Following the recent introduced of the Authority’s policy on ‘Health Care in Schools 5-18‘ we have been looking at our own guidelines on the administration of medication in school. In consultation with the Parent Council, and school and Education Department staff, we have published our own set guidelines. A copy of these can be found in the Useful Documents – School Policies and Guidelines section of the What’s Up In School menu. We would encourage all parents to read it (it isn’t too long!).
In particular we would like to draw all parents attention to the following extract, which outlines the responsibilities which parents MUST adhere to if they wish us to support their child in taking medication during the school day:
Parental Responsibilities (extract from ‘Health Care in Schools 3-18’)
When attending school it is helpful, where possible, for parents to ask the prescribing doctor or dentist if the medication can be prescribed to allow administration outside school hours.
If their child has asthma the parent must obtain a written Asthma Action Plan from the person who prescribed the medicines (either GP or Paediatrician). A copy of this must be provided to the school.
Parents must complete an Administering Medication: Parental Permission Form (Appendix C) before the school can support any child who requires medication. This form will be time limited and will be reviewed after 28 days in nursery and updated termly, as a minimum, and at the start of each school year for primary and secondary. All parts of this form must be completed. Parents are required to:
• Inform the school if their child self medicates, the frequency and dosage, and how the medication will be stored safely.
• Be aware that if the child is carrying their own medication and is considered not to be using it appropriately, school staff will ask the child to hand over the medication, if the child refuses, the parent will be contacted.
• Provide details of other medication the child is taking
• Note that medications MUST be in the original container. Where the child requires two or more prescribed medicines, each should be in the original container.
• Provide the information leaflet that accompanies the medication.
• All medications MUST be clearly labelled with the child’s name and date of birth.
• Ensure that medication is not out-of date and there is a sufficient quantity in school.
• Provide the school with details of at least two emergency contacts
• Complete a new Parental Permission Form for any new medication, or where there has been a change in medication requirements.
• Up-lift any unused supplies of medication, or arrange for another responsible adult nominated by them to do so, preferably at the end of each school term, but definitely at the end of the school year.
• Inform the school of any other persons who should have access to records or any other information about their child.
• Regularly up-date the school of any changes to the prescription or the support required.
• Note that medicine containing aspirin can only be given to your child with written confirmation from a doctor.
The Administering Medication: Parental Permission Form can be found in the blank forms section of the Useful Documents – School Policies and Guidelines.
Please contact us if you have any queries regarding the operation of the new guidelines.
