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Medicines management
- Common illnesses
This page has a series of online learning sessions that have been specifically created to support families and professionals learn about medicines management. Please take your time to watch through each session.
Explore the topics in this session:
Objectives of the session
- Be able to demonstrate consistent practice in the safe management of medication within your education setting
- Have an awareness of relevant legislation and record keeping within medicine management
- Have an awareness of what to do in the event of a medical emergency
Responsibilities
If medicines are to be administered in school there must be policies and procedures. School staff may be asked to perform the task of giving medication to children, but they may not be directed to do so. All staff who agree to administer medications take on a legal responsibility to do so correctly.
Medications
Medications are produced in a range of different forms. They are grouped together according to how dangerous or habit forming they are and the risk they post to the individual or society. Prescribed medication should only be taken into schools if it is in the original container and clearly labelled.
Controlled drugs
These medications must be kept locked safely away at all times. Only named staff should access these. A specific record or register must be kept for any controlled drugs when the child is in school.
Administering
Two trained staff should check and administer medication. A record should be kept to show that the medication has been given. Never administer medication if you have not witnessed it being dispensed.
Storage and disposal
School should only accept medicines if these are in-date, labelled and provided in the original container. They should have their instructions for administration, dosage and storage. Large volumes of medication should not be stored in schools. There are several steps you should take if the wrong child receives the wrong medication.
Side effects
Some children may have a reaction to medication they are taking. There are steps that should be taken depending on whether the child experiences mild reactions or a severe allergic reaction. Even if a child has been taking medication for a long time, they can still develop allergies.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2023
