Administration of Medication Policy

Purpose

To ensure Alfredton Primary School has clear, safe and compliant procedures for the administration of medication to students while at school or during school activities, including camps and excursions, in line with Department of Education and Training (DET) Policy and Advisory Library (PAL) requirements.

Scope

This policy applies to all students requiring medication during school hours or school activities.

This policy does not apply to:

• medication for anaphylaxis (refer to Anaphylaxis Policy)
• medication for asthma (refer to Asthma Policy)
• complex medical care procedures (refer to Health Care Needs Policy)

Policy

General Principles

Alfredton Primary School discourages the administration of medication during school hours unless it is essential for the student’s health or wellbeing.

Where medication is required, the school will ensure it is administered safely, consistently, and in accordance with medical advice, parental consent, and DET requirements.

---

Authority to administer

Medication will only be administered where the school has received:

• A completed Medication Authority Form, signed by:
  • the prescribing medical/health practitioner (preferred), or
  • in limited circumstances, the parent/carer with Principal approval
• Clear written instructions including:
  • medication name
  • dosage
  • time and frequency
  • method of administration
  • duration of treatment
  • storage requirements

The Principal (or nominee) may seek clarification or additional information before approving administration.

Provision and Labelling of Medication

All medication must be:

• provided in the original pharmacy packaging
• clearly labelled with the student’s:
  • name
  • dosage instructions
  • prescribing details
  • expiry date

Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring medication is within expiry date. Expired medication will not be administered and will be returned to parents/carers.

---

Administration of Medication

Where medication is approved:

School staff will ensure:

• medication is administered strictly according to the Medication Authority Form
• correct student, dosage, time, and method are followed
• administration is recorded in the Medication Administration Log
• wherever practicable, two staff members supervise administration

The supervising teacher must be informed when a student is required to take medication during class time.

---

Storage of Medication

Medication will be:

• stored securely and access restricted to authorised staff only
• stored away from student access (unless self-administration is approved)
• stored in accordance with manufacturer instructions (including refrigeration if required)
• generally stored in the school sick bay

The Principal (or nominee) may approve:

• storage in a classroom (for emergency-access medication only)
• student carriage of medication, where:
  • appropriate storage requirements are met
  • risk to other students is not increased

Medication will not be stored with first aid kits.

---

Self-Administration

Students may self-administer medication only where:

• approved by the Principal (or nominee)
• supported by written advice from a medical practitioner and/or parent/carer
• risk has been assessed as appropriate

Conditions for self-administration may include supervision requirements or restrictions.

---

Medication Safety Restrictions

Alfredton Primary School will not:

• provide or administer analgesics (e.g. paracetamol, aspirin) as routine medication
• administer a first dose of a new medication (must be given under parental or medical supervision)
• allow medication to be used by any student other than the prescribed student, except in a life-threatening emergency

Medication error

If a medication error occurs, staff will:

1. Follow relevant first aid or Health Support Plan procedures
2. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26)
3. Act immediately on advice provided (including calling 000 if required)
4. Notify parents/carers or emergency contacts as soon as practicable
5. Record the incident in accordance with school and DET reporting requirements
6. Review procedures following the incident

In an emergency, staff may call 000 at any time.

Duty of Care

All staff have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students requiring medication support.

COMMUNICATION

This policy will be communicated through:

• staff induction and annual training
• publication on the school website
• availability at school administration upon request
• inclusion in enrolment and transition documentation

FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

• Health Care Needs
• Medication
• First Aid for Students and Staff
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Privacy and Information Sharing

rELATED SCHOOL DOCUMENTS

• Medication Authority Form
• Medication Administration Log
• First Aid Policy
• Health Care Needs Policy

POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Policy last reviewed	June 2026
Approved by	Principal
Next Scheduled Review Date	June 2029