Medicines in school
If your child needs medicine administering at school, Once completed the form should be handed to the school office.
Medicines in School – Information for Parents
We want to make sure children stay healthy, safe and supported while in school. Please read the guidance below so you know what to do if your child needs medication during the school day.
Before sending medicine into school
- Please see our Medicines Policy on the Policies section of our website.
- If your child needs medication at school, please read this guidance and then print and complete the medicine form and hand it to the school office. Please click here to print the form.
If your child has any medical needs or health conditions that may affect their day‑to‑day school life, please let us know so we can understand how to support them.
How we manage medicines in school
General principles
- We will only administer medicine in school when it is essential—for example, if not giving it would affect a child’s health or ability to attend.
- No child under 16 will be given any medication without written permission from a parent or carer.
- We may give non‑prescription medicines with written parental consent, but this is at the headteacher’s discretion based on staffing and safety.
How medicines must be provided
- Medicines must be in their original packaging, clearly labelled with the child’s name and dosage instructions.
- We keep written records of all medicines administered.
- Parents must confirm that their child has used the medicine before and has not had any adverse reaction.
- Medication such as pain relief will not be given without checking the correct dosage and when the child last took a previous dose. Parents will be informed.
Doses during the school day
- If your child needs four doses a day, please give the first dose at home, allow school to give the lunchtime dose, and give the later doses at home.
This helps reduce the number of times staff need to leave their duties to administer medication.
Storing medicines
- All non‑emergency medicines are stored safely in a locked cupboard.
- Medicines needing refrigeration are kept in an airtight, clearly labelled container with restricted access.
- Children should not carry medication to and from school themselves. Medication must be handed to a member of staff on arrival.
Emergency medicines
Some medicines must always be easy to reach, including:
- Asthma inhalers
- Adrenaline pens
- Blood glucose meters
- Hypo treatments
- Buccal midazolam
These must never be locked away. Inhalers must be clearly marked with the child’s name.
Controlled drugs
- A child prescribed a controlled drug may carry it only if they are considered competent, but it must never be passed to another pupil (this is a criminal offence).
- Otherwise, controlled drugs are stored securely in a locked, non‑portable container. A clear record is kept of all doses administered and the amount held in school.
- In an emergency, the key must be accessible to staff.
Who administers medicines?
- Only one member of staff administers medicines at any time to avoid double‑dosing.
- This member of staff should not be interrupted during administration to ensure safety.
- All administration is recorded, including what was given, the dosage, when and by whom. Any side effects are noted.
When medicines are no longer needed
- Medicines must be collected and disposed of safely by parents/carers.
- Sharps (needles) must be returned in a proper sharps box.
