We are dedicated to providing the best possible service for parents and children. Although staff working with children are not legally obliged to administer medication, our staff team recognises that not to offer this service would be detrimental to parents and children. However, we must ask for parents’/carers’ full cooperation in ensuring that our policy and procedures are adhered to and staff are not put in a difficult position.
This policy applies to:
- medication bought over the pharmacy counter, i.e. non-prescribed
- medication that is prescribed (e.g. by a GP, dentist).
Non-prescribed medication is only given:
- if it is in the original container and clearly labelled or marked with the child’s full name; dosage, and frequency by the chemist/ pharmacist
- On a day-by-day basis
Prescribed medicationis only given:
- If it is in its original container and supplied with the pharmacy label ON THE BOTTLE – parents should ensure they request this when putting the prescription into the pharmacy. It cannot be given if the label is on the box. The label must clearly state the child’s name, dosage and have a valid/expiry date.
We will ensure that:
- records of the administration of all medicines in the setting are kept (In the medicine administered records)
- written permission from parents/carers is sought before we administer medication, the parent must be asked when the child had last been given the medication before coming into the setting, this information will be recorded on the medication consent form.
- staff understand what the medicine is for and how long it is to be taken
- if a child requires more complex medicines which staff cannot administer without training, we will work with the parents and take professional advice as appropriate.
- communal infant paracetamol and piritonis kept in the nursery and will be administered in an emergency by a qualified member of staff only if the parents have signed the consent form within the childcare contract. The parent/carer will be informed immediately if emergency medicine is given and why.
- we DO NOT give the first dose of any new medication to a child.
- A child who has been prescribed antibiotics does not attend nursery until they have been taking them for the first 24 hours.
- medication is only administered by a qualified member of staff and witnessed by another member of staff
- All medication is stored appropriately and out of reach of the children
In the unlikely event that we feel a child would benefit from medical attention rather than non-prescribed medication, we reserve the right to refuse nursery care until the child is seen by a medical practitioner