Medication

PRESCRIBED/NON-PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

On no account should a child come into school with medication of any form if he/she is unwell. Parents/carers are welcome to come into the school and administer medicine to their child, or alternatively a friend/family member can do so.  Parents/carers may request that a member of school staff administers the medicine if there is absolutely no alternative. If a pupil refuses their medication, they will not be forced, and the school will contact the parent/carer and, if necessary, the emergency services. Medicine should only be brought to school when it is essential to administer it during the school day and no alternative arrangements are possible. In the vast majority of cases, doses of medicine can be arranged around the school day thus avoiding the need for medicine in school. Antibiotics for example are usually taken three times a day, so can be given with breakfast, on getting home from school and then at bedtime. When school staff do administer medicines, the parent or guardian must supply the medicine in the original pharmacist’s container, clearly labelled including details of possible side effects to the school office and must complete a ‘Parental Agreement for Setting to Administer Medicine’ form.

The school will also keep a small stock of paracetamol and antihistamine for administration -  only for use if your child develops symptoms during the school day. Parental consent will need to be given in advance on Arbor and parents/carers will be contacted before 12.30pm to ensure that the child has not had a recent dose. In all events, parents/carers will be notified if this medication has been administered.  

Vaseline/lip balms are classed as a non-prescribed medicine and therefore the school policy on this needs to be followed, and they cannot be brought in to school. Whilst we are aware and understand during the winter time children's lips may become dry, non-prescribed medicines cannot be held by children during the day due to the risk of sharing and the possibility of ingredients causing allergic reactions in some children.