What a difference a continent makes!  Toni notes that in the UK the schools are not required to give meds, and that her son brings them in his lunch.  In the US (in Alabama at least) a student would be expelled for bringing prescription meds to school – part of the whole zero-tolerance drug approach.  The school office is permitted to give the drugs with a signed form from both parents and doctor.  The student is not even allowed to bring the supply to the office – it must be delivered by the parent.

Surely the secretary can implement a reasonable system for ensuring that all the children get their meds.  One idea: the bottles start the day on one side of the drawer.  As she dispenses meds, put that bottle on the other side of the drawer.  It will be easy to see who hasn’t come in, and she can go round up that child.

The gist of what you are trying to say to the principal can be summed up very simply.

1)      Ash’s meds are life-sustaining.  They are not optional.  Excuses are useless and will not be tolerated.

2)      Every child’s medical information should be considered confidential, and should not be discussed in front of others.

The simpler you keep it, the clearer your expectations are.

If all else fails, you can offer to call the school every single day at 12:10 to confirm that Ash has had his meds.  Imagine the look of horror!  ;)

Hope you are able to work it all out.

LauraK