The Administration and Dispensing of Creams, Lotions and Other Non-Prescribed Items in School

This is our position regarding the administration and dispensing of creams, lotions and other non-prescribed items in school

DfE Guidance

As you know we are complying with the current DofE guidance for hand hygiene in schools which advises increased frequency of handwashing for the whole school population.

We are aware though that a number of children have experienced sore, chapped hands or a flare up of skin issues since we introduced more frequent handwashing.

We are therefore working hard to balance the need for increased handwashing with the impact it has on the skin of some members of our school community. We have responded quickly by purchasing gentler and more moisturising hand soap and have made this available in every classroom from today for those who have had a reaction to the standard products.

We are also emphasising the importance to children of drying hands thoroughly.

Creams and Moisturisers

We understand that the usual treatment for sore, chapped hands would be the regular application of emollient cream/lotion.

Unfortunately, we are not permitted to have any creams/lotions/balms in school without the following stipulations:

• parents/carers must first complete and submit a care plan to cover the storage of and application of creams and lotions on school premises and applies
  • if the child is to self-administer the cream
  • whether the cream is or is not a prescription medication

• all topical creams must be in their original/labelled packaging so we know it
  • is in date
  • is the cream on the care plan

• all topical creams must be handed to an appropriate adult in school by the child’s parent/carer – and not kept by the child

• children must not be in possession of the cream/lotion during school hours (it must be in the safe-keeping of school staff at all times)

Care Plans

There is a supply of care plans in the School Office. Please complete one if you wish for your child to use hand cream during the school day. Please ensure that it is filled in completely as it will not be actioned unless every section has been completed.  Please also note that the care plan requires two signatures.

Submitted care plans are then reviewed carefully and agreed on school’s behalf by Mrs Pickering before being actioned. Typically our response to a request for a care plan will be confirmed by Mrs Pickering in a conversation with you.

A reminder that once the care plan has been approved, any creams that are brought in to school must be in the original packaging and placed inside a plastic bag with your child’s name written clearly on it.

Lozenges Reminder

A reminder that because throat sweet/lozenges are a choking risk they are not allowed in school.

If you feel that your child’s circumstances are extenuating, please speak to Mrs Pickering, but under no circumstances should you send your child into school with them.

We thank you for your continued cooperation and support.