Introduction
The existing Administration of Medication procedures and practices were reviewed by the school staff during December 2023, and this policy was formulated arising from that.
Rationale:
The policy as outlined was put in place to;
Relationship to School Ethos:
Ballyfin NS promotes positive home-school contacts, not only in relation to the welfare of children, but in relation to all aspects of school life. This policy is in keeping with the school ethos through the provision of a safe, secure and caring school environment and the furthering of positive home-school links.
Core principles
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 teaching staff to personally undertake the administration of medication. While all staff are expected to facilitate the attendance of pupils at school, teachers cannot be obligated to administer medication. Under the terms of Circular 30/2014, the administration of medication is regarded as a primary care need and so may form part of an SNA’s core duties.
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 upon the development of any medical conditions at a later date, and where this is likely to require the administration of medication by school staff, should fulfil the requirements listed below.
Where the administration of medication during the school day is necessary to allow the child’s safe attendance at school, the Board of Management may authorize school staff to administer medication or monitor the self-administration of medication, in accordance with the following procedures. This authorization is to be tailored to the specific needs of the child, after consultation with relevant parties.
Policy Content
Procedure to be followed by parents who require the administration of medication for their children
Procedures to be followed by the Board of Management
Responsibilities of Staff Members
Communication and Ratification:
This Administration of Medication policy is available to all staff members, has been published on the school website, and will be provided to parents on request.
It was ratified by the Board of Management of Ballyfin NS on 13/12/2023
The existing Administration of Medication procedures and practices were reviewed by the school staff during December 2023, and this policy was formulated arising from that.
Rationale:
The policy as outlined was put in place to;
- Clarify areas of responsibility
- Provide clear guidance about situations where it is or is not appropriate to administer medicines
- Safeguard school staff that are tasked with administering medication
- Protect against possible litigation
- Fulfill the duties of the Board of Management with regard to Health and Safety requirements
Relationship to School Ethos:
Ballyfin NS promotes positive home-school contacts, not only in relation to the welfare of children, but in relation to all aspects of school life. This policy is in keeping with the school ethos through the provision of a safe, secure and caring school environment and the furthering of positive home-school links.
Core principles
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 teaching staff to personally undertake the administration of medication. While all staff are expected to facilitate the attendance of pupils at school, teachers cannot be obligated to administer medication. Under the terms of Circular 30/2014, the administration of medication is regarded as a primary care need and so may form part of an SNA’s core duties.
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 upon the development of any medical conditions at a later date, and where this is likely to require the administration of medication by school staff, should fulfil the requirements listed below.
Where the administration of medication during the school day is necessary to allow the child’s safe attendance at school, the Board of Management may authorize school staff to administer medication or monitor the self-administration of medication, in accordance with the following procedures. This authorization is to be tailored to the specific needs of the child, after consultation with relevant parties.
Policy Content
Procedure to be followed by parents who require the administration of medication for their children
- The parent/guardian should write to the Board of Management requesting the Board to authorise staff members to administer the medication or to monitor self-administration of the medication (See Appendix 1).
- This letter of request should be accompanied by a letter from the relevant medical professional outlining:
- The name of the medication to be administered.
- The exact dosage and time/circumstances of administration.
- Procedures to be followed when administering the medication.
- Recommendations as to the storage of the medication.
- Any other relevant information.
- Depending on the severity of the condition and/or the complexity of the procedures necessary to administer the medication, parents may need to arrange for members of the school staff to be trained in the correct procedures. They are requested to provide contact details of relevant medical personnel from whom school staff can seek advice and support.
- 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 and in-date supply is available. They are also responsible for supplying related pre-requisites e.g. safe storage box for needles, blood testing strips etc.
- 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 from a medical practitioner setting out the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication. In cases where the Board is concerned that the written instructions to the Board are out-of-date or the training provided to staff is no longer adequate, the Board may withdraw the authorisation to administer the medication, pending these concerns being resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
- Where a child suffers from a life-threatening condition, parents should provide clear instructions from the relevant medical personnel, outlining what should and should not be done in the emergency situation, with particular reference to what may present 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.
- Parents are required to arrange alternative arrangements for the administration of medication to the child (e.g. the parent comes into the school to administer the medication), while awaiting the authorisation of the Board (or the Principal acting on its behalf) and until the staff are appropriately trained and all relevant documentation has been provided to the satisfaction of the Board.
Procedures to be followed by the Board of Management
- The Board, having considered the matter, may authorise staff members to administer medication to a pupil or to monitor the self-administration by a pupil. (Pending a Board meeting, the principal may authorise the administration of medication, in accordance with these procedures, in the interim)
- The Board will ensure that the authorised person/people is/are 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.
Responsibilities of Staff Members
- Any staff member who administer medicine to a child 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 without the specific authorisation of the Board of Management, or Principal acting on their behalf.
- 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 are expected to 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.
Communication and Ratification:
This Administration of Medication policy is available to all staff members, has been published on the school website, and will be provided to parents on request.
It was ratified by the Board of Management of Ballyfin NS on 13/12/2023
