Maida Vale Primary School works with parents and carers to support students who require medication during the school day.
Medication can only be administered by school staff when the appropriate written authorisation and documentation have been provided. This applies to prescription and non-prescription medication, including medication required for short-term treatment and ongoing medical conditions.
Medication requirements
Parents and carers must ensure medication supplied to the school:
- Is clearly labelled with the student’s name.
- Is provided in its original packaging and is within its expiry date.
- Is supplied in the correct dosage, ready for administration.
- Has clear instructions for administration.
- Is accompanied by the required written authorisation and medical documentation.
All medication must be handed to the front office by an adult. Medication must not be left in a student’s school bag or supplied directly to the classroom without following the school’s arrangements.
Students must not share medication with other students.
School staff are not to cut tablets to create the required dosage. Parents and carers must supply medication in the correct prescribed dosage.
Short-term medication
Short-term medication may include a course of antibiotics or other medication required for a limited period.
Parents and carers must complete the relevant Administration of Medication authorisation form and provide the medication to the school office.
Please ensure the instructions clearly identify the required dose, timing and duration of treatment. Staff will administer medication in accordance with the current written authorisation and applicable procedures.
Required form
Administration of Medication — Form 3
Please contact the school office if you are unsure whether additional documentation is required.
Long-term medication
Students who require ongoing medication during school hours, including medication for conditions such as ADHD, may need additional health care documentation and written authorisation.
Depending on the student’s needs, this may include a Student Health Care Summary and a management and emergency response plan.
Please contact the school office to confirm the documentation required for your child’s circumstances before medication is supplied.
Changes to medication or dosage
If your child’s medication, dosage or administration schedule changes, please contact the school office and provide updated documentation before the school administers medication under the revised instructions.
Verbal or telephone requests alone do not replace the required written authorisation. Staff must follow the current authorisation and documented medication instructions held by the school.
If medication is required at school but the current documentation does not authorise the requested dose or schedule, please contact the front office to discuss the appropriate arrangements.
Storage and recording
Medication is stored in accordance with the medication’s storage instructions and the student’s documented requirements. Some emergency medication may need to be readily accessible in accordance with the student’s management and emergency response plan.
Medication administered by school staff is recorded.
Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring the school has sufficient medication that is in date and supplied in the correct packaging. Please replace medication before it expires or when the school advises that replacement supplies are needed.
Replacement medication must be delivered to the front office by an adult.
What parents and carers need to do
- Contact the school office to discuss medication required during school hours.
- Complete the relevant authorisation and provide any required medical documentation.
- Supply medication in its original packaging, clearly labelled and within its expiry date.
- Provide medication in the correct dosage and ensure instructions are current.
- Notify the school promptly of any changes to medication or treatment.
For further information about medication and student health care requirements, visit the Department of Education’s Student Health Care page.
Please contact the Maida Vale Primary School office if you need assistance with medication forms or are unsure what documentation is required.
