Back to all policies

Policy

Administration of Medicines Policy

The administration of medicines to children remains primarily a parental responsibility.

Organisation

Taqwa Institute

H&S / Medicines Lead

Principal, Taqwa Institute

Emergency Services

999

Last Updated

2026

1. Introduction

The administration of medicines to children remains primarily a parental responsibility. However, some pupils need medicines during sessions to protect their health. Taqwa Institute supports pupils with medical needs through clear procedures, trained staff and accurate records.

Staff do not have an automatic contractual duty to administer medicines. Where staff agree to do so, they act voluntarily, within their competence and in line with this policy.

2. Core Principles

  • We put the pupil's welfare first
  • We administer medicines only where it would be detrimental to health not to do so
  • Medicines should ideally be prescribed to be taken outside session hours
  • No medicine will be administered without written parental consent and clear instructions
  • No child under 16 will receive aspirin unless prescribed by a doctor
  • We never force a pupil to take medicine
  • All administration is recorded immediately

3. Consent & Authorisation

Written parental consent is required for all prescription medicines and any long-term medication arrangements. The medicine must be provided in original packaging with the pharmacy label before any medicine is administered.

Verbal consent may be accepted for limited non-prescription medicines only where the policy allows and staff can verify correct dosing and timing.

4. Administration Procedure

Staff must follow this sequence every time:

  1. Confirm identity — pupil's name and date of birth
  2. Confirm authorisation — written consent and/or IHCP in place
  3. Confirm medicine and dose — match label to consent form
  4. Check safety — medicine in date; pupil has not already received dose
  5. Administer — with appropriate privacy and dignity
  6. Record immediately — sign the Medicine Administration Log

If a pupil refuses medicine: do not force, record the refusal, inform parents/carers the same day.

5. Storage & Disposal

  • Medicines stored in a locked cupboard accessible only to authorised staff
  • Emergency medicines (EpiPens, inhalers) must be immediately accessible — never behind locked barriers
  • Medicines checked termly for expiry dates
  • Out-of-date or unused medicines returned to parents/carers
  • Controlled drugs stored in a non-portable, double-locked container

6. Individual Health Care Plans (IHCPs)

An IHCP is put in place for any pupil with a chronic condition, ongoing medication need, or potential requirement for emergency treatment. IHCPs are:

  • Agreed with parents/carers and (where applicable) healthcare professionals
  • Reviewed at least annually or sooner if needs change
  • Shared with staff who need to know on a need-to-know basis

7. Emergency Medicines

Emergency medicines at Taqwa include EpiPens, asthma inhalers and (where prescribed) buccal midazolam. These accompany pupils on all trips and visits. Only trained staff may administer emergency medicines.

Emergency services: Dial 999 and provide:

  • Location: Taqwa Institute, Crossbank Street, Oldham, OL8 1HE
  • Nearest hospital: Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH

8. Policy Review

Reviewed annually by the H&S Lead and Trustees.

Next review: Academic Year 2026–2027

Taqwa Institute | Crossbank Street, Oldham, OL8 1HE | Charity No: 1131176 office@taqwainstitute.org | 0161 633 3626 | www.taqwainstitute.org