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Administering Medication Safely
Before Administering Any Medication
Administering Medication
Non-Prescription Medication (e.g. Calpol)
Emergency Medication
Administering Medication Safely
This guidance aligns with the Care Inspectorate's framework for medication management in childcare settings. Always agree medication procedures with your employing family before administering any medication.
Before Administering Any Medication
Obtain written consent from parents, specifying the medication, dosage, and timing
Never give the first dose of a new medication – this should always be given by a parent
Check the medication is prescribed or recommended for that child
Check the expiry date
Administering Medication
Follow the 'five rights': right child, right medication, right dose, right time, right route
Record each administration: date, time, dose given, and your signature
Store medication safely, out of children's reach (in a lockable container if possible)
Keep medication at the correct temperature (check label for fridge storage requirements)
Non-Prescription Medication (e.g. Calpol)
Agree with parents in advance whether you may administer non-prescription pain/fever relief
Parents should provide the medication – do not keep your own stock
Always contact parents before giving non-prescription medication
Emergency Medication
If a child has emergency medication (e.g. EpiPen, inhaler), ensure you are trained to use it
Know where emergency medication is stored and that it is accessible
Have a written emergency action plan from the parents
Reference: Care Inspectorate – Management of medication in daycare of children and childminding services