Medicines

As a childcare provider I will ensure that I implement an effective procedure to meet the individual needs of a child when administering medicines. In order to achieve this I will do the following:

Procedures (how I will put the statement into practice)

I will keep a written record of a child’s need for medication and ask parents to update regularly

I will keep written records of all medicines administered to children in my care.

I will inform parents when a medicine has been administered including the time and dosage.

I will store all medicines safely and strictly in accordance with the product instructions (which may require refrigeration in a sealed container away from food) and in the original container in which it was dispensed.

I will obtain prior written permission from parents for each and every medicine to be administered before any medication is given.

I will work in partnership with parents to ensure the correct medication, dosage etc is given.

If the administration of prescription medicine requires technical/medical knowledge, then I will attend training from a qualified health professional. The training will be specific to the child in question.

If any of my staff are involved in the administration of a prescription medicine that requires technical/medical knowledge then I will ensure that they have attended individual training from a health care professional, specific to the child in question.

I will only administer prescription medication to the child if it is prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist and has the child’s name on the prescription label

I will only administer non-prescription medication such as pain and fever relief with parents’ previous written consent and only when there is a health reason to do so. Non-prescription medicines can include those that can be purchased from pharmacies (including some over the counter medicines which can only be purchased from a pharmacy), health shops and supermarkets (EYFS Sept 2021 pg 33).

I will never administer medicines containing aspirin to a child under the age of 16 unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.

If I do not administer the medicine or a dose is missed this will be recorded with details of the reason why and the parents will be informed. Children cannot be forced to take medication so in the event of a refusal this will be recorded and parents will be contacted.

If I have a child in my care with long-term medical needs then I will ensure that I and any co-workers have sufficient information about the child’s medical condition and will work in partnership with parents and any other health professionals to assist the administration of any prescribed medication and the management of any other health needs such as a gastrostomy tube.

If a child has medication that they administer themselves at my setting (such as an asthma inhaler) then I will ask them to tell me so that it can be recorded. Full details of the medication and the child’s requirements for it will be recorded on the Kinderly app and the parent will sign to give consent for the child to self medicate.

Last updated May 2022 BACK TO POLICIES