Year 8 · RSHE (PSHE) · beta

Staying safe and healthy: What do I need to know about minor ailments?

This unit covers recognising and managing common minor ailments. Pupils learn about treating coughs, colds and flu, responding to rashes, bites, stings and allergic reactions, and managing stomach illnesses, including when to seek professional help.

This is an attributed Oak National Academy lesson sequence, not a completed or academically approved DASKEREL course. Supporting transcripts may depend on video, images, practical equipment or teacher explanation. Follow each lesson’s supervision guidance. For religious education and RSHE, follow the school’s syllabus, policy and safeguarding procedures.

Prior knowledge

  • Pupils should understand from Year 7 basic hygiene practices such as handwashing and covering coughs, and that keeping clean helps prevent the spread of germs and illness.
  • Pupils should be familiar with basic first aid and self-care from previous units, including when minor ailments can be treated at home and when professional medical help is needed.
  • Pupils should know from earlier learning about the role of healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, GPs and nurses in providing advice and treatment for common health concerns.

Source curriculum references

  • Personal hygiene, germs and how they are spread, including bacteria and viruses, treatment and prevention of infection, and about antibiotics.
  • How and when to self-care for minor ailments, and the role of pharmacists as knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
  • The importance of taking responsibility for their own health, and the benefits of regular self-examination and screening.
  • How to navigate their local healthcare system: what a GP is; when to use A&E / minor injuries; accessing sexual health and family planning clinics; the role of local pharmacies.
  • Basic treatment for common injuries and ailments.

Oak source metadata. DASKEREL has not independently verified school-level coverage.

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