Policy and Procedure for Administering

       Medicines

Policy

Parents/carers will be introduced to the policy & procedure for giving medication during the enrolment interview.

 The manager and staff will gather as much information from the parent/carer regarding any long-term illnesses that the child may have, in the case of a child with an ongoing condition that requires medicine, a care plan is completed by the parent in order for staff to follow correct procedures in administering any medication. The staff will also ask the parents if the child has any ongoing medication/prescription and also ask the parent to provide information regarding any changes in medication or support that the child may need or require. This will be done in the first instance on enrolment and ongoing throughout the child’s time at the nursery any relevant information will be shared with their transition to school if relevant.

 The nursery would call upon the early intervention teams regarding any training that may be necessary for each individual child’s condition.

 All Parents will be informed that the Nursery will only accept prescribe medication for the child from a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist. Pain relief or teething gels can only be given with written consent of the parent/carer.

 A child under 16 should NEVER be given aspirin unless it is prescribe by the child’s doctor

 Any medication brought to the nursery should be stored in accordance with the instructions, and in original containers.  The medication should also be accompanied by the prescribe instructions for administration.

 Procedure

 Great care must be taken when accepting medication from the children’s parents or carer.

 The senior member of staff on duty must check that the medicine is labelled for the child with the correct name, and that the expiry date is still valid.

 If there are any doubts regarding the medication, staff must not accept it and refer the parent to the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager

 The Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager has the right to refuse any medication if there appears to be any uncertainty.

 Authorisation from Parents

 All parents must complete the medicine form that the nursery provide before any medication can be administered to their child.

 All forms must be signed and dated by the parent and the staff member in charge prior to any medication being administered.

 The senior member of staff on duty will be responsible for checking that the authorisation form is completed and that the information given is clear and in accordance with the instructions printed on the medication.

 The member of staff accepting the medication must ensure it is stored safely in accordance with the instruction on the medicine bottle or package.

 Authorisation forms to give medication are to be kept on file for five years. The Nursery Manager will be responsible for maintaining a file, which is to be kept in a secure place.

 If a child requires on-going medication or has allergies etc., or a medical need e.g. epilepsy a care plan must be provided for the child.

 Procedure for Giving Medication

 Senior staff member will be the named staff and to witness the giving of medication, if this is not possible then the nursery manager or deputy manager will nominate another staff member.

 When giving medicines the following points must be followed:

·         Two members of staff must be present before giving medication.

·         One person will check the child’s name, time medicine is due and dosage with the printed label and with the Parents written instructions.

·         The second member of staff must agree this information is correct.

·         Medicine is to be given following exactly the above information.

·         The members of staff are to sign in pen against the medication given on the appropriate form. Names in full please no initials

·         The medication must be returned to the storage place, out of reach of the children.

 If there is a mistake made while giving medication this MUST be reported immediately to the Nursery Manager or Deputy who will take the appropriate action.

IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT A CHILD’S HEALTH AND WELL BEING CALL 999 FOR ASISTANCE

The following action should be taken:

1.      Dial 999, and wait for assistance

2.      Contact the Parent of the child without delay.

3.      Seek advice from NHS Direct

4.      Monitor the child closely and record any unusual behaviour/ symptoms.

5.      Contact the pharmacy or G.P. who prescribed the medication for advice.

6.      At the earliest opportunity following the incident (within 24hrs) all staff involved must complete a detailed written account of what happened. These documents will be kept and used as appropriate.

 The Chair of the Management Committee, Safeguarding Team Southwark Council 020 7525 5000 and Ofsted will be informed of any serious incidents as soon as possible/ within 14days Ofsted 0300 123 1231