* For the purpose of this publication the term ‘parents’ will be used to describe all types of primary caregivers, such as biological and adoptive parents, foster carers and guardians

 

We aim to promote the good health of children attending nursery and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection (see Sickness and Illness policy).

 

If a child requires medicine – either as a one-off course or as long-term treatment- we will obtain and maintain a record of this. Parents will be asked to contribute to a form outlining when and in what dosage the medication should be taken and advice on when the previous dose was administered.

 

We follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of the child

 

Prescribed medication

 

Please note that medicines containing aspirin will only be given if prescribed by a doctor

• Prescription medicine will only be given when prescribed by a health care professional and for the person named on the bottle, for the dosage stated
• Medicines must be in their original containers with their instructions printed in English
• When a child arrives with medication their parent should fill in the appropriate form (Link below) with a qualified staff member, with time and dose to be taken and give permission for the medication to be given. This form will be checked by another staff member. Parental permission is required for every medication given but permission can cover a course or ongoing treatment with a particular medication provided that

1. The written permission is only acceptable for that brand name of medication and cannot be used for similar types of medication, e.g. if the course of antibiotics changes, a new form will need to be completed
2. The dosage on the written permission is the only dosage that will be administered. We will not give a different dose unless a new form is completed. Parents must notify us IMMEDIATELY if the child’s circumstances change, e.g. a dose has been given at home, or a change in strength/dose needs to be given.

• We will not administer a dosage that exceeds the recommended dose on the instructions unless accompanied by written instructions from a relevant health professional.
• When the child is picked up, the parent must be given exact details of the times and dosage given as recorded throughout the day. The parent must sign to say they’ve seen the information
• The medication will be given to the child at the agreed time and in the correct dose by an appropriate staff member (Having had this checked by another member of staff) and a note will be made on the form. If the child refuses to take the medication a note will be made on the form.
• Where medication is ‘essential‘ or may have side effects, discussion with the parent will take place to establish the appropriate response.

Non-prescription medication

• Non-prescribed/over-the-counter medicine will only be administered to a child when written permission from the parents has been given and a medication form has been completed.
• The nursery will only administer medication as per the information listed on the form.
• Non-prescription medication can be administered for a short initial period, dependant on the medication and the condition of the child. After this period, we would recommend that the parent seeks medical attention for their child.
• If we feel the child would benefit from medical attention rather than non-prescription medication, we reserve the right to refuse entry to the setting until the child is seen by a medical practitioner
• If a child needs liquid paracetamol or similar medication during their time at nursery, this must be provided by the parent and will be treated as prescription medication.
• * We will keep a supply of liquid paracetamol and antihistamine for use in an emergency. It will be stored securely and checked at regularly to ensure that it is still in date and stored correctly.
• **Parents will be asked to fill out an emergency medication consent form for their child on registration. This would mean giving consent for a practitioner administering liquid paracetamol or antihistamine in particular circumstances such as a dangerously raised temperature or a wasp or bee sting. The form will state the dose to be administered, the only circumstances in which this can be given, and a signed statement to say that this may be administered in an emergency if the nursery CANNOT contact the parent.
• **If a child does exhibit symptoms for which consent has been given to give the above medication in an emergency, we will make every effort to contact the child’s parents. When this is not possible, the manager will take the decision as to whether to administer the medication based on medical history of the child, the severity of the need and other information that may be on their registration form.
• Along with the administration of medication both prescribed and non-prescribed/over-the-counter, other methods may be used to try and alleviate the symptoms (where appropriate). Parents will always be contacted and expected to collect their child as a matter of urgency if their child is showing signs of deteriorating.
• The child will be closely monitored until the parents collect the child.
• For any non-prescription cream for skin conditions e.g. cream for nappy rash, prior written permission must be obtained from the parent, and the parent must provide the cream, which should be clearly labelled with the child’s name and date opened.
• Parents must disclose if any medication has been given to a child before arriving at the setting. This will be written down and signed by both the parent and the practitioner.
• As with any kind of medication, staff will ensure that the parent is informed of any non-prescription medicines given to the child while in the setting, together with the times and dosage given
• The Setting DOES NOT administer any medication unless prior written consent is given for each and every medicine.

 

Injections, pessaries, suppositories

We will not be able to administer injections, pessaries and suppositories without appropriate and training by a medical professional, as these represent intrusive nursing. This training is specific for every child and not generic. We will work with parents and other professionals to arrange for appropriate health officials to train staff in administering the medication and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of the child.

 

Staff medication

Staff have a responsibility to ensure they are fit to work with children. They must not work with children if they are unwell. This includes circumstances where any medication taken affects their ability to care for children, e.g., makes them drowsy. Staff should inform the manager of their condition, including medication taken, who will decide if the staff member is fit to work.

 

We appreciate that staff may occasionally or regularly need medication such as an inhaler or pain relief. These medications must be kept in the person’s locker in the staff room where staff may need easy access to it. In all cases it must always be stored securely out of reach of the children and labelled with the name of the member of staff.

 

Storage

All medication for children must have the child’s name clearly written on the original container labels, must be legible and not tampered with or they will not be given. When medications are prescribed, the pharmacist’s details and notes attached to show the dosage needed and the date the prescription was issued must be clear. This will all be checked, along with expiry dates, before staff agree to administer medication. All medication will be kept in a closed box in the office or in a fridge, in marked “medication” compartment, which is out of reach of all children.

 

Emergency medication, such as inhalers and EpiPens, will be within easy reach of staff in case of an immediate need (office), but will remain out of children’s reach. Any antibiotics requiring refrigeration must be kept in a fridge inaccessible to children.

 

 

 

 

This policy was adopted on	Signed on behalf of the nursery	Date for review
19/02.2025	I Cameron	08/2026