Medication

The school recognises that some pupils may need medication during the school day and will support this in line with Buckinghamshire Council guidance and DfE statutory requirements.

Parents/carers are encouraged to arrange their child’s medication so that doses are taken outside of school hours wherever possible. For example, a child prescribed antibiotics to be taken three times a day should take all doses at home. In these circumstances, the school will not administer the medication. The school will administer antibiotics where the prescribed dosage requires four doses per day.

Prescription Medication

If a child requires prescription medication during the school day, the following procedures must be followed:

• Only prescribed medication will be administered in school. This includes antibiotics (where four daily doses are required), asthma inhalers, adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), insulin, and other prescribed medicines.

• All medication must be provided in its original container, as dispensed by a pharmacist, and clearly labelled with:

  • the child’s full name

  • name of the medication

  • dosage and method of administration

  • timing/frequency

  • storage requirements

  • expiry date

• Parents/carers must complete and sign a Medication Consent Form before any medication is administered. A new form must be completed each time a different medication is provided.

• All medication must be in date and replaced by parents/carers as necessary.

• Where injectable medication is required, parents/carers must provide a sharps box, obtained on prescription, for safe disposal.

• Any medication no longer required, or that has passed its expiry date, must be collected promptly by parents/carers. This will be monitored routinely by the school.

Medication will be administered by trained members of staff and recorded in accordance with school procedures.

Non-Prescription (Over-the-Counter) Medication

In line with Buckinghamshire Council guidance, the school does not routinely administer non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication. This includes paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, cough medicines, throat lozenges, creams, or eye drops.

Non-prescription medication will only be administered in exceptional circumstances, where there is a clear medical need, and with a completed medical consent form. In these cases:

• Medication must be supplied in its original packaging, clearly labelled with the child’s name.

• Clear written instructions must be provided by the parent/carer, including dosage and timing.

• The medication must be appropriate for the child’s age and administered in line with manufacturer guidance.

• A completed Medication Consent Form must be submitted in advance.

Children who are unwell and require pain relief or other non-prescription medication during the school day should normally be kept at home or collected by a parent or carer, in line with the school’s safeguarding and welfare responsibilities. In specific circumstances, and at the school’s discretion, parents or carers may attend school to administer pain relief to their child in order to support their continued attendance, provided this is appropriate and in the child’s best interests.

Storage and Safety

• All medication is stored securely and appropriately, in line with storage instructions.

• Emergency medication (such as inhalers and AAIs) is readily accessible at all times.

• The school maintains accurate records of all medication administered.

Parents/carers can be assured that pupils with medical needs will be supported appropriately and that medication procedures are in place to ensure safety, dignity, and wellbeing throughout the school day.