Medication in Education & Care

Within the Education and Care Settings sector there are a large number of children or young people who could be at more risk. They are deemed to be more at risk from the dangers associated with medication.

The Learning Outcomes are –

• Understand the relevant legislation and guidance regarding medication administration 
• Understand the relevant definitions including legal categories of medicines and the most common medication groups 
• Understand the various medication procedures including routes of administration, the six “rights”, self-administration and monitored dosage systems 
• Understand how medication administration records should be completed 
• Understand how medication should be stored and disposed 
• Understand procedures when there is an error with medication 
• Have an awareness of Controlled drugs and how their management differs from other drugs and medication

Medication Awareness forms an essential part of many different qualifications and learning frameworks. If you are working towards any of these, it is important to appreciate to what extent this course helps you in your goal. This course has been mapped to the following (where it is applicable) –

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

optional Unit TDA 2.20 – Assist in the administration of medication 

• 1.1 – Identify the current national legislation and guidelines relevant to the administration of medication 
• 1.2 – Outline the organisational policies for the management and administration of medication 
• 3.1 – Explain the purpose and significance of the information which should be provided on the label of medication 
• 3.2 – Describe the different routes for the administration of medication 
• 3.6 – Explain why medication should only be administered against the individual’s medication administration record and consistent with the prescriber’s advice 
• 4.1 – Explain the importance of identifying the individual for whom the medications are prescribed 
• 4.2 – Explain the importance of confirming the medication against the prescription/ protocol with the person leading administration before administering it 
• 5.1 – Obtain or confirm valid consent for the administration of medication 
• 5.2 – Apply standard precautions for infection control 
• 5.3 – Select, check and prepare the medication according to the medication administration record or medication information leaflet 
• 5.4 – Explain the importance of referring confusing or incomplete instructions back to person leading the administration or the pharmacist 
• 5.5 – Check and confirm the identity of the individual who is to receive the medication with the person leading the activity and with the individual themselves before the medication is administered 
• 6.1 – Contribute to administering the medication to the individual using the correct technique and at the prescribed time according to the care plan 
• 6.4 – Monitor the individual’s condition throughout the administration process 
• 6.5 – Explain the kinds of adverse effects that may occur and the appropriate action to take 
• 6.6 – Check and confirm that the individual actually takes the medication and does not pass medication to others 
• 7.1 – Explain the importance of keeping accurate and up to date records of the administration of medication 
• 7.2 – Contribute to completing the necessary records relating to the administration of medications legibly, accurately and completely 
• 7.3 – Maintain the security of medication and related records throughout the administration process and return them to the correct place for storage 
• 7.4 – Maintain the confidentiality of information relating to the individual at all times 
• 7.5 – Check the stock level of medications and take appropriate action to obtain new stocks when required

The Care Certificate

• 13.5a Describe the agreed ways of working in relation to medication 

Section 1 – Introduction 

• Learning Objectives 
• Mapping 
• Meet The People 

Section 2 – Overview of Legislation and Guidance 

• Introduction 
• The Medicines Act 1968 
• The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 
• The Human Medicine Regulations 2012 
• Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions, Dec 2015 
• Regulation 5 of the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended) 

Section 3 – Definitions 

• Introduction 
• Legal Categories of medication 
• Medication Groups I 
• Medication Groups II 
• Side Effects of Medication 

Section 4 – Medication Procedures 1 

• Routes of Administration 
• The “Rights” of medication administration 
• Covert Medication 
• Administration, Assisting and Self-Administration of Medication 
• Administering Medication 
• Spoiled Tablets 
• Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS) 
• Homely Remedies and Over the Counter Medication 

Section 5 – Medication Procedures 2 

• Medication Administration Record (MAR) 
• PRN Medication 
• Storage of Medication 
• Disposal of Medication 
• Errors with Medication 
• Administration 
• Controlled Drugs 

Section 6 – Medication in Schools 

• General Guidance 
• Responsibilities – Headteachers 
• Responsibilities – Schools Nurses 
• Responsibilities – Other School Staff 
• Responsibilities – Pupils 
• Responsibilities – Parents 
• School Medication Policies 
• Children with special education needs and disability 
• Asthma inhalers 
• Defibrillators 
• Individual healthcare plans