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Medicine safety

Most children and young people will have at some time a medical condition which could affect their attendance or participation in activities.  This may be short-term, for instance completing a course of medication, or a more long-term condition, which, if not properly managed, could limit their access to a particular setting and the activities which are on offer.

Schools and settings should follow the appropriate national statutory guidance which supersedes previous "Lancashire County Council guidance on Medicine Safety and other health related topics".

Supporting pupils at schools with medical conditions: Statutory guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools and proprietors of academies in England

This statutory guidance is for:

  • governing bodies of local-authority-maintained schools

  • proprietors of academies

  • management committees of pupil referral units (these are places that provide education for children who can’t go to a mainstream school).

It’s also relevant for anyone supporting children with medical conditions.

The guidance includes templates giving example text that schools can use to:

  • create and invite parents to contribute to a child’s individual healthcare plan

  • ask for parental agreement for administering medicine

  • keep a record of medicine administered to children

  • keep a record of staff training in administration of medicines

Statutory guidance sets out what schools must do to comply with the law. You should follow the guidance unless you have a very good reason not to.

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage: Setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five

The framework:

  • sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well

  • ensures children are kept healthy and safe

  • ensures that children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school

This statutory framework is for:

  • school leaders

  • school staff

  • childcare providers

  • childminders

It relates to:

  • local authority-maintained schools

  • non-maintained schools (schools not maintained by a local authority)

  • independent schools

  • academies and free schools

  • nurseries

  • private nursery schools

  • pre-schools/playgroups

  • childminding

Statutory guidance is issued by law; you must follow it unless there’s a good reason not to do so.

Related links

Supporting pupils at schools with medical conditions: Statutory guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools and proprietors of academies in England

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage: Setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five