Holy Trinity CE Primary School

Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy Holy Trinity CE Primary School

Policy on Administering Medicines

Introduction The purpose of this document is to provide advice to school staff on managing medication at Holy Trinity CE Primary School and to put in place effective systems to support individual pupils.

Although the giving of medication to children is a Parent/Carer responsibility, in some cases it may be necessary for school staff to be asked to perform this task, but they may however not be directed to do so. The administering of medicines in school is entirely voluntary and not a contractual duty.

National Guidance from the DFES and Department of Health Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Setting 2005 encourages schools to do all that is practical to help children benefit from education.

Responsibilities. The staff at Holy Trinity CE Primary School, do not generally take responsibility for short term medication such as antibiotics or pain relief. Children who need short term medication are generally kept at home during an illness. If a child attends school whilst on short term medication, then a Parent/Carer must take responsibility for administering medicines during the day. If the school does agree to administer medication on a short term or occasional basis then the Parent/Carer is required to complete a consent form. Verbal instructions should not be accepted.

For the administration of emergency medication, a care plan must be completed by the parent/carer in conjunction with the school nurse/GP/School Staff. Care plans should be reviewed annually. The Parent /Carer, is responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient medication and that the medication is in date. The parent/Carer must replace the supply of medication at the request of the relevant school/health professional.

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013 Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy Medication should always be provided in an original container with the Pharmacist’s original label and the following clearly shown:

 Child’s name and date of birth.  Name and strength of medication  Dose  Any additional requirements eg. in relation to food etc.  Expiry date where possible  Dispensing date.

For medicines required every day for the treatment of chronic illnesses the school will require the Parent/Carer to complete a consent form (Verbal instructions will not be accepted). In addition staff in the school will need training by a suitable person such as the school nurse, diabetes nurse etc to ensure that they are equipped to deal with that condition. The consent form will make it clear to Parent/Carer that staff, give medication on a voluntary basis and that they as parents accept the responsibility. They will sign to agree this. Staff procedures for administering medicine will be agreed by the volunteer staff and will require two members of staff to be present when medication is administered. This will be recorded and signed by both members of staff.

Training. Some teaching unions advise school staff not to administer medication to pupils. The unions also accept that sometimes it is necessary so they advise that the teacher has access to information and correct training. This will be necessary for children with long term medical need.

Storage of Medication.

Non emergency medicine is not generally stored in school because teaching staff do not administer short term medicines. If a medicine was to be brought in for a short term condition it should be stored in a locked cupboard preferably in a cool place. Children at Holy Trinity CE Primary School will not be in charge of their own emergency medicines but be able to access medication such as dextrose tablets and asthma inhalers which will be stored in a safe location known to the child and relevant staff. This will depend on the child’s age and maturity, and Parent/Carer consent. Medication should always be kept in the original dispensed containers. Staff should never transfer medicines from original containers. Medicines that need refrigeration will be stored in the staffroom refrigerator or the Nursery kitchen refrigerator.

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013 Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy

School Trips, Visits and Sporting Events. Medication for a school trip should be carried by the pupil if this is normal practise. If not then a trained member of staff or the Parent/Carer should be present, either of whom can carry and administer the medication as necessary. The Parent/ Carer will need to complete a consent form if the child requires medication on a school trip. It is essential to inform all staff members involved with sporting activities or extra curricular activities of the need for medication for particular pupils, and what to do should an emergency occur. The accessibility of medication for use in an emergency will need to be considered.

Parent/Carer should be advised to liaise separately with Before and After School Club.

Record Keeping Staff who agree to administer medicines at Holy Trinity CE Primary School, will be required to keep a record. This will include the date, time and dose. The record will be signed by the member of staff and a second member of staff will sign to say that they have seen the medicine being administered and checked the dose with the member of staff. A copy of the consent form will be kept with the record for administering medicines. If a child does not receive a dose for any reason the parent must be informed that day. Pupils who need regular medication for chronic illness will have their own record book/card which will be kept with the medicine. If a child is able to administer his/her own medication, eg. inhaler, insulin then two members of staff will still check that the dose is correct and sign the record along with the pupil.

Risk Assessment and Management procedures. Any child needing medication will be known to the management of the school and to all staff as necessary. The risks and management of medicines will be discussed and agreed for each child as required. No medicines will be administered without consultation between Parent/ Carer, School Staff, Professional advisor eg nurse, GP.

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013 Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy Confidentiality. Children requiring medication will have the right to confidentiality of their condition and treatment unless it is not in the interest of their safety to keep it confidential. This will be discussed and agreed with parents when the consent form is given.

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013 Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy CONSENT TO ADMINISTER MEDICINES.

The trained school staff at Holy Trinity CE primary School will not give any medication unless this from is completed and signed.

Dear Head Teacher,

I request that my child:

Name ______Date of Birth______

Address: ______

______

Phone number ______

School ______

Class______

Be given the following medication/give him/herself (delete as appropriate) the following medication.

Name of medicine ______

Time of dose______

Dose ______

This medication has been prescribed for my child by ;

Name of GP/Consultant______

Whom you may contact for verification.

It is necessary to give this medication during the school day.

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013 Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy In addition my child requires ______

______

The medication must be in its original container indicating the contents, dosage and the child’s full name.

I agree to a trained member of staff administering the medication to my child under the terms of the School Policy on Administering Medicines, and I take full responsibility for my child receiving medication in school. I understand that staff are under no obligation to give medication and do so on a voluntary basis.

Signed ______(Parent/Carer)

Print Name ______

Date ______

Administration of Medicine Record.

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013 Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy

Pupil Name ______

Administration record for ______

______(drug name)

Date Time Dose Signature Second signature Comment and name and name

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013 Holy Trinity CE Primary School Administering medicines policy This policy was Reviewed by Mrs. Judith Driver – Head Teacher.

Signature ______

Date ______

Agreed by the governing body

Signature______

Date______

Written by Mrs. S Briggs –EYFS/Key Stage 1 Manager Spring 2010 Reviewed by Mrs J Driver – Head teacher Autumn 2013