Administer medication for children

This standard identifies the requirements when administering medication for children. The standard covers the use of medication including consent, preparation, administering medication, as well as implementing practices to ensure medication supplies are received, stored, returned and disposed of safely.

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1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in relation to the administration of medication for children  
2. establish consent and access information about medication administration for children 
3. work in partnership with children and families to confirm how, where, and when medication is to be administered and gain consent to administer
4. work in partnership with children and families to confirm the resources and support required for medication administration 
5. encourage and support children and families to ask questions and express their thoughts or concerns in relation to medication administration  
6. ensure that medication is in its original container and has a clear pharmacy label with the name, dosage, expiry date and any specific requirements 
7. follow infection prevention and control methods for the use of medications, and support children to do so 
8. check when medication was last administered and the dose given 
9. check the name, medication, dose, route and time, then prepare the medication 
10. prepare the environment and equipment required to administer the medication
11. use effective communication to support and provide reassurance during administration of medication for children
12. observe medication has been taken and monitor for any reactions 
13. store or return medication in line with requirements for the specific medication and the workplace
14. dispose or return unused and out of date medications 
15. inform families or others who need to know about medication administration 
16. complete records and reports required for administering medication for children
17. reflect on how you carried out your roles and responsibilities when administering medication to children

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1. how to access and review information on the individual medication administration for children  
2. common types of medication for children and their general uses 
3. the different classification of medications and the implications on safe storage, use and disposal 
4. the routes medication can be taken into the body 
5. different forms in which medication can be presented
6. the importance of learning and development in administering medication to children, and the potential risks if not skilled to do so
7. the age of consent for children for medical treatment and capacity considerations
8. the influence of neurodivergence and additional needs on the administration of medication for children
9. the role of parental consent for the administration of medication for children and who parental responsibility lies with
10. why consent should be time limited for medication
11. how risk assessments can be used to support the independence of children with medication administration  
12. the influence of culture and background on the administration of medication for children
13. the requirements for first administration of a new medication
14. additional considerations for medications which are to be given as required 
15. resources and equipment that can assist in administering medication 
16. types of digital technology which may support with administering medication for children
17. how to use non-touch techniques when preparing medication
18. hygiene precautions and the potential consequences of not following these when administering medication 
19. how to support children and families to understand the reason for hygiene precautions 
20. how to apply trauma informed principles to support children with administration of medication
21. how to provide support and reassurance to children during administration and deal with any practical challenges
22. the importance of dignity, kindness and compassion when administering medication for children
23. how to support emotional regulation during administration of medications 
24. how to recognise and deal with health reactions or emergencies when administering medication 
25. the records and reports required for administering medication for children 
26. theories relevant to administering medication for children
27. the relevant legal requirements, standards of practice, frameworks and guidance for administering medication for children
28. the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion, and rights when administering medication for children
29. how to work with in partnership with others when administering medication for children
30. how your personal experiences and unconscious bias may impact when administering medication for children, and how to address this
31. the role of supervision, reflection and learning and development in the administration of medication for children

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The glossary for this National Occupational Standard is available on the Skills for Care and Development website.

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1

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2031

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Care & Development

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HSCCLD364

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Social Care and Childrens Care

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Medication for children, Health and Social Care & Children’s Care Learning and Development

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