Medicines

Medicines

No medication may be administered to a child without parental consent. Paracetamol may be given with verbal consent from a parent. The school has a responsibility to ensure that if students are taking medication, procedures are followed to ensure that it is kept securely, and taken appropriately. The school administers medication with due care and attention to the instructions, but takes no responsibility for any problems arising from this treatment.

Medication for specific allergies or other needs is stored in the principal's office with a list of students' conditions.. All medication is dispensed through the school office or principal, and all treatments and the dispensing of medication is recorded. Medication should not be the responsibility of the class teacher if at all possible. Children may not hold medicine in the classroom, with the exception of asthma inhalers and epipens.

Some medication, for example, drugs that adjust student behaviour, needs to be carefully monitored so that parents/caregivers can check that it is being taken regularly.

The school will only administer prescription medication to students whose parents have made a formal request. The following guidelines are observed:

· Parents/caregivers provide a written request, and notify the school in writing of any variation in dose.

· Members of the school staff have the authority to administer medication on behalf of parents/caregivers, and ensure that medication is stored safely, and appropriate records kept.

· Medication (e.g., tablets, administered on behalf of their parents/caregivers to a student suffering from a medical condition):

o should preferably be delivered to school by parents/caregivers, not by students

o must be stored in a container labelled with the name of the student, dose required, and the time the dose is to be taken.

· To ensure the safety of staff administering medication:

o all medication is stored in a restricted area

o all medication given to student is recorded

o the record shows the name of the student, the dose given, the time and date given, any other action taken, and is signed by another adult witness, or failing that the student

When a parent or doctor needs to be consulted, this is done as soon as practicable. Emergency allergy medication is either kept in the first aid room with the first aid kit, or in the classroom with the student.

Reviewed 31/10/2022