Headlice

Role of the School

• To provide information regarding the control and prevention of transmission of head lice, each year via news letter
  
• To inform parents as soon as practical, and at least by the end of the day, if their child is suspected at having headlice.
  
• Inform parents that proper treatment as recommended by the Health Commission must be carried out before the child returns to school.
  
• Offer headlice treatment (shampoo) free to schoolcard holders.
  
• Inform parents of children in the same class that a case is suspected, and at the need to check their child's hair.

• If a child is suspected of having headlice every effort will be made to contact their parents , emergency contact and have that child collected immediately so that they can be treated.
  
• If the child Is unable to be collected every effort will be made to lessen the chances of other children in the class being infected with headlice. This may involve isolating them in one area.
  
• The child may return to school once they have been treated and one free of all nits (lice eggs) and lice. The school must be informed by verbal or written means that the appropriate treatment has been carried out.
  
• If a child has lice eggs in their hair, their parent / emergency contact person will be notified to arrange collection and treatment and removal of eggs.

Headlice Inspections

• Each year a permission note will be sent to families asking for permission to check children's hair at school. These checks are usually carried out once per term by a qualified nurse with parent assistance.
  
• If a staff member suspects a child of having head lice an inspection will be carried out and all children in the class will also be inspected.
  
• Families will be encouraged to check their children's hair weekly for headlice and nits, via reminder in the newsletter.