Administration of Medication Policy

For School Age Services (Ireland – Tusla Registered)

Name of Service: Blossom’s Childcare

This policy is available at all times and communicated to parents, guardians, and school age children.

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how our service manages the safe administration of prescribed medication to

children in our care. It aims to protect the health and safety of all children and staff by ensuring

clear, consistent procedures are followed.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

        •       All staff involved in the care of children

        •       All children attending the service

        •       Parents/guardians who request that medication be administered to their child

It covers both short-term and long-term administration of prescribed medications.

3. Guiding Principles

        •       The health and wellbeing of each child is paramount.

        •       Medication will only be administered when it is necessary for the child to attend the

service safely.

        •       Only prescribed medications will be administered, except where a non-prescribed

medication is included in an agreed individual care plan.

        •       Staff will not diagnose or make decisions about medication needs.

        •       Parents/guardians remain responsible for the health of their child and must provide all

necessary information and consent.

4. Consent and Record-Keeping

        •       Written parental consent must be obtained before administering any medication.

        •       A Medication Consent Form must be completed, detailing:

        •       Child’s name and date of birth

        •       Name and dosage of medication

        •       Time(s) to be administered

        •       Duration of administration

        •       Any special instructions

        •       Parent/guardian and staff signatures

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

        •       All administration of medication will be recorded in a Medication Administration Record,

including:

        •       Date and time of administration

        •       Name of medication and dose

        •       Name and signature of staff who administered and witnessed it

5. Storage of Medication

        •       All medications are stored securely out of reach of children in a locked container or

cabinet.

        •       Medications requiring refrigeration are kept in a secure area of the fridge.

        •       Each medication must be clearly labelled with the child’s name, dosage instructions, and

expiry date.

        •       Expired or unlabelled medication will not be administered. All expired medication will be

disposed of in a safe manner.

6. Administration Procedures

        •       Only designated, trained staff will administer medication.

        •       The Five Rights of Medication Administration are followed:

        1.      Right child

        2.      Right medication

        3.      Right dose

        4.      Right time

        5.      Right route

        •       Staff must wash hands before and after administration.

        •       A child’s privacy and dignity will be respected at all times.

This policy outlines how the service manages situations where a child attending our school age

childcare service keeps and self-administers their own prescribed medication (e.g., inhalers, insulin

pens), to ensure the safety and well-being of all children while respecting their independence and

health needs.

7. Parental/Guardian Responsibilities for child to self-administer

Parents/guardians must provide:

 A completed written consent form giving permission for their child to self-administer specific

medication while at the service.

 Written details of:

o The name of the medication

o The reason it is required

o The dosage and frequency

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

o Storage instructions (if any)

o Signs of an emergency and any relevant emergency action plan

 Confirmation that the child has been trained and is competent to manage their own

medication independently.

8. Emergency Medication

        •       For children with specific health needs (e.g., asthma, epilepsy, severe allergies), an

Individual Care Plan will be developed in consultation with parents and medical professionals.

        •       Emergency medications (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens) must be clearly labelled and accessible to

staff.

        •       Staff will be trained in the administration of emergency medication where applicable.

        •       112 or 999 will be called in life-threatening situations.

9. Over-the-Counter Medication

        •       Non-prescribed medication (e.g., paracetamol, antihistamines) will only be administered if:

        •       It is part of a signed care plan

        •       There is specific written consent from a parent/guardian

        •       The medication is clearly labelled and within expiry date

10. Staff Training

        •       All staff responsible for administering medication will receive training on:

        •       This policy and procedures

        •       Medication safety

        •       Use of specific emergency medications where applicable (e.g. EpiPens)

        •       Records of training are maintained and updated regularly.

11. Policy Review

        •       This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in regulation,

practice, or following an incident.

        •       Parents, staff, and children (where appropriate) will be involved in the review process.