This policy on the Administration of Medication was formulated in accordance with guidelines issued by the Primary Schools’ Managerial Bodies and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation.
Introduction
While the Board of Management has a duty to safeguard the health and safety of pupils when they are engaged in authorised school activities, this does not imply a duty upon teachers to personally undertake the administration of medication.
The Board of Management requests parents to ensure that staff members are made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by their child. This information should be provided at enrolment or at the development of any medical conditions at a later date.
Medication in this policy refers to medicines, tablets and sprays administered by mouth only.
No medication will be administered in school without the written consent of parents and the specific authorisation of the Board of Management.
Policy Content
1. Procedures to be followed by parents who require the administration of medication for their children
• The parent/guardian should use the Administration of Medication Form to write to the Board of Management requesting the Board to authorise a staff member to administer the medication or to monitor self-administration of the medication (Available on request from school).
• Parents are required to provide the following written details on the Administration of Medication Form:
the name of the child
name and dosage of medication
whether the child should be responsible for the administration of his/her own medication
the circumstances in which medication is to be given by the staff member and consent for it to be given
when the parent is to be notified and where he/she can be contacted
instructions of the procedure to be followed in the administration and storing of the medication.
• Parents are responsible for ensuring that the medication is delivered to the school and handed over to a responsible adult and for ensuring that an adequate supply is available.
• Parents are further required to indemnify the Board and authorised members of staff in respect of any liability that may arise regarding the administration of prescribed medicines in school. The Board will inform the school’s insurers accordingly.
• Changes in prescribed medication (or dosage) should be notified immediately to the school with clear written instructions of the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication.
• Where children are suffering from life threatening conditions, parents should outline clearly in writing, what should and what should not be done in a particular emergency situation, with particular reference to what may be a risk to the child.
• Parents are required to provide a telephone number where they may be contacted in the event of an emergency arising.
• Request for administration should be renewed at the beginning of each school year.
2. Procedures to be followed by the Board of Management
• The Board, having considered the matter, may authorise a staff member to administer medication to a pupil or to monitor the self-administration by a pupil. All Administration of Medication Forms will be signed by the Chairperson of the Board of Management.
• The Board will ensure that the authorised person is properly instructed in how to administer the medicine.
• The Board shall seek an indemnity from parents in respect of liability that may arise regarding the administration of the medicine
• The Board shall inform the school insurers accordingly
• The Board shall make arrangements for the safe storage of medication and procedures for the administration of medication in the event of the authorised staff member’s absence.
3. Responsibilities of Staff Members
• No staff member can be required to administer medication to a pupil.
• Any staff member who is willing to administer medicines should do so under strictly controlled guidelines in the belief that the administration is safe.
• Written instructions on the administration of the medication must be provided.
• Medication must not be administered unless the parent/guardian has completed the Administration of Medication Form.
• In administering medication to pupils, staff members will exercise the standard of care of a reasonable and prudent parent.
• A written record of the date and time of administration will be kept.
• In emergency situations, staff should do no more than is obviously necessary and appropriate to relieve extreme distress or prevent further and otherwise irreparable harm. Qualified medical treatment should be secured in emergencies at the earliest opportunity.
• Parents should be contacted should any questions or emergencies arise.
Ratified by Board of Management on 10th April, 2019.