All pharmacists are under constant pressure, dealing with long queues of frustrated patients. But at least they don't have to deal with kids all day. So how can pharmacists help ease the pressure on teachers by helping them keep their children healthy and therefore less annoying? Here is a top ten from one teacher....

Lice

The most icky specimen of life on the planet, there is nothing worse than headlice. Said to rival the rat in terms of making people shudder, headlice are every teacher, parent and child’s worst nightmare. Be well stocked with combs, lotions and hairbands to destroy them.

Calpol

Known by most as an OTC paracetamol-fuelled painkilling medicine and by some parents as a cure all for absolutely anything, Calpol (or equivalent) is an essential bit of classroom kit for any teacher. Other general painkilling liquids are available. 

Plasters

It’s an established fact that you can solve the tears of any accident prone child with a novelty cartoon plaster. The pink ones don’t work in the same way at all. That might make no sense, but it does make sense to order in a big box of the colourful ones. 

Hayfever

Hayfever isn’t just for the summery months, so mild child-friendly hayfever cures will always be useful in the classroom to ease sneezing fits that may stop other children learning important stuff.

Worms

Worms treatment for threadworms (also known as pinworms) are increasingly in demand as more children, parents and teachers report itchy symptoms in unfamiliar places.

Asthma

Schools have long been well equipped with an asthma action plan, and can store a salbutamol inhaler for emergencies, but there are a range of OTC asthma medications a classroom could house.

Allergies

All classrooms need to have a steady supply of epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) and other products to treat anaphylaxis. With life-threatening allergies on the rise, no school can have enough items to treat allergies, and pharmacists can also keep schools updated on latest guidance.

All purpose playground kit

From a bruised knee to a cut elbow to a nasty graze or a poke in the eye, a creative pharmacy can bundle up a few items to help a trusty teacher swing into action should a playground incident occur.

Migraines

Though every school will be permanently equipped with painkillers, OTC products aimed at targeting symptoms like nausea and vomiting associated with migraines are proving more popular in schools.

Sweet, sweet valium

Anxiety medication (for the teachers, not the pupils).