Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines for Schools & Educational Settings Policy

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines for Schools and Educational Settings Policy 

Prescribing Over-the-Counter Medicines for School Use 

At Trinity Court Surgery we support the appropriate use of NHS resources and follow national guidance regarding the prescribing of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for children attending schools, nurseries, and other educational settings.

Our Policy 

The practice will not routinely issue NHS prescriptions for medicines that are available to purchase over the counter solely to meet the requirements of a school, nursery, childminder, or educational setting. 

Examples of OTC medicines include: 

• Paracetamol 
• Ibuprofen 
• Antihistamines 
• Cough and cold remedies 
• Simple skin preparations and emollients 
• Oral rehydration treatments 

Why We Do Not Prescribe OTC Medicines for School Use 

National guidance confirms that: 

• Non-prescription medicines do not require a GP prescription, signature, or authorisation before they can be administered in a school or nursery setting.
• The Department for Education has clarified that educational settings may administer non-prescription medicines when a parent or carer has provided appropriate written consent.
• Requesting a prescription purely to satisfy a school's administrative requirements represents an unnecessary use of GP appointments and NHS resources. 

Administration of Medicines in Educational Settings 

Schools, nurseries, and childcare providers may administer an OTC medicine or allow a child to self-administer (where appropriate) during school hours, provided that: 

• The medicine is supplied by the parent or carer. 
• The medicine is in its original packaging. 
• Written parental consent has been provided. 
• The setting's own medicines management procedures are followed. [bma.org.uk] 

When a Prescription May Be Appropriate 

A prescription may still be issued where: 

• The medicine is clinically indicated and requires a prescription. 
• The child has a long-term medical condition requiring ongoing treatment. 
• The medicine is not available for purchase over the counter. 
• Prescribing is clinically justified in accordance with NHS and local prescribing guidance. 

Each request will be assessed on an individual clinical basis. 

Requests from Schools or Nurseries 

If a school or nursery requests a prescription for an OTC medicine solely for administration during attendance, parents or carers may wish to refer the educational setting to current national guidance, which confirms that non-prescription medicines can be administered with parental consent and do not require a GP prescription.

Further Information 

For further information, please speak to a member of the practice team or consult the Department for Education and British Medical Association guidance on medicines administration in educational settings. 

The following link to the bma website highlights the issues above: www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/gp-practices/managing-workload/prescribing-over-the-counter-medicines-in-nurseries-and-schools