Policy statement

While it is not our policy to care for sick children, who should be at home until they are well enough to return to the club, we will agree to administer medication as part of maintaining their health and well-being or when they are recovering from an illness.

As far as possible, administering medicines will only be done where it would be

detrimental to the child’s health if not given in the club.

The Club Manager is responsible for the correct administration of medication to

children. This includes ensuring that parent consent forms have been completed,

that medicines are stored correctly and that records are kept according to

procedures. In the absence of the manager a senior staff member is responsible

for the overseeing of administering medication.

Procedures

Children taking prescribed medication must be well enough to attend the club.

Only prescribed medication is administered. It must be in date and prescribed for the current condition.

Children's prescribed medicines are stored in their original containers, are clearly labelled and are inaccessible to the children.

The administration is recorded accurately each time it is given and is signed by staff. Parents sign the record book to acknowledge the administration of a medicine. The administration of medication form records:

• name of child;

• name and strength of medication

• the date and time of the dose

• dose given and method

• and is signed by the club manager, and is verified by a parent's signature at the end of the day

Storage of medicines

• All medication is stored safely in a locked cupboard or refrigerated. Where the cupboard or refrigerator is not used solely for storing medicines, they are kept in a marked plastic box.

• The club manager is responsible for ensuring medicine is handed back at the end of the day to the parent.

• For some conditions, medication may be kept in the setting. Club managers check that any medication held to administer on an as and when required basis, or on a regular basis, is in date and returns any out-of-date medication back to the parent.

• If rectal diazepam is given another member of staff must be present and co-signs the record sheet.

• older children may self-administer. Where children are capable of understanding when they need medication, for example with asthma, they should be encouraged to tell a staff member what they need. However, this does not replace staff vigilance in knowing and responding when a child requires medication.

Children who have long term medical conditions and who may require on- going medication

• A risk assessment is carried out for each child with long term medical conditions that require on-going medication. This is the responsibility of the club manager alongside. Other medical or social care personnel may need to be involved in the risk assessment.

• Parents will also contribute to a risk assessment. They should be shown around the setting, understand the routines and activities and point out anything which they think may be a risk factor for their child.

• For some medical conditions staff members will need to have training in a basic understanding of the condition as well as how the medication is to be administered correctly. The training needs for staff is part of the risk assessment.

• The risk assessment includes all activities that may give cause for concern regarding an individual child’s health needs.

• The risk assessment includes arrangements for taking medicines on outings and the child’s GP’s advice is sought if necessary where there are concerns.

Managing medicines on trips and outings

• If children are going on outings, staff accompanying the children must be fully informed about the child’s needs and/or medication.

• Medication for a child is taken in a sealed plastic box clearly labelled with the child’s name, name of the medication, Inside the box is a copy of the consent form and a form to record when it has been given, with the details as given above.

• On returning to the club the form is returned to the feedback file for the parent to sign.

• If a child on medication has to be taken to hospital, the child’s medication is taken in a sealed plastic box clearly labelled with the child’s name, name of the medication. Inside the box is a copy of the consent form signed by the parent.