In Practice
Some babies do suffer more than others with teething or are prone to a higher number of colds.
No childminder would want to see a child suffer unnecessarily however it is important that you work to the Welfare Requirements.
The statutory guidance states should only accept medicines that have been prescribed. It would ideally be better to ask parents to get their GP to prescribe Calpol etc, however in practice it is sometimes difficult for working parents to get appointments easily and some Doctors are reluctant to prescribe medication that is available over the counter as it may have budget implications for their practice.
The Statutory Framework booklet contains
the following statement (page 20)’
Providers must comply with all the legal requirements set out and should have regard
to the statutory guidance. Ofsted will base its regulatory and inspection judgements
on whether a provider has met the general and specific legal requirements, and has
had regard to the statutory guidance. This guidance gives examples of action providers
are likely to have to take in order to meet the general and specific legal requirements;
however, providers may be able to comply by using other methods, in which case they
can depart from the statutory guidance provided that they are able to demonstrate
that their alternative approach achieves the same ends’
We have understood this to read that Childminders can administer non prescription medication providing they have in place an effective policy and procedure to ensure the welfare of the child.
We have therefore adapted the existing medication policy and permission forms to reflect EYFS.
The provider must promote the good health of the children,
take necessary steps to
prevent the spread of infection,
and take appropriate action when they are ill.
MEDICINES Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare
Providers must implement an effective policy on administering medicines. The policy must include effective management systems to support individual children with medical needs.
to which providers should have regard
Medicines should only be taken to a setting when this is essential and settings should only accept medicines that have been prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist. It is for the provider to arrange who should administer medicines, either on a voluntary basis or as part of a contract of employment.
Providers should keep prescribed medicines in a locked non-
If you are working with an assistant then you need to ensure that they follow your policies and procedures.
Important clarification of the Early Years Foundation Stage
The EYFS (statutory framework booklet, page 26) states that prescribed medicines
should be kept in a locked, non-