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Medication Administration Policy
ME Montessori Nursery and Pre-School
Bedgrove Community Centre, Bedgrove Park, Ambleside, Aylesbury, HP21 9TT
| Version | 1.0 |
| Date | May 2026 |
| Review Date | May 2027 |
| Policy Owner | Francesco Antonazzo FCIPD |
| Statutory Reference | EYFS Statutory Framework (September 2025 revision), paragraph 3.46; Medicines Act 1968; Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 |
1. Purpose and Scope
ME Montessori Nursery and Pre-School recognises that some children may need medication during their time in our care. This policy sets out how the nursery administers medication safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with EYFS 2025 paragraph 3.46 and associated legislation.
This policy applies to all staff, including room leaders, key workers, and any designated first aiders involved in medication administration. It covers all children aged 0–5 enrolled at the nursery.
2. Legal Framework and EYFS 2025 Compliance
2.1 EYFS Statutory Framework (September 2025 revision), paragraph 3.46, states: “Providers must have a policy, and procedures, for administering medicines. The policy must include information about the procedures to be followed in cases of a child taking prescription and non-prescription medicines whilst in their care. It is important that providers obtain written permission from parents and/or carers before administering any medicine.”
2.2 No medication will be administered to any child without prior written parental consent. Verbal consent given at the door is not sufficient.
3. Written Parental Consent
3.1 Before any medication is administered, the parent or carer must complete a Medication Administration Consent Form. This form records:
– The child’s full name and date of birth
– The name of the medication
– The dose to be administered
– The route of administration (e.g., oral, inhaler)
– The time(s) medication should be given
– The reason for the medication
– Any known side effects the nursery should watch for
– Parent/carer signature and date
3.2 A new consent form is required:
– Each time a new medication is prescribed or introduced
– Each time a dose changes
– At the start of each new academic year for long-term medications
3.3 Blanket consent for “any medication” is not accepted. Consent must be specific to each medication.
4. Prescription Medication
4.1 The nursery will administer prescription medication only when:
– A valid, completed Medication Administration Consent Form has been received
– The medication is in its original packaging and clearly labelled with the child’s name, the prescribing pharmacy, the prescribing doctor’s name, the medication name, dose, and instructions
– The medication has been prescribed specifically for the child in the setting (not a sibling’s or family member’s medication)
4.2 If medication was prescribed more than 3 months ago and there has been no recent prescribing event, staff will ask the parent for confirmation that the current prescription is still active before administering.
5. Non-Prescription / Over-the-Counter Medication
5.1 The nursery will only administer non-prescription medication (such as paracetamol-based products, antihistamines, teething gels) when:
– A valid, completed Medication Administration Consent Form has been received
– The parent has brought the medication in its original, unopened or clearly labelled packaging
– The medication is appropriate for the child’s age and weight
5.2 Staff will not administer non-prescription medication “just in case.” There must be a current clinical reason for each administration.
5.3 The nursery will not purchase or supply medication on behalf of parents. All medication must be provided by the parent.
6. What Staff Cannot Do
Staff at ME Montessori must never:
- Administer any medication without a completed and signed Medication Administration Consent Form
- Diagnose a child’s condition or recommend a specific medication
- Increase, decrease, or alter the prescribed or instructed dose in any circumstances
- Give a child medication that belongs to another child or adult
- Administer medication that is out of date
- Administer medication in response to a verbal-only request at drop-off (written consent must be in place first)
- Give a child aspirin-based products unless specifically prescribed by a doctor and the consent form references the prescription
7. Record-Keeping
7.1 Every administration of medication must be recorded in the Medication Administration Record. This record includes:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Child’s name | Full name |
| Date | Date of administration |
| Time | Exact time administered |
| Medication name | As on the packaging/prescription |
| Dose given | Exact amount administered |
| Route | How it was given (oral, inhaler, etc.) |
| Administered by | Full name and signature of staff member |
| Witnessed by | Full name and signature of a second staff member |
| Any adverse reaction noted | Yes/No; description if yes |
| Parent countersignature | Parent must sign at collection to confirm they are aware |
7.2 The parent or carer must sign the Medication Administration Record at the end of the session (collection time) to confirm they have been informed. If the child is collected by someone other than the parent, the nursery will call the parent to inform them.
7.3 All medication records are stored in the child’s confidential file and retained for a minimum of three years.
8. Storage of Medication on Premises
8.1 All medication brought to nursery must be stored in the designated, locked medication cabinet located in a locked cabinet in the kitchen, with a further locked cabinet in every room. Children must not have access to the cabinet.
8.2 Medication requiring refrigeration is stored in a designated, clearly labelled section of the kitchen fridge which is inaccessible to children.
8.3 Medication is returned to the parent at the end of each day unless a long-term storage arrangement has been agreed with the Manager in writing.
8.4 Medication must not be stored in children’s bags, coat pockets, or in any accessible area.
8.5 Staff must check medication quantities periodically and alert parents when supplies are running low.
9. Emergency Medication — EpiPens and Inhalers
9.1 EpiPens (adrenaline auto-injectors): Where a child has been prescribed an EpiPen for anaphylaxis:
– An individual Health Care Plan (HCP) is completed for the child in partnership with the parent and, where appropriate, the child’s GP or allergy specialist
– Two EpiPens must be provided by the parent and stored in an accessible, clearly labelled location known to all staff (not locked away)
– Specific written consent for emergency administration is obtained in the Medication Administration Consent Form and the Health Care Plan
– All staff receive training in the administration of EpiPens annually
– In the event of a suspected anaphylactic reaction, 999 is called immediately and the EpiPen is administered as per the Health Care Plan
9.2 Inhalers: Where a child has been prescribed an inhaler for asthma or respiratory conditions:
– An individual Health Care Plan is completed for the child
– The inhaler must be kept in a designated location that is secure from children but immediately accessible to staff (not locked away in cases of respiratory emergency)
– Written consent for administration is included in the Medication Administration Consent Form and Health Care Plan
– Staff receive training in inhaler use annually
– In the event of a respiratory emergency that does not respond to the inhaler, 999 is called immediately
9.3 Emergency medication is never locked away in a manner that would delay emergency administration.
10. Individual Health Care Plans
10.1 An individual Health Care Plan (HCP) is created for any child with a diagnosed medical condition requiring ongoing or emergency medication. This includes but is not limited to asthma, anaphylaxis, epilepsy, diabetes, and severe allergies.
10.2 The HCP is created in partnership with the parent, the nursery’s designated first aider, and, where appropriate, medical professionals.
10.3 The HCP is reviewed at least termly and whenever there is a change in the child’s condition or medication.
10.4 All staff working with the child must be familiar with the child’s HCP. A copy is kept in the child’s file and a working copy is held in the medication area.
11. First Aiders and Paediatric Training
11.1 The nursery’s current qualified Paediatric First Aider is:
All staff hold a current Paediatric First Aid certificate. Certificates are renewed annually and individual details are maintained in the staff training matrix held in BreatheHR.
11.2 A paediatric first aider is present at all times when children are on the premises, as required by EYFS 2025.
11.3 This policy is read alongside the nursery’s First Aid Policy and First Aid Procedures.
12. Refusal to Administer
12.1 Where a staff member has reasonable concern about administering a specific medication (for example, if the labelling is unclear, the medication is not in its original packaging, or the dose appears unusually high), they must contact the Manager immediately. The medication will not be administered until the concern is resolved.
12.2 The parent will be contacted to clarify and to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
13. Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Policy Owner, or sooner following any medication incident, adverse reaction, change in legislation, or Ofsted recommendation.
Signed: Kellie Antonazzo, Manager