What Does “Medication in School” mean?

  • Medication in school includes any medicine a child or young person needs during the school or college day.
  • This may include prescribed medication, emergency medication, ongoing medical treatments, or over‑the‑counter medication where agreed.

Legal Responsibilities

  • Schools must follow the Department for Education guidance: Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions.
  • They must ensure pupils with medical needs can attend school as normally as possible and put safe systems in place for medication management.

Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs)

  • An IHP explains the medical condition, medication needed, symptoms, emergency actions, and who can administer medication.
  • IHPs should be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if needs change.

Medication within an EHCP

  • Section C contains health needs linked to the child’s medical condition .
  • Section G lists health provisions such as specialist nursing support, emergency medication protocols, or staff training as well as the administering of medication. 

Administering medication in school

  • Schools must have a medicines policy, secure storage, trained staff, and systems for recording doses given.
  • Parents must provide correctly labelled medication and keep the school updated about treatment changes.

Common examples of medication arrangements

  • Daily medication at lunchtime
  •  Inhalers accessible in class
  • EpiPens with trained staff
  • Insulin administration
  • Rescue medication for seizures

If parent/carers have concerns

  • Meet with the school’s SENCo or medical needs lead.
  • Request an IHP review or creation.
  • Seek updated advice from healthcare professionals.