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Administering medicines in school: guidance

Get advice on administering medication to pupils in school, including on school trips and in the early years. Download our printable sheet of 'dos and don'ts' that staff can refer to.

Last reviewed on 20 January 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 2773
Contents
  1. Most schools must have a policy
  2. You need to have written consent from parents and carers
  3. Create individual healthcare plans for pupils with medical conditions
  4. Make sure staff are trained
  5. Allow pupils to administer their own medicines, if possible
  6. Store medicines safely
  7. Have a protocol for spare AAIs
  8. Download our printable ‘dos and don’ts’
  9. You can provide non-prescription medicines on school trips
  10. Medicines in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Most schools must have a policy

You’re required to have a policy on supporting pupils with medical conditions if you’re a:

  • Maintained school (mainstream or special)
  • Academy
  • Free school
  • Pupil referral unit

Include a section on administering medicines in your policy, which you and your staff can refer to. 

Your policy should clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of all staff involved in administering medicines. 

You need to have written consent from parents and carers

This applies if you're providing non-prescription and prescription medicine to pupils under 16.

Read more about parental consent for administering medicines.

Create individual healthcare plans for pupils with medical conditions

Where a pupil has a medical condition, work together with the pupil and their parents or carers to develop an individual healthcare plan.

Set out clearly what medicines and support they need, and who will provide it.

Staff must have appropriate training before giving prescription medicines or carrying out