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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Children’s Medication Policy

1. Purpose

At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to ensuring the safe, effective, and person-centred administration of medication to children receiving support within our service. This policy ensures compliance with CQC regulations, NICE guidelines, the Medicines Act 1968, the Children’s Act 1989 & 2004, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (for children aged 16-17 where applicable).

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure the safe prescribing, administration, and storage of medication for children.
• Uphold safeguarding standards and parental consent requirements.
• Ensure staff competency in handling and administering medication for children.
• Maintain robust record-keeping and compliance with legal frameworks.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, agency workers, and volunteers responsible for the management and administration of medication for children receiving support at {{org_field_name}}. It covers:

• Safe prescribing, administration, and disposal of medication
• Parental/carer consent and communication
• Storage, security, and risk management
• Staff training and competency
• Monitoring and auditing procedures

3. Related Policies

• SL12 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• SL21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
• SL13 – Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
• SL34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy
• SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• SL16 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy aligns with:

• CQC Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment – Ensuring medication is administered safely and effectively.
• The Medicines Act 1968 – Governing the lawful supply, administration, and storage of medicines.
• The Children’s Act 1989 & 2004 – Ensuring children’s safety and well-being.
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Setting standards for safe medication management.
• NICE Guidelines: Managing Medicines for Children (NG5) – Establishing best practices in paediatric medication administration.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Applying decision-making principles for children aged 16-17.

5. Medication Management and Administration

5.1 Prescribing and Consent

• Only medications prescribed by a registered healthcare professional (GP, paediatrician, specialist nurse) will be administered.
• Parental/legal guardian consent is mandatory before administering any medication.
• For children aged 16-17, the Mental Capacity Act applies if they are assessed as having the capacity to consent.
• Parents/carers must provide a signed medication administration consent form, detailing:
  • Child’s full name, date of birth, and allergies.
  • Name, dosage, route, and frequency of medication.
  • Special administration instructions (e.g., taken with food).
  • Emergency contact details.

5.2 Safe Administration of Medication

• Medication must be administered strictly as prescribed.
• Two trained staff members must witness and verify all medication administration.
• Staff must ensure:
  • The child’s identity is confirmed before administration.
  • The five rights of medication administration are adhered to:
    1. Right child
    2. Right medication
    3. Right dose
    4. Right route
    5. Right time
  • The child is observed post-administration for adverse reactions.
• PRN (‘as needed’) medication must have clear protocols in place specifying dosage and intervals between doses.
• Covert administration (hiding medication in food or drink) is strictly prohibited unless legally authorised.

For more in-depth details about medication management, storage and administration please visit the SL21-Medication Management and Administration Policy. 

6. Storage, Security, and Disposal of Medication

6.1 Medication Storage

• All medication must be stored in a locked, temperature-controlled cabinet.
• Controlled drugs must be stored in a locked controlled drugs cabinet, with restricted staff access.
• Refrigerated medication must be stored in a dedicated medical fridge, with daily temperature checks.

6.2 Medication Disposal

• Expired or unused medication must be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Disposal records must be signed by two staff members.
• Parents/carers must be informed if medication is disposed of or replaced.

7. Managing Medication Errors and Adverse Reactions

7.1 Identifying and Reporting Errors

• Any medication errors (missed dose, incorrect dose, wrong child, wrong medication) must be immediately reported to the Registered Manager.
• Staff must complete an Incident Report and inform the child’s GP, parents/carers, and safeguarding team if necessary.

7.2 Adverse Reactions and Emergency Response

• If a child experiences an adverse reaction:
  • Stop medication immediately and seek medical advice.
  • Call emergency services (999 or 112) if symptoms are severe (e.g., anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness).
  • Document the reaction and inform parents/carers immediately.

8. Staff Training and Competency

8.1 Mandatory Training

• All staff administering medication to children must complete:
  • Paediatric medication administration training.
  • Basic life support and first aid training (including anaphylaxis management).
  • Safeguarding children training.

8.2 Competency Assessments

• Staff must undergo practical competency assessments annually.
• Registered healthcare professionals will oversee competency evaluations.
• Any staff failing competency assessments will be retrained before being permitted to administer medication.

9. Record-Keeping and Auditing

9.1 Medication Administration Records (MARs)

• All medication administration must be recorded in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) sheet.
• Records must include:
  • Date, time, and dosage administered.
  • Staff signatures of those administering and witnessing.
  • Any missed doses and the reason.
  • Observations of side effects or refusals.

9.2 Auditing and Compliance Monitoring

• Weekly medication stock checks will be conducted.
• Quarterly audits will be carried out to review medication safety and adherence to policy.
• Any discrepancies in medication records will trigger an internal investigation.

10. Safeguarding and Confidentiality

10.1 Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Staff must report any safeguarding concerns related to medication use (e.g., suspected neglect, misuse) to the Safeguarding Lead ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}})

Phone: {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_phone}}

Email: {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_email}}).

10.2 Confidentiality and GDPR Compliance

• Medication records must be stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel.
• Data protection protocols will be followed in compliance with GDPR and SL34 – Data Protection Policy.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in legislation, CQC, or NICE guidelines.
• Feedback from staff, healthcare professionals, or regulatory bodies.
• Lessons learned from medication-related incidents.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.