St Edward's Parent Handbook August 2026

19 ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD PARENT HANDBOOK

environment, as part of our wider commitment to supporting pupils. The counselling team works closely with House staff and other pastoral colleagues to support pupils, sharing information with relevant staff where appropriate, while still maintaining confidentiality. Pupils may access the counselling service without their parents being automatically informed unless there is a safeguarding concern. We value working in partnership with parents and, where appropriate, pupils are encouraged to share concerns at home, sometimes with our support. The wellbeing and safety of pupils is always a priority. If there are concerns about a pupil’s safety or risk of harm, we would follow safeguarding procedures, which may involve sharing information with parents or other appropriate professionals. Medical confidentiality Under UK law, medical professionals must respect the confidentiality of children under 16 who are deemed competent. In practice, this means pupils at Teddies can ask for medical advice or treatment and ask that parents are not informed. Where appropriate, we encourage pupils to inform their parents if they are receiving treatment at school but cannot lawfully go against pupils' wishes. Over-the-counter medicines held in House The House team can provide over-the-counter medicines to pupils, such as paracetamol and antihistamines, for the short-term management of minor, self-limiting conditions e.g. headache, cold symptoms and occasional pain. If parents wish their child to receive specific over-the-counter medication this is assessed on an individual basis with the school doctor and the Health Centre team and should be discussed with the Matron in the first instance. Pupils must give over-the-counter medicines to their Matrons to keep while at School. Prescription medication In general, prescription medicines are held by the House Matron along with medication details, the original packaging with the prescription label

Overnight care is provided when necessary however if a pupil requires convalescence of longer that 24 hours parents or guardians will be contacted and asked to collect them. The Health Centre is closed during Leave Weekends and Exeats.

The Health Centre can be contacted on 01865 319244 or by email at seshealthcentre@stedwardsoxford.org .

Medical Information If your child has existing medical conditions (e.g. allergies requiring an auto-injector, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or other chronic conditions), please notify us in advance. We require you to give a full history of current and past medical issues and a complete list of any medications your child is currently taking on the School Joining Form. School Doctor Our school doctor, Olivia Beardmore, is affiliated to Bartlemas NHS surgery and is available to see pupils during the week in the Health Centre. All boarders at St Edward’s must register with Bartlemas before arriving at the School (details for registration will be sent out shortly before the pupil’s starting date; this is so that pupils remain registered with and can see their family doctors until they start at Teddies). If boarders are unwell during the school holidays, they can be seen at Bartlemas NHS surgery in Oxford. Alternatively they may visit their home doctor or any other local doctor, where they should register as a temporary patient. Day pupils who are not registered with the school GP can be seen initially by nursing staff at the Health Centre for emergencies or minor ailments whilst they are in school. Counselling Service The School Counselling service is available to all pupils and offers a space where they can talk things through in a safe and supportive