Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings

This document sets out a clear framework within which local authorities, local health trusts, schools and early years settings can work together to develop policies to ensure that children requiring medicines receive appropriate support. It updates, and extends to early years settings, the 1996 DfEE/DH guidance on supporting pupils with medical needs in school.

It explains the roles and responsibilities of employers, parents and carers, governing bodies and management groups, head teachers and heads of settings, teachers and other staff, and of local health services. It considers staffing issues including employment of staff, insurance and training. Other issues covered include drawing up a health care plan for a pupil, confidentiality, record keeping, the storage, access and disposal of medicines, home to school transport, and on-site and off-site activities. The document also contains a set of forms which can be photocopied by users.

It takes account of the recommendations from the National Service Framework on Medicines for Children (2004) to ensure safe practice in the management of medicines for children, the new duties on local education authorities, schools and early years settings under the Disability Discrimination Act, and latest medical advice.

Please note that this guidance was updated in November 2007.