Managing medicines

Managing medicines on school premises

Where clinically possible, medicines should be prescribed in dose frequencies which enable them to be taken outside school hours.  Where this is not possible, the following will apply :

Medicines will only be administered at school when it would be detrimental to a child’s health or school attendance not to do so.

No child will be given prescription or non-prescription medicines without their parent’s written consent.  Administration of medication forms are available on the school website or from the school office.

Medicines will be administered by a delegated staff member during the school day.

No child will be given a medicine containing asprin unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.  Parents will be required to give their written consent.

The school will only accept prescribed medicines that are in date, labelled, provided in the original container, as dispensed by the pharmacist, and include instructions for administration, dosage and storage along with spoon/administration method.

Medicines will be stored safely and refrigerated if necessary in the School Office.  Asthma inhalers are stored in the classroom for immediate access.  On educational visits, medicines will also be available and they will be looked after and administered by a relevant member of staff.

If a controlled drug has been prescribed, named staff only will have access to such medication so that it can be administered to the specific child.  The school will keep a record of doses administered, stating what, how and how much was administered, when and by whom.  Any side affects of the medication will be noted.

Dates on medication will be checked regularly.  When no longer required, or out of date, medicines will be returned to the parent.  Long term medication such as inhalers will b returned to parents for the summer holidays.

Written records will be kept of all medicines administered to children and parents will be informed if their child was unwell at school.