Within each Early Years Setting there are many different methods for the administration of medicines. Included within each policy is a basic understanding of how certain medicines are given. However, for more severe illness that need a different type of medication policies will begin to go into a lot more detail. This allows one hundred percent accuracy when medication is administered. Most pupils will have a medical condition which can affect their participation within school activities. In many cases, this will represent a short term medical need for example, a child finishing a course of medication within school as a result of an accident or illness. As well as short term use, other pupils may require medication on a long term basis to keep them well and healthy. An example of this could be epilepsy, cystic fibrosis or asthma. In other cases children may need to be given medication in an emergency, for example if a child was to eat or touch something that they were severely allergic too. If medication needs are not properly managed, some pupils could be prevented from participating fully and actively in school life and reaching their full potential. In many Early Years Settings the most challenging situations for the staff and the overall school are the pupils who are on long term medication and the pupils who require medication in case of an emergency. Most pupils with medication are able to attend school on a regular basis with some support from the school, as well as taking part in the majority of school activities.
By having a positive response from the school to a pupil’s medication then this will not only benefit the pupil directly, but it can also positively influence the attitude of others around them. There are many occasions where school staff both teaching and non-teaching may be asked to administer medication, however, they cannot be directed to do so. There is no legal duty that requires school staff to administer medication, this role is seen as voluntary and staff members do not have to volunteer. The main responsibility of the administration of the medication lies with the parent or those with parental responsibility. It is important that medication is only taken to school when absolutely essential. Early Years Settings need to be aware of the particular risks for young people in taking Aspirin and Ibuprofen and should not routinely administer these unless under clear medical guidance. In many settings, school staff are not contractually required to administer medicines to pupils. Although this is a voluntary role, some non-teaching staff are employed on contracts, which require them to carry out certain medical procedures. Within placement if a member of staff administers medication to a pupil, or undertakes a medical procedure to support a pupil and, as a result, expenses, liability, loss, claim or proceedings arise, the employer will indemnify the member of staff provided all of the following conditions apply:
- The member of staff is a direct employee
- The medication or procedure is administered by the member of staff in the course of, or ancillary to, their employment
- The member of staff follows the procedures set out in the Department’s guidance “ Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs”, this school policy, the procedures outlined in the pupil’s Medication Plan or the written permission from parents and the directions received through training in the appropriate procedures
- The expenses, liability, loss, claim or proceedings are not directly or indirectly caused by and do not arise from fraud, dishonesty or a criminal offence committed by the member of staff (this does not apply in the case of a criminal offence under Health and Safety legislation)
The principal will accept responsibility in principle for members of the school staff giving or supervising pupils taking prescribed medication during the school day where those members of staff have volunteered to do so. It is vital that all parents understand that they should keep their children at home if they are acutely unwell or infectious. Parents are responsible when pupils are at school for providing the principal with comprehensive information regarding the pupil’s condition and medication. Prescribed medication will not be accepted in school without complete written and signed instructions from the parent. Staff will not give a non-prescribed medicine to a child unless there is specific prior written permission from the parents. Only reasonable quantities of medication should be supplied to the school. Where the pupil comes to school on their own or with other parents or with a childminder, the pupil’s parents should ensure that written instructions relating to any medication sent with the pupil, including medication for administration during respite care, are forwarded to the school.
Contained medication
Each piece of medication must be delivered to the principal or authorised individual, in normal circumstances by the parent or guardian in a secure and labelled container as originally dispensed. Each piece of medication within the container must be clearly labelled with the following information;
- Pupil’s name
- Name of medication
- Dosage
- Frequency of administration
- Date of dispensing
- Storage requirements (if important)
- Expiry date
In many Early Years Settings authorised individuals will not accept items of medication in unlabelled containers. Medication will be kept in a secure place, out of the reach of pupils. Unless otherwise indicated all medication to be administered in school will be kept in a locked medicine cabinet. The school will keep records, which they will have available for parents.
Administration and disposal
Staff will not force children to take medication if they refuse. The Early Years setting will inform the parents of the refusal, as a matter of urgency on the same day. However, if refusal to take medication is in the case of an emergency, the school will then follow their emergency procedures. All members of staff will be made aware of the procedures in the event of an emergency. It is important that all parents understand their responsibility to notify the school in writing if the pupil’s medication has ceased. It is also in the parent’s responsibility to renew the medication when supplies are running low and ensure that the medication which is supplied has an expiry date and it is within this date. The school or Early Years Setting will not make changes to dosages on parental instructions, only written instructions from an experienced practitioner. Early Years Practitioners will not dispose of medicines. Any medication which is in use and in date should be collected by the parent at the end of each Early Years term. Date expired medicines or those no longer required for treatment will be returned immediately to the parent for transfer to a community pharmacist for safe disposal.
Protocol and Training
As mentioned before, there will always be children within an Early Years setting that suffer from long-term medication needs. In this case, the Principal will ensure that a Medication Plan and Protocol is drawn up in conjunction with the appropriate health professionals. When and where appropriate to do so, pupils will be encouraged to administer their own medication under staff supervision. Parents will also be asked to confirm in writing if they wish their child to carry their medication around the setting with them. All members of staff that are employed to administer medication will receive the appropriate training and guidance through arrangements made with the School Health Services. An Early Years Setting will make every effort to continue the administration of medication to a pupil whilst on trips away from the premises, even if additional arrangements might be required. However, there may be occasions when it may not be possible to include a pupil on a trip if appropriate supervision cannot be guaranteed.
Childhood Obesity 