You can only give a child medicine with their parent's written permission for that particular medicine. A good permission form makes sure you have everything you need before the first dose, and gives you somewhere to record each one.
What the form should include
- The child's name.
- The medicine's name and strength.
- Who prescribed it and when, if it's prescribed.
- Why the child is taking it.
- The dose, and the times to give it.
- The dates it starts and ends.
- How to store it.
- Possible side effects.
- The last dose given at home, with the date and time.
- The parent's signature and the date.
Recording doses
Underneath, keep a record of each dose you give: date, time, dose, who gave it, and the parent's initials when you tell them. Tell parents the same day.
When you need a new form
A new form for each new medicine, and a new form if the dose or times change. Keep the forms with the child's records.
My medicines policy guide covers the rules behind the form, including aspirin and training for specialist medicines.
How GoChildmind handles it
The family form includes a printable medicine permission form with a dose record, laid out with all of the fields above, so parents can fill one in whenever their child needs a medicine.
Questions people ask
Can a parent give permission by text? The EYFS requires written permission. A form signed by the parent is the clearest record.
Do I need permission for every dose? No. One form covers a course of a particular medicine at the stated dose and times. A new medicine, or a change, needs a new form.