We are committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all children in our care by providing a transparent and safe framework for medical support. Our policy outlines how we support children with both short-term and long-term medical needs, in line with the EYFS Framework and local guidance.

Types of medication administered

We follow strict legal criteria regarding which medications can be accepted into the setting to ensure every dose is safe and authorised:

• Prescribed medication: We will administer medication prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse, or pharmacist. This must be in the original container, in date, and labelled with the child's name and dosage instructions.
• Non-prescribed medication: We will administer non-prescribed medication (e.g., teething gel, Calpol) only if provided by the parent in the original container. This is given for specific health reasons and never routinely.
• Aspirin: We will never administer medication containing aspirin unless specifically prescribed by a medical practitioner.

Seeking written consent

Before any medication is administered, we will obtain a signed Medication Consent and Administration Record from the parent/carer. This provides written authorisation and ensures we are acting strictly according to your instructions. This form includes the child's details, medication name, reason for administration, dosage, and the time the last dose was given at home.

Procedure for administration

To maintain the highest safety standards and eliminate errors, we follow a rigorous administration process for every dose:

1. Verification: We check that the medication is for the specific child, in date, the correct dosage, and in the original container.
2. Preparation: We wash our hands and ensure the child is in a calm, safe environment.
3. The ‘lone worker’ check: We conduct a thorough triple-check of the medication label against the written consent form immediately before administration.
4. The ‘witness’ protocol: When possible, a witness will observe the administration. If a witness is not available, we conduct a secondary triple-check to ensure total accuracy.
5. Emotional well-being: We explain the process to the child in an age-appropriate way, offering comfort and reassurance.
6. Recording: We immediately record and sign for the date, time, and exact dosage given.
7. Oral health: We encourage children to drink water afterward to protect their dental health if the medication is sugary.

Storage and security

Safe storage is essential to ensure medications remain effective and inaccessible to children. All medication is stored strictly according to product instructions in secure, high-level locations or locked cupboards that are out of reach of children.

Sharing information with parents

Open communication ensures you are fully informed of your child's medical care:

• Daily updates: Information regarding medication administered is shared via our website and recorded on the Medication Consent and Administration Record.
• End-of-day signature: Parents must sign the medication log before leaving the premises to acknowledge they have been informed of the dose administered.
• Guidance: We share current health guidelines via the Parent Welcome Pack regarding illness exclusion periods.

Emergency procedures and errors

While we take every precaution, we have clear emergency protocols in place. If a child is given the wrong dose or medication, we will seek immediate medical advice (999 or 111) and notify parents immediately. We also maintain an up-to-date Allergy Register to cross-reference ingredients before any administration.

Long-term medical needs

We are committed to supporting children with chronic conditions by working alongside families and health professionals:

• Individual Healthcare Plans (IHP): For children with long-term needs, we work with parents to create a specific IHP.
• Specialist training: If technical knowledge is required (e.g., EpiPen, insulin), we ensure we receive training from a qualified health professional specific to that child before care commences.
• Self-administration: For older children, systems for self-administration (such as inhalers) can be agreed upon in writing with parents, with the medication stored securely but remaining immediately available under supervision.