Medicines
At Paparoa Street School, the poari matua ensures that the kura is a physically and emotionally safe place (Education and Training Act 2020) and we have procedures to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety (Health and Safety at Work Act, 2015). We value the health of ākonga and kaimahi, and we support them as needed to safely take medication during kura hours and while participating in kura-related activities. We have clear processes in place to safely manage medication use at kura and kura-related activities (e.g. storage, administration, record keeping). We review our procedures for storing, administering, and managing medications regularly and as needed.
How we collect, store, and use health information related to medicines is governed by the principles of the Privacy Act 2020. Our Medicines policy applies to ākonga and kaimahi taking prescription and non-prescription medication.
Kura responsibilities
We ask parents/caregivers to administer ākonga medication outside kura hours when possible. If we need to administer medication for ākonga at kura or kura-related activities, we ensure that we:
- safely store medication in a place that is easily accessible by a kaimahi when needed
- gain written consent from parents/caregivers – see Medicine Authority form
- follow student
individual plans, where relevant An individual plan outlines any health conditions an ākonga has and the support they need to manage it. These plans are usually referred to as health, management, or action plans. Ākonga may need a plan if their condition requires regular medication, monitoring, management, adaptation of the learning environment, and/or hospitalisation.
Plans are developed collaboratively, and generally involve the ākonga, parents/caregivers (whānau), and a health professional. The tumuaki and other kaimahi may also provide input during this process. The plan should be reviewed regularly to ensure it is kept up to date.
An individual plan considers the needs and situation of an individual ākonga and their whānau. This may include assessing expectations around care, supervision, and treatment (e.g. medication), potential barriers to learning, procedures to follow in an emergency, and communication methods. The plan includes ākonga details, information used to develop the plan, agreed processes to support the ākonga, and written agreement from parents.
Action Plans 
(Allergy New Zealand)
Asthma Action Plans (Asthma Respiratory Foundation NZ)
Diabetes in schools (The Paediatric Society of New Zealand)
- administer the medication safely and privately
- keep a record of the medication given
It is good practice to record the name of the student, the dose given, the time and date given, who administered the medication, and any other action taken.
- review medication kept at kura (e.g. checking expiry dates, replacements).
In an emergency, we provide first aid and call emergency services as required. Medication is administered according to the ākonga individual plan if provided. In the event of an evacuation, kaimahi bring essential medication to the assembly area.
The kura will not administer medication to an ākonga without formal parental consent. However, non-prescription pain relief may be given with verbal consent and instruction on the appropriate dosage from a parent. Kura supplies of pain relief medicine (e.g. paracetamol) for ākonga and kaimahi are kept in original packaging and may be given by a first aider or self-administered.
Medication storage
We observe the following guidelines when storing medicines.
- Medication held by the kura is stored securely in the tari. Medication is refrigerated as required.
- Emergency allergy medication, such as EpiPens, is kept in the health room and stored appropriately so that it is readily accessible.
- Medication for specific allergies is stored in the tari with a complete list of ākonga conditions.
- When off kura grounds (e.g. EOTC, sports etc), all medication is held by a designated person and individual medication is administered as required and recorded. See EOTC Health and First Aid.
- Expiry dates are checked regularly and parents/caregivers are advised if supplied medication needs replacing.
- Medication that is no longer required is returned to the parents/caregivers. We also send all medication home at the end of the year, so that parents/caregivers can check expiry dates and renew as needed for the new year.
Responsibilities of others
Parents/Caregivers are expected to:
- provide medical information about the ākonga on enrolment
- work collaboratively with the kura to put in place any individual plans related to medicine use
- deliver medication to the kura, unless it is appropriate for the ākonga to bring it with them
- supply medication in its original container/packaging labelled with the name of the ākonga, instructions, and dose required
- explain to relevant kaimahi kura any specific procedures needed for administering medication and monitoring
- inform the kura of any changes to the medication plan (e.g. dose).
Ākonga and kaimahi taking medicine that might cause impairment are asked to disclose this so we can support them to ensure everyone's safety.
Kaimahi are responsible for ensuring any medication they bring to kura is stored and taken safely.
Related topics
Legislation
- Education and Training Act 2020
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Privacy Act 2020
: Term 3 2025,Term 2 2024, Term 3 2023, Term 3 2022, Term 4 2020
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