Medication Policy

Procedure for the administration of medicine

 

 

Aim of policy

 

At Castle Daycare & Preschool, we put the safety, comfort and welfare of the children first, therefore we would expect a child suffering from a short term illness to be cared for at home until they are fully recovered.  However, we accept there are occasions when Nursery staff will be required to administer medication. This policy gives guidance to how we do this.

 

Points to consider

 

The definition of the term ‘medication’ in this context is taken to mean any medicinal preparations specifically prescribed for the treatment of non-contagious conditions.

 

Only the Manager or a senior worker (deputy or senior practitioner) is authorised to administer medicines.  Details of all medicines administered must be recorded on the medication authorisation form. 

 

Castle Daycare and Preschool aim to achieve this by:

 

·         A manager or senior staff member will administer only prescribed medication or over the counter medication on written instruction from a parent. 

 

·         Children should not attend the nursery if suffering from a communicable disease or one that requires special treatment during the day, change of dressings etc unless staff have received the necessary training. 

 

·         Long term illnesses or conditions requiring specialist training and support (such as diabetes) will be assessed as described in our special needs policy and individual health care plan will be completed and agreed with the parent/carer.

 

·         Medication will be stored away from the children in a secure place. At this nursery medication is stored: in the kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

·         Medication must be in correct containers, clearly labelled to indicate:

·         Child’s name

·         Date of prescription

·         Use by date

·         Dosage

·         Any other relevant information

 

·         The parent/guardian must enter medication details on the medicine authorisation form, including:

·         Date of instruction

·         Name of child

·         Type of medication and dosage

·         Method of administering dose

·         Time of dose and duration of treatment

 

This instruction should be signed by the parent and counter-signed by the Manager or senior worker.

 

Two members of staff must be present to administer medication – one of whom shall be the Manager or senior worker.

 

The medication label, the authorisation form and the child’s identity must be carefully checked prior to administering the medication.

 

Do not administer further medication if the child spits out, vomits or spills part of the dose.  This should be recorded on the administration form (comments).

 

Replace the medication in the designated area for medication.

 

Record times of doses on the child’s daily record sheet and medicine authorisation form and alter accordingly if the previous dose is administered earlier or later than stated – (record the reason for this)

 

For long term medication, such as inhalers and epi-pens, individual protocols should be made, documenting in more detail information about when and how the medication should be administered.

 

The parent must sign the administration record at the end of the child’s day/ session.