Ampleforth College

Consent

Occasionally we need to obtain consent for minor operations performed by the School Doctors; e.g. removal of in-growing toenail; however, the commonest need for consent is before routine immunisations and travel vaccinations.

Any child over 16 is legally able to give consent for their own treatment. Any child under the age of 16, if thought to be mature enough to understand the implications of the treatment, is also legally able to give consent.

For routine childhood immunisations and for travel vaccinations, consent is obtained from parents by email. Staff acting “in loco-parentis” will, in rare situations where parents are unavailable, give consent for emergency treatment and operations. Every effort will be made to contact parents and guardians in these situations.