What do I need to do if my child needs to take regular medication at school?

A huge number of children are diagnosed with conditions in which they need to take medication within school hours, so schools are very familiar with the process.

Most schools require written advice on a Medication Authority Form for all medication to be administered by the school. It is recommended that the form be completed by you child’s doctor. If this form cannot be completed by a health practitioner, the Principal may agree that a parent can complete it. Students must not carry medications with them at school unless there is a written agreement between the school and the student's parents.

When a medical practitioner has prescribed medication that must be administered during the school day, parents must:

• Notify the school

• Provide up to date information as required

• Supply the medication and any 'consumables' necessary for its administration in a timely way

Schools must:

·       Have a medication management policy that outlines the school’s processes and protocols

·       Protect student privacy and confidentiality

·       Meet their duty of care by assisting students to take their medication where appropriate

·       Ensure all medication is:

•  In its original container and bears the original label, with the name of the student and information on the dosage and time to be administered Accompanied by written directions, including advice for storage and administration

• Within its expiry date

• Stored according to the instructions, particularly in relation to temperature

Schools must not:

·       Store or administer painkillers such as aspirin and paracetamol as a standard first aid strategy, as they can mask signs and symptoms of serious illness or injury

·       Allow a student to take their first dose of a new medication at school (in case of an allergic reaction), as this should be done under the supervision of a parent or doctor

·       Allow the use of medication by anyone other than the prescribed student

When administering medication the principal, or their nominee must ensure that:

·       The correct student receives their correct medication in the proper dose via the correct method (e.g. inhaled or orally) at the correct time of day

·       A medication log is kept of medicine administered

·       Teachers in charge of students at the time their medication is required are informed that the student needs to be medicated, and release the student from class to obtain their medication

The administration of such medication forms part of the school’s duty of care to take reasonable steps to keep students safe while they attend school. Except in an emergency, only individual staff members who have volunteered and been trained will administer prescribed medication to students.

Asthma

Parents must provide the school with an Asthma Action Plan that has been completed by the student’s doctor. The plan must outline the student's known triggers and the emergency procedures to be taken in the event of an asthma flare-up or attack. This plan should be reviewed annually by the student’s parents and doctor.

Asthma Action Plans can take many forms, and schools should accept them from medical practitioners where they contain the following information:

·       The prescribed medication taken and when it is to be administered (for example, on a regular basis, as premedication to exercise or if the student is experiencing symptoms)

·       Emergency contact details

·       Contact details for the student’s medical practitioner

·      Details about deteriorating asthma (including signs to recognise, worsening symptoms, what to do during an attack or medication to be used)

Anaphlayxis

A copy of the student’s Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (prepared by a medical practitioner) must be obtained from the parent and held by the school. The plan will outline the student’s known severe allergies and the emergency procedures to be taken in the event of an allergic reaction.

It is the parent’s responsibility to provide the school with a copy of their child's Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and an up-to-date photo of the student (to be appended to this plan), the required medication, and to inform the school if their child's medical condition changes.

Always make sure you contact your school to see their specific requirements.