The purpose of this policy is to describe St Agatha's approach to minimising the risk of head lice in our school community.

Rationale

This policy will ensure that the detection, communication and management of any case of head lice at St Agatha's School Clayfield is treated in a respectful and consistent manner.

Introduction

The occurrence of head lice is the most common insect infestation in humans throughout the world.

In Queensland, infestation occurs mainly in children of primary school age. Head lice infestation may affect people of any age, nationality, gender or socio-economic status. The approach and management of head lice in a school setting can have significant influence on a student's social-emotional wellbeing and educational outcomes.

The responsibility for minimising risk to members of the school community through education, prevention, detection and treatment of head lice is a partnership between school and home.

Our school utilises the following guidelines, adapted from guidelines developed by Education Queensland, for minimising the presence of head lice at school and managing head lice incidents.

Although head lice do not pose any serious health risks, they can be difficult to manage.

If a student presents with head lice at school, the following procedure occurs:

• Class teacher/ staff member notifies the front office
  
• The parents of the student with head lice are contacted immediately.
• Students with head lice are to be treated at home by a parent/carer. Students are not to have head lice treatment at school.
• The front office staff send an email to all parents in the affected class, alerting to a case of head lice and encouraging parents and carers to check and, if needed, treat their child's hair.
  
• A general notification via the school newsletter is included, alerting parents and carers of a reported case of head lice.
  
• Families are not identified in any notification letter or school newsletter. A link to the suggested prevention, care and treatment of head lice is provided with the letter.
  
• Once the student is free from head lice, they can return to school.
  
• Parents / Carers send an email to the front office upon the student's return to school confirming the student's hair has been treated and they are free from head lice.
  

There is no general expectation that schools will physically check students for the presence of head lice.

Current information on recommended treatment is available from Queensland Health, the local pharmacy or doctor.

Principles

Staff at St Agatha's are to act under the guidance of the following principles:

• ​Respect: by being professional and courteous, we demonstrate respect for the dignity of each person and maintain professional and personal boundaries
• Safety: ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved by using appropriate personal protective equipment and maintaining a safe working and learning environment.
• Sound judgement: we exercise sound judgement and discretion when detecting, managing and monitoring students with head lice to protect the reputation of the student and their family.
  

References

http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/165/351/head-lice

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