Administration of Medication Policy

Introduction:

While the Board of Management has 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 or administrative staff to personally undertake the administration of medication. This Policy was reviewed by the In- School Management team in consultation with staff, parents and the B.O.M.

Rationale:

The policy as outlined was put in place to;

• Clarify areas of responsibility
• To give clear guidance about situations where it is not appropriate to administer medicines
• To indicate the limitations to any requirements which may be notified to teachers and school staff
• To outline procedures to deal with a pupil with a specific allergy in our school
• Safeguard school staff that are willing to administer medication
• Protect against possible litigation.

Relationship t o School Ethos:

The school 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.

Aims of this Policy:

The aims and objectives of the policy can be summarised as follows;

• Minimise health risks to children and staff on the school premises
• Fulfil the dutv of the BoM in relation to Health and Safety requirements
• Provide a framework within which medicines may be administered in cases of emergency or in instances where regularised administration has been agreed with parents/guardians

Policy Content:

The Board of Management requests parents to ensure that the school is made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by their child. This information should be provided at enrolment or at

the development of any medical conditions at a later date.

Non-prescriptive medicines will neither be stored, nor administered by staff to pupils in school. Prescribed medicines will not be administered without the written consent of parents and the specific authorisation of the BOM.

Parents/Guardians who require the administration of prescribed medication for their child are required to complete the following paperwork. The paperwork will be electronically stored in the pupil's individual file on our school administration system (Aladdin).

1. Appendix 1: Form outlining child's personal details (name, contact numbers, medical condition etc.)
2. Appendix 2: A form indemnifying the Board of Management from any liability that may arise from the administration of medication. The above documentation will be stored on the child's file in the Principal's office and a copy sent to the school's insurers.
3. Appendix 3: Form to be completed by General Practitioner

Parents are responsible for the provision of medication. It is the parents'/guardians' responsibility to inform the school of changes in prescribed medication (dosages). The school should be notified immediately and given clear written instructions of the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication.

Medication should be sent to the child's class teacher and/or the Principal who will provide safe storage for all medicines.

A written record of administration ofmedication, detailing date, time and dosage will be kept by the Principal cf. Appendix 4.

All necessary medical assistance will be summoned in the event of an emergency and the child's parent/guardian will be contacted immediately.

If administration of medication has been undertaken by a staff member, the parent/guardian will receive a telephone call from school to inform them of same.

Procedures to be followed by the B.O.M.

• The Board having considered the matter, may authorise a staff member to administer medication to a pupil or to monitor self-administration by a pupil.
• 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 members absence.

Responsibilities of Staff:

• No staff member can be required to administer medication to a pupil.
• Any staff member who is willing to administer medicines should do so under strictly controlled guidelines in the belief that the administration is safe.
• Clear written instruction on the administration of medication must be stored with the medication.
• Medication must not be administered without specific authorisation of B.O.M.

Ratification and Review:

This policy was ratified by the B.O.M. o n 30/3/2023 and will be reviewed annually.

Signed: Gerry McCabe (Chairperson of Board of Management)

Signed: Katriona Cosgrove (Principal)