Introduction - The Administration of Medicines

The following information has been written in response to concerns which Head Teachers and staff have expressed about their responsibilities towards pupils with medical needs in school (i.e. nursery; primary; secondary and special schools and units).  Contact Inclusion Development Manager (ASN), Moray Council Headquarters for further information if required.

Purpose of Policy

This policy has been written to help schools formulate procedures for managing medication in schools, and to put in place effective management systems to support individual pupils with medical needs.  A positive response by the school to a pupil’s medical needs will not only benefit the pupil directly, but can also positively influence the attitude of the whole class.

The policy which follows is intended to assist schools to formulate their own procedures in the light of their own assessment of local needs and resources.  It is hoped that when doing so they will find this policy helpful.

Proforma are provided, as part of this pack, Appendix G and Forms Med 1 - Med 6, which should be photocopied for use by schools.

This policy is not a definitive interpretation of the law: interpreting the law is a matter for the Courts alone.

Pupils with Medical Needs

Most pupils will at some time have a medical condition that may affect their participation in school activities. For many this will be short-term; perhaps finishing a course of medication. 

Other pupils have medical conditions that, if not properly managed, could limit their access to education.  Such pupils are regarded as having medical needs.  Most children with medical needs are able to attend school regularly and, with some support from the school, can take part in most normal school activities.  However, school staff may need to take extra care in supervising some activities to make sure that these pupils, and others, are not put at risk.

An Individual Pupil Protocol (Form Med 3) can help schools to identify the necessary safety measures to support pupils with medical needs and ensure that they and others are not put at risk.  Detailed procedures on how to draw up an Individual Pupil Protocol (IPP) are included in this policy.

Support for Pupils with Medical Needs

Parents or guardians have prime responsibility for their child’s health and should provide schools with information about their child’s medical condition.  Parents, and the pupil if he/she is mature enough, should give details in conjunction with their child’s GP or paediatrician, as appropriate.  The school doctor or nurse and specialist voluntary bodies may also be able to provide additional background information for school staff.  Schools should not, however, act on the advice of such voluntary bodies without first referring the proposal to do so to the School Health Service for approval.

The School Health Service can provide advice on health issues to pupils, parents, teachers, education officers and the Moray Council in working together to ensure pupils with medical needs and school staff have effective support in schools.

There is no legal duty which requires school staff to administer medication; this is a voluntary role.  Staff who provide support for pupils with medical needs, or who volunteer to administer medication, need support from the Head Teacher and parents, access to information and training, and reassurance about their legal liability.