Administering medicines

Policy statement

It is not our policy to care for sick children, who should be at home until they are well enough to return to the setting.

In many cases, it is possible for children’s GPs to prescribe medicine that can be taken at home in the morning and in the evening evening. It is advised that the child is kept away from the setting for the first 48 hours to ensure there are no adverse effects, as well as to give time for the medication to take effect. This includes new and previously prescribed mediaction.

Our staff team is not responsible for the administration of medication to children. Parents are welcome to come to the nursery to administer medication if needed.

Managing Children who are sick, infectious, or with allergies

Policy statement

We aim to provide care for healthy children through preventing cross-infection of viruses and bacterial infections, and promoting health through identifying allergies and preventing contact with the allergenic trigger

Procedures for children who are sick or infectious.

•     If a children appear unwell during the day -for example, if they have a tempreture, sickness, episodes of diarrhoea or pains, particularly in the head or stomach - our manager will call the childs parents and ask them to collect the child, or to send a known carer to collect the child on their behalf
•     Public Health Englands definition of Diarrhoes is 3 or more liquid or semi-liquid stools in a 24 hour period.
•      If a child has a tempreture, they are kept cool, by removing top clothing and sponging their heads with cool water, and are kept away from draughts.
•     In extreme cases of emergency, an ambulance is called, and the parensta re informed.
•      Parents are asked to take their child to the doctor before returning to the setting; we can refuse admittance to children who have a tempreture, sickness and diarrhoes or a contagious infectious disease.
•     Where children have been prescribed antibiotics, we ask parents to keep their child at home for 48hours before returning to the setting.
•     After diarrhoes, we ask parents to keep children at home for 48hours following the last episode.
•     Some activities, such as sand and water play, and self-serve snacks where there is a risk of cross-contamination may be suspened for the duration of any out-break.

Reporting of 'notifiable disease'

•     If a child or adult is diagnosed as suffering from a notifiable disease under the Health Protection (notification) Regulations 2010, the GP will report this to the UK Healh Security Agency.
•     When we become aware, or are formally informed of the notifiable disease, Our manager informs OFSTED and the local UK Health Security Agency, and acts on any advice given.

HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis procedure

HIV Virus, like other viruses such as Hepatitis A,B, and C, is spread through body fluids. Hygiene precautions for handling body fluids are the same for children and adults.

We:

•      Wear single-use vinyl gloves and aprons when changing children's nappies, pants, and clothing that is soiled with body fluids.
•      Use protective rubber gloves for cleaning/sluicing clothing after changing
•     Rinse soiled clothing and either bag it for parents to collect or launder it in the setting.
•     Clear spills of blood, urine, feces, or vomit using mild disinfectant solution and mops; any cloths used are disposed of with the clinical waste.
•      Clean any tables and other furniture, furnishings, or toys affected using a disinfectant.
•      Ensure that children do not share water bottles.

Nits and headlice

• ​     Nits and headlice, parents are asked to keep the child away until the infestation is clear​
•     On identifying cases of headlice, we inform all parents, asking them to treat their child and all the whole family if they are found to have head lice.

Procedures for children with allergies

When children join the setting we ask their parenst if their child suffers from any known allergies or food intolerance. This information is recorded on the registration form, and the settling form. We also ask for a doctor's confirmation letter.

-If a child has an allergy, we complete a risk assessment form to detail the following:

-The allergen (i.e the substance, material or living creature the child is allergic to such as nuts, eggs, bee stings, cats etc), the level of risk, taking into consideration the likelihood of the child coming into contact with the allergen, control measures - such as how the child can be prevented from contact with the allergen and review measures.

Health care plan form must be completed with:

- the nature of the allergic reactions ( e.g, anaphylactic shock reaction, including rash, reddening of the skin, swelling, breathing problems, etc)

-What to do in case of allergic reactions, any medication used, and how it is to be used ( e.g, EPI-Pen)

-the risk assessment and health care plan forms are ke[pt in the childs personal file and a copy is kept in the childs mediaction box

-Generally, no nuts or nut products are used within the setting.

-Parents are made aware so that no nut or nut products are accidentally brought in, for example, to a party.

Insurance requirements for children with allergies and disabilities:

If necessary, our insurance will include children with any disability or allergy, but certain procedures must be strictly adhered to as set out below. For children suffering life threathing conditions, or requireing invasive treatments; written confirmation from out insurance provide must be obtained to extend the insurance.

-at all times ensure that the administration of mediaction is compliant with safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Oral mediaction

-Asthma inhalers are now regarded as 'oral medication' by insurers, and so documents do not need to be forwarded to our insurance provider. Oral medication must be prescribed by a GP or have the manufacturer's instructions clearly written on it.

-We must be provided  with a clear written instructions on how to administer such mediaction.

-we adhere to all the risk assessment procedures for the correct storage and administartion of the mediaction.

-we must have the parents or guardians prior written consent. This consent must be kept on file. it is not necessary to forward copy documents to our insurance provider.

Life-saving medication

These include adrenaline injections (EPI-Pen) for anaphylactic shock reactions ( caused by allergies to nuts, eggs) or invasive treatments such as rectal administration of Diazepam ( for epilepsy).

we must have:

-A letter from the GP/Consultant stating the child's condition and what medication, if any, is to be administered.

-written consent from the parent or guardian allowing a member of staff to administer the medication

-proof of training in the administration of such medication by the child's GP, a district nurse, children's nurse specialist, or a community pediatric nurse.

-Copies of all three documents relating to these children must first be sent to the insurance department for appraisal. Written confirmation that the insurance has been extended will be issued by return.

Key person for Children with special needs who require assistance with tubes to help with everyday living, e.g, breathing apparatus, to take nourishment, colostomy bags, etc.

-Prior written consent must be obtained from the child's parents or guardian to give treatment and/or medication prescribed by the child's GP

-The key person must have the relevant medical training/experience, which may include receiving appropriate instructions from parents or guardians.

-Copies of all letters relating to these children must first be sent to the insurance department for appraisal. Written consent that the insurance has been extended will be issued by return

Further Guidance

Health protection in education and childcare settings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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