3:108.  Any medical advice should state the likely consequences for the child's education and may include:

i.  information on any aspects of the child's medical condition which may affect his or her progress in school and advice on how best to manage the condition in the school context (for example the management of epilepsy or of a tracheotomy)

ii.  advice on any special aid or equipment which the child may need

iii.  information on the child's welfare and safety such as advice on the management of incontinence; feeding; independence and risk taking; and participation and supervision in the playground, while swimming and bathing, and taking part in out-of-school activities, and

iv.  advice on any non-educational provision which may be needed.

3:109. Where a child has a serious or life-threatening condition such as muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis, medical advice should be sought about his or her condition.  Care should be taken to ensure that parents are sensitively informed of the probable outcomes.  It is not satisfactory for parents first to receive the information about their child's condition (with possible reference to terminal illness) when they see the draft statement.

3:110. Community nurses and health visitors have much to contribute in supporting parents during and after assessment.  School nurses can provide practical advice to teachers and parents on the management of a particular child.  GPs are becoming increasingly involved in child health surveillance for children up to age five and GP fund holders will sometimes be responsible for contracting for community nursing and therapeutic services.  Many children additionally will attend child development centres or teams on a regular basis. The designated medical officer for special educational needs will be responsible for coordinating the contributions of all health care professionals and ensuring that they have access to up-to-date information on the full range of services provided by the LEA in order to inform and reassure parents about the assessment process.  Consent should be obtained to the disclosure of medical information as in paragraph 2:52.

3.111.  For some children with complex needs or specific disabilities or medical conditions, a
health perspective will be crucial both in the initial assessment and in any subsequent views.  The health services should:

i.  ensure that there are no additional difficulties or disabilities affecting the child, and monitor the child's general health and development
ii.  help parents and teachers to understand the child's disability or medical condition and provide counselling and support to parents and children if required
iii.  provide access to any specialist advice or services as required, and
iv.  advice on any other matters such as access; provision of equipment; and administration of medication.