Non-Prescription Medication

Where possible, Preschool will avoid administering non-prescription medicines.
If your child requires over-the-counter medication, we ask that this is administered at home, unless there are exceptional circumstances, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medicines should be administered at home whenever possible. For example, medicines prescribed three times daily can usually be taken:

• Before Preschool
• After Preschool
• At bedtime

Parents are encouraged to consult with their GP to determine whether this is appropriate.

Preschool staff will only administer prescription medication if not doing so would be detrimental to the child’s health during the day.

Requirements for Prescription Medication

• Medication must be provided in its original container, as dispensed by a pharmacist.
• The label must include the child’s name and the prescriber’s instructions.
• Preschool cannot accept medication that:
  • Has been removed from its original packaging
  • Has had dosage changes made by the parent or carer

Use of Medical Care Plans

Medical Care Plans are used to:

• Inform relevant staff of a child’s individual medical needs
• Identify common symptoms, individual triggers, and necessary care procedures
• Ensure consistent and appropriate support for children with chronic conditions

Parents will work with Preschool staff and relevant healthcare professionals to develop a plan tailored to their child’s needs.

If you have any questions or your child has specific medical requirements, please speak with a member of the Preschool team or contact the school office.

Storage of Long-Term Medication

For children who require long-term prescribed medication (e.g. EpiPens, inhalers):

• Medication will be stored safely in a cupboard in the child’s room

• It will be kept in a clearly labelled box, along with a copy of our medication protocol

• A second EpiPen or inhaler must be provided to remain at Preschool, in addition to the one kept at home

Administering Medicines

When staff administer medication:

• They will first check the Administration of Medication Permission and Record Form to ensure the correct:

  • • Child
    • Medication
    • Dose
    • Time

• The medication will then be given and accurately recorded

• For long-term medication, the Parental Consent to Administer Medicine Form will also be completed and kept on file

Emergency Inhalers

In accordance with “Guidance on the use of emergency salbutamol inhalers in schools” (March 2015), Preschool keeps emergency reliever (blue) inhalers on site.

These are available for emergency use if a child’s own inhaler is not accessible or not working. Emergency inhalers and appropriate spacers are stored in the main school office