Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy Child Sickness and Administration of Medicines Policy 2013 Date to Staff: Date to Parents / Guardians: Ratification date: Next Review Date: Our vision is that all children leave primary school at the age of 11 as the independent, resilient, curious, problem solving leaders of tomorrow, with a confident and optimistic outlook on life. Our mission is to deliver an outstanding primary education for children in Harpenden and the surrounding area. Our values are Curious, Unique, Brave, Boundless and Playful. They are the heartbeat of Harpenden Free School and referenced in recruitment, role expectations, progress monitoring, reflection time and progressive development. 1 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy Child Sickness and Administration of Medication Policy Status Non Statutory Purpose The purpose of this document is make explicit the care that Harpenden Free School is able to offer in relation to the administration of medicines to its pupils. Consultation In producing this policy we consulted with teachers, pupils and parents and referred to guidance from the DfE and H&S Executive. This policy will be reviewed annually. Relationship to other policies The policy should be read in conjunction with the health and safety policy. Introduction HFS puts the well-being of the children in its care at the very core of its services. HFS is keen to help children to attend, where appropriate, even if they are taking medication and to enable this to happen staff are trained to administer medication on site. 1. Procedure In order for medication to be administered the following procedure must be adhered to by parents and staff for the health and well-being of all children in the setting.Parents HFS requires written and signed consent in advance (appendix 2) from parents which clearly shows the date, dosage and expiry date of any medication to be given. Any medication left with staff for administration must be in its original container and bear its original label. The label must be legible and have the name of the child on it. If the medicine has not been prescribed for the child staff will not, under any circumstances, administer it. A healthcare plan (appendix 1) should be completed for emergency treatment of chronic illnesses, such as asthma where inhalers may need to be given on a long-term basis. 2. Staff When administering medication staff should: o wash their hands o refer to the permission to administer medication form and to the administration record and carefully check that all details are correct o be certain of the identity of the child to whom the medication is being given. o check that the prescription on the label of the medication is clear and unambiguous o check the name of the medication matches the administration form o check the name of the child on the label matches the administration form o check the dose, method of administration and the expiry date o administer the medication as instructed on the label and as specified in the permission to administer medication form o keep clear and accurate, signed records of all medication administered, withheld or refused using the completed appendix 2 o monitor any children taking medication and report any side effects immediately to the person in charge 2 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy o inform parents/guardians that the medication has been given when they pick up their children. All medication is kept securely in the lockable cupboard provided. Unused or surplus medication should be returned to the parent/guardian. If a child refuses to take their medication staff will never attempt to force or coerce compliance. They should note the refusal in their records and follow any agreed procedures set out in the individual child’s health care plan (appendix 1). Parents will be informed of the refusal on the same day. If a refusal to take medicines results in an emergency, emergency procedures will be followed. In any emergency situation the first aider will be called, an ambulance called for and parents informed immediately unless the health care plan sets out other actions. Medical information, including details about medicines, should be treated as confidential by all staff in HFS. The Headteacher of HFS should agree with the parents who else should have access to records and other information about a child. 3. Non Prescription Medicines HFS will administer certain non-prescription medication for a maximum of three days, providing the necessary permission form (appendix 2) has been completed and signed by the parent/guardian. At any time during the three days, if the staff deem that the child's health has deteriorated or they have concerns for his/her health, the parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to arrange for collection of the child, and refer them to their GP. 4. Staff Training and Consent Staff will be asked to attend training in the administration and monitoring of medication and to meet specific needs concerning administration, or other health-related matters. Staff administering medicine must have signed a consent form to say they are willing to administer medicine. This is a voluntary decision, there is no pressure to perform this role. The management should monitor staff to ensure the procedures are being carried out, and that they are clear to all. Staff will be asked to feedback at meetings any areas of concern or to identify training needs that they may have. The management of the school is responsible for ensuring that there are enough staff with appropriate training in the administration of medication to cover the school day. The rota will be planned with first aid and medicines administration in mind. 5. Child Sickness In order to control the spread of infection within the school we do not accept children who are showing symptoms of sickness. Particular illnesses have specified exclusion periods. A child who has been unwell is required not to return until they have had no symptoms for at least 48hours. If a child seems to be taken unwell during sessions they will be taken aside by a member of staff. Parents or other named contacts will be contacted and asked to collect their child. Special attention will be given to all hygiene issues with respect to the other children in attendance. If a child has contracted an infectious disease they are obliged to inform HFS immediately. In some cases we have a duty to inform external authorities and/or parents of other children. 3 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy 6. Allergies and Health Matters Staff will be informed of all relevant health issues regarding the children in their care and necessary precautions and trigger situations, these details are also requested on registration forms. Strict confidentiality will be maintained. Where appropriate staff may meet with parents or health professionals prior to a child beginning at HFS. 7. A well child HFS consider a well child to be one that Has plenty of energy Has good and even colour in their skin tone Is happy Has a temperature within a normal range Has sparkly eyes Has clear breathing passages and quiet breathing patterns 8. Exclusion Periods Athlete’s foot – excluded for as long as symptoms show, or allowed in with veruccae socks. Bronchiolitis – excluded for duration of symptoms Chickenpox – excluded until all spots have crusted over Cold sores – no exclusion needed but extra care should be taken Conjunctivitus – exclusion whilst the eye is secreting discharge or is sticky Croup – exclusion whilst symptoms persist Diarrhhoea and / vomiting – exclude until 48hrs after symptoms have finished German Measles / Rubella – exclude for 5 days after the rash appears. It must be notified to health authority. Head lice – exclude until treated by parents Hepatitis a - until jaundice has gone or for at least 5 days, whichever is longer Impetigo – exclude until sores are crusted over Measles – exclude for 5 days after onset of rash, it is notifiable Meningitisis – exclude until well Mumps – exclude for 5 days after onset, it is notifiable Ringworm – no exclusion necessary but must be covered Scabies – exclude till treated Scarlet fever – exclude for 5 days after the start of treatment, it is notifiable Slapped Cheek – contagious period is prior to symptoms so exclusion ineffective Tonsillitis – exclude whilst ill TB – take professional advice for the individual 4 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy Typhoid fever – until 3 negative stool samples have been given with at least a week between each and beginning at least 3 weeks after the completion of treatment. Vomiting – exclude till at least 48hrs after symptoms stop Whooping cough – exclude for 3 weeks after onset of cough Approval by Governing Body and Review Date This policy has been formally approved and adopted by the Governing Body at a formally convened meeting: Policy approved: Date: ______________________________________ (Chair of Governing Body) ______________________________________ Date of policy review: ______________________________________ 5 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy Appendix 1 Individual Health Care / Emergency Plan CONTACT DETAILS Child’s Name School Home Address Date of Birth Next of Kin Home phone Mobile phone GP Name GP Address Hospital Contact Phone Name Phone MEDICAL DETAILS Medical Condition Signs and Symptoms Daily Treatment / Medication Needed in School Location of Medication at School Eg inhaler in asthma box Describe an emergency for this pupil (signs and symptoms) 6 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy Risks / hazards / triggers Action to take in event of this emergency eg 1.administer epipen 2. call ambulance 3. call parents Who is responsible in an emergency at school Who is responsible in an emergency off site Plan copied to: Parents / Carer Headteacher/class teacher GP Other ( ) Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Parent and School Agreement To the best of our knowledge the above information is correct. The staff, in agreement, will do their best to support and care for …………………………………’s medical and emergency needs. Parents signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________________ First aider signature: _______________________________ Date: ________________________ Head teacher’s signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________________ Nurse’s signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________________ (where advice and training has been provided to school) 7 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy Administration of Medicines Appendix 2 Parental agreement for the administration of medicines The school will not give your child medicine unless you complete and sign this form. Medicines must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacist. Students must not self-administer. Contact Details Child’s Name Date School Home Address Date of Birth Next of Kin Home phone GP Name Age Class Mobile phone GP Phone Medical Details Medical Condition / Illness Name and strength of medicine Where medicine is kept Expiry date Side effects Days and date / s to administer Size of each dose Eg 5 ml Time to administer dose Eg 12.30 and 3pm Quanity given to school Eg 1 100ml bottle (half empty) or 10 tablets This information is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate at time of writing and I give consent to the school / setting staff, to administer the medicine in accordance with the 8 Child Sickness and Administration of Medicine Policy school/setting policy. I will inform the school/ setting immediately in writing if there is any change in dosage or frequency of the medication or if the medicine is stopped. Parent/Guardian signature ________________________________________________________ Print name ________________________________________________________ Date ________________________________________________________ Agreed review date _______________________________________________________ Record of Administration of Medicine Date Medicine name Time given Dose given Name of Staff Member Staff Initials / / / / / / Date Medicine Name Time given Dose given Name of Staff Member Staff Initials / / / / / / Date Medicine Name Time given Dose given Name of Staff Member Staff Initials / / / / / / 9