SAPHNA partner with EduCare to launch Administration of Medication in Schools training course

EduCare, safeguarding and duty-of-care training specialists, has launched its Administration of Medication in Schools training course.

Developed in partnership with the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA), and containing both statutory and non-statutory guidance from the Department for Education’s ‘supporting pupils at school with medical conditions’ guidelines, the course provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the principles of safe practice in administering medication. 

Dawn Jotham, EduCare’s Product Development Lead for Education, explained the necessity and timeliness of the course:
“At some point in their education, many children will have a short or long-term medical condition that will require them to take medication. Neither medical conditions nor medicine should inhibit students’ learning so it is essential that schools have effective policies and procedures in place for the safe administration of medication.”“Additionally, with recent budget cuts reducing the investment in school nurses, it is more important than ever that education practitioners are appropriately trained in medication administration. Working closely with SAPHNA, we have developed a course that not only provides up-to-date training but also empowers teachers and school staff to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment.”

Sharon White OBE, chief executive of SAPHNA added:

“SAPHNA welcome this much needed on-line training course to support those working with children and young people with their medication needs whilst in education. This will promote safer practice for all.”This course is the start of an exciting partnership between EduCare and SAPHNA who have plans to strengthen the provision of health care in schools by delivering four subsequent short courses on specific health issues including: diabetes, and epilepsy, asthma and inhalers, and anaphylaxis and EpiPens/auto-adrenaline injectors.To find out more please visit  or .

About EduCare: EduCare is an expert in creating effective online safeguarding and duty of care training. The company was founded in 1989 by Keir McDonald who was awarded an MBE for services to children as a result of EduCare’s work. Keir has a personal mission to reach as many people as possible, by empowering people who work, or volunteer with, children, young people, and vulnerable adults to protect themselves and those in their care.Boasting a strong foothold in providing essential compliance training to the Education sector, EduCare also develops safeguarding and duty of care content for the Health and Social Care sector, sports and leisure providers, charities and businesses (with a focus on organisations who engage and interact with children and young people. EduCare has a portfolio of over 70 online courses that are sold individually, or in cost-effective packages for organisations. Key products include those that help ensure customers comply with legislation and statutory guidance, such as Keeping children safe in education (2018).

About SAPHNA: SAPHNA, the School and Public Health Nurses Association, was officially launched on 1st January 2006. The original SAPHNA Executive had previously formed the CPHVA School Nurses committee and were subsequently well versed and experienced in the issues and needs of the profession, children young people, and families.SAPHNA is a professional organisation dedicated to the promotion of excellence in practice, taking forward the public health agenda by working in partnerships for the benefit of children and young people and the communities where they live and learn.Since its inception, SAPHNA has gone from strength to strength and is now a valued and esteemed non-union-affiliated Professional Association, recognised and utilised locally, nationally and internationally. A shared passion for improving the health and well-being of children and young people is what maintains SAPHNA’s determination to continue its mission and tenacious dedication.