Most pupils will at some time have a medical condition that may affect their participation in Preschool activities and for many this will be short-term. Other pupils have medical conditions that, if not properly managed, could limit their access to education. Most children with medical needs are able to attend Preschool regularly and, with some support, can take part in most normal activities. We are committed to ensuring that children with medical needs have the same right of access as other children.
There is no legal duty that requires staff to administer medication, this is a voluntary role. The ‘duty of care’ extends to administering medication in exceptional circumstances, and therefore it is for settings to decide their local policy for the administration of medication.
When a member of staff administers medicine, they will check the child’s Administration of Medication Permission and Record form against the medication, to ensure that the dose and timing are correct. They will then administer the medicine as required, and record this. For long-term medication, a Parental Consent to Administer Medicine form will be used as necessary.
Emergency Inhalers
In line with “Guidance on the use of emergency salbutamol inhalers in schools” March 2015, Preschool will keep emergency reliever (blue) inhalers for the emergency use of children whose own inhaler is not available for any reason. They are stored in the main school office, along with appropriate spacers.
