appropriate treatment was commenced.
- Children with long hair will attend school with hair tied back.
- Parents/carers will notify their child’s friends so they have an early opportunity to detect and treat if necessary.
2.7. To support parents/carers to achieve a consistent, collaborative approach to head lice management, the school will undertake to:
2.7.1. Distribute up to date and accurate information on the detection, treatment and control of head lice to parents and staffs as requested.
2.7.2. Include information and updates in school newsletters.
2.7.3. Only exclude children from school with live lice.
2.7.4. Review the head lice policy manual.
2.7.5. There is no requirement for this school to undertake routine “head lice inspection” programs. However, if a case of suspected head lice is reported to the school nurse a head inspection may be carried out, by the school nurse.
If a parent opts out of allowing the nurse to examine their child, they must however collect the child as requested and have the child examined by another medical practitioner.
The child can return to school once a medical note is provided from a doctor stating that the child is now clear of head lice.
2.7.6. Should a case of head lice or nits be discovered by the school nurse or reported by a parent /carer a letter (not identifying name of the affected pupil) is sent home to all pupils in the affected year group.
2.7.7. To prevent further spread of head lice, the school nurse will phone the parents of a child found to be carrying head lice during examination.
The parents will be asked to collect the child from school and to treat him/her immediately.
On their return to school, the child will be examined again by the nurse.
If the child is found to be free of head lice, they can resume their school activities as normal.
Should they still carry head lice, they will be asked to return home for further treatment until the problem has been resolved.
- SCOPE
To ensure effective management of children & adults with head lice at Dovecote Green Primary School Dubai, all members of staff play a vital role in providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- TARGET AUDIENCE
The school nurse, teachers, teaching assistants, pupils and volunteers.
- RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the school nurse, teachers, teaching assistants, pupils and volunteers to observe precautions on transmission of head lice and to report any case.
- CROSS REFERENCES
- APPENDICES
None
