School supervised medication

It should be the exception rather than the rule for prescribed medicines to be brought onto school premises. Parents should be advised that a request to administer prescribed medicines at school will only be considered after all other options have been explored.

The Administration of Medicines in Schools

Parents/carers should be encouraged to discuss with their Doctor/Consultant the administration of prescribed medication. Part of this discussion should focus on whether the prescribed medication can be administered outside of normal school hours.

Short term medical needs

A child who is unwell and unfit to attend school would normally be kept at home by the parent/carer until fully recovered. In some circumstances a Head teacher may feel that a pupil is not well enough to be in school and will arrange for their return home, having first made contact with the pupil's parent/carer.

It is each parent/carers responsibility to ensure that their child is fit to attend school, and any medication required whilst the child is at school should ideally be administered by the parent/carer.

Inclusive education - Management of long term medical conditions

For some pupils the need to take medication in school will be short term, perhaps finishing a course of medication, other pupils will have medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes that if not properly managed could limit their access to education.

Some children have conditions that also require emergency treatment e.g. severe allergic conditions (anaphylaxis) or epilepsy. The pupils with such conditions are regarded as having health care needs and most are able to attend school regularly, and with some support from the school, can take part in most normal school activities.

With a positive response by the school to a pupil's health care needs not only will the pupil benefit directly, but there can also be a positive influence on the attitude of the whole class.

Administration of medicines

Very few medicines need to be taken four times a day. In most cases, final doses of medicines e.g. antibiotics, can be given before the child leaves home for school and immediately on their return from school, so that a consistently high level of medication is maintained in the bloodstream throughout the day.

A problem may arise where either the parent cannot administer the dosage, if it must be taken in school time or the child has a chronic need of medication. This raises the question of who should be expected to administer the medicine.

Responsibilities

There is no legal or contractual duty on school staff to administer medicine or supervise a pupil taking it. This is a voluntary role. Some support staff may have specific duties to provide medical assistance as part of their contract. No member of staff should administer any medications unless they have received proper training. First Aiders are not trained to administer medication.

Guidance to help schools formulate arrangements in managing medications, and to draw up health care plans to support pupils with medical needs, is provided in the policy document prepared jointly by Solihull MBC and Solihull Primary Care Trust.

See the document entitled 'The Administration of Medicines in Schools'.

Every school should have a clear written policy on supporting pupils with management and administration of prescribed medicines.

The policy must take account of the views of staff and in particular those that may be asked to administer medicines.

The policy must be available for staff and parents if they request to see it.

Further information can be obtained from

Medicines in Schools Officer on 0121 704 6768 or Email: medicinesinschools@solihull.gov.uk

Clinical Leader, School Nursing on 0121 712 8524 or Email: wendy.hall@solihull-ct.nhs.uk