Medications in School
The Academy’s policy and procedures relating to the administering of medications in school contains essential information to read in order to understand the process that should be followed if a pupil requires medication during school hours, as well as some key points to consider to safeguard all involved. Please note, Academy staff are not obliged to administer medication, parents/carers can be called at any time to administer medication themselves if this is deemed necessary.
Receiving Medication
- All medication must be in its original packaging, medication cannot be accepted in any other form.
- A Medication Plan (short term under 1-month, long term over 1-month) must be completed by a parent/carer and handed in alongside the medication. A medication plan requires written details about the medication such as dosages/times etc., as well as written permission to administer medication to the child.
- Medication Plans are checked and signed off by the Director of Business & Finance as allocated by the Head Teacher.
- The academy cannot administer medication without written information (in the form of a medication plan) and signed permission in place.
- All medication must be delivered to school by a parent/carer (or designated adult by parent/carer) and the handover of medication procedure must take place with a member of staff.
- Children must not be sent into school with medication.
If the correct procedure is not followed, the academy will contact the parent/carer to resolve the issue e.g. complete the necessary forms or make alternative arrangements for them to administer the medication themselves.
Administering Medication
- Medication can only be administered by academy staff between 10:45am-2:30pm during the school day. Parent/Carers are advised to spread doses of medication (e.g. antibiotics) across the day to account for this and manage medication at home where possible.
- The academy does not offer an 'as and when' provision of medicines because we are not in a position to diagnose a child's needs, however we will consider individual cases and work with parents to determine an agreed process in some cases.
- If a child suffers from hayfever or common allergies that require an antihistamine this must be taken before school as the academy does not administer ‘once a day’ medications.
- Before administering, all medication should be checked against the medication plan, this should not be deviated from. The end date of the mediation plan and ‘use by’ of the medication should also be checked prior to administering.
- If what parent/carers advise on the medication plan differs from information on the packaging of the medication at all clarification may be sought or a request for further written consent.
- Pupils must be made aware by parents/carers of the times they need to take their medication. The Academy is unable to accept responsibility for any missed medications, including refusal to take medication. The Academy will endeavour to make parents/carers aware of any missed medications by the end of the school day but cannot always guarantee this.
- Pupils are required to attend reception at their dedication time (as per the medication plan), the appropriate dosage of medication will then be administered by a member of staff in the presence of a witness.
It remains the responsibility of parents/carers to provide the correct documents required in order for the Academy to be able to administer medication. The necessary forms are available on the academy website as well as at reception for convenience. If parents/carers wish to complete the forms on site we advise that plenty of time is given to complete this fully as well as time to hand over medication. Our staff team are also available to offer support if needed but please be prepared to wait if required.
The cabinet holding medication is reviewed regularly, this involves checking ‘use by’ dates and medication plans that have ended. Parents/carers will be required to collect and dispose of unused medication. In the event of leftover medications not collected, a member of staff will take them to the local pharmacy to be disposed of.
We appreciate cooperation and understanding of these procedures and support in safeguarding all concerned.