Pyrford Preschool

Administration of Medications Policy

Pyrford Preschool’s prime concern is always for the health, safety and welfare of the children. If children are unwell, they should be kept at home and a period of recovery allowed. 

Prescribed Antibiotics

As the duration of Preschool sessions is normally 3 hours, it should generally not be necessary for staff to administer short-term prescribed antibiotics and therefore, this policy makes no provision for this.  However, parents can arrange to come into Preschool to administer prescribed antibiotics for a child who is well enough to attend Preschool, but who requires a regular dose which may fall within the morning session.

Long term conditions 

Parents/carers should always inform the Preschool of any allergies or health problems that the child may have so that we have sufficient information about long term medical needs and can give the required level of support. Parents will be shown around the setting so that they understand the routines and activities and point out anything that may be a risk factor for their child.

Parents/carers of children who have a long-term condition will be required to complete a medication consent form (see attached) and staff will administer any prescribed medication according to instructions. 

If the medication has to be administered during a session, we will record accurately on the Famly app, each time treatment has been carried out according to instructions.  (Please see attached form).  Parents/carers will be expected to acknowledge that the medication has been administered via Famly app.

All medication will be stored safely and in accordance with storage instructions.  Jen or the deputy will be responsible for handing back the medication at the end of the session to the parent.  For some conditions, medications may be kept securely at the setting.  Jen or the deputy will be responsible for checking the medication is in date and return out of date medication back to the parent.

No child will self-administer medication and no medication should be left in children’s bags. Where the child is capable of understanding when they need medication, for example asthma, they should be encouraged to tell a member of staff what they need.  However, this does not replace staff vigilance in knowing and responding when a child requires medication.  If the administration of prescribed medication requires medical knowledge, training will be given to relevant staff by a health professional.

Date policy written:         Aug 2011Last review Nov 2022