Staff Administering Medication

Anyone caring for children, including teachers and other staff, have a common law duty of care to act like any reasonably prudent parent. Staff need to make sure that children are healthy and safe. In some circumstances, for example a child with diabetes, the duty of care could extend to administering medication and/or taking action in an emergency. This duty extends to staff leading activities away from the school site such as residential visits or field trips.

There is no legal or contractual duty on staff to administer medication or supervise a child taking it. However, any member of staff who agrees to take responsibility for administering or supervising the administration of medication should have appropriate training and guidance. Staff should be reassured that they would be covered by relevant employers' insurance should the need arise.