The Fledglings has a duty of care to all children, their families, visitors, and staff. We work to prevent accidents and respond effectively to accidents and emergencies that occur on site or while children are in our care, including during planned outings. This includes carrying out risk assessments (written and verbal) and providing appropriate supervision at all times.

 

Training

• All staff are Paediatric First Aid trained. New staff without this qualification must complete it as soon as possible.

• Annual top-up first aid sessions are provided by EMT Medical Training, tailored to the needs of the current cohort.

• Volunteers are not expected to have first aid training.

 

Legal Framework

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out the duties of employers towards employees and the public, and the duties of employees to themselves and each other.                                                                                                                                        As a setting we work to:

  • prevent accidents and injuries

  • ensure necessary actions are taken in the event of an accident or injury

  • enable children to manage their own risks where possible

  • provide induction training for staff on accidents and injuries procedures

  • record all accidents, injuries, and existing injuries

  • keep a chronology of incidents to identify trends

  • report serious incidents to RIDDOR, Ofsted, or the police as required

  • maintain staff training and stay updated on first aid developments

  • teach children to manage risks and be aware of their environment

 

Recording Injuries

• Accident forms are completed by staff, shared with parents, and filed chronologically in the Medical and Safeguarding folder.

• Existing injury forms are completed when injuries are noticed on arrival and filed in the same way.

• Records are reviewed regularly by a manager for patterns of concern.

 

First Aid Equipment

• One main first aid kit and multiple smaller kits are maintained and worn by staff.

• Kits are updated by the Health and Safety lead (Sophie).

• Nearest defibrillators are at the village hall and the Co-op; staff are trained to use them and codes can be obtained by calling 999.

• Parental permission for first aid and use of plasters is obtained at admission.

• Only First Aid certified staff administer first aid and follow induction procedures.

 

Procedures Accidents

• Reassure and comfort the child.

• Assess the injury; call another staff member if needed.

• Follow care plans for existing conditions.

• Clean wounds with tap water or saline.

• Remove splinters with tweezers.

• Use cool packs from the fridge or rucksack.

• Check parental permission for plasters.

• Complete an Accident Form, signed by two staff, place in the folder for parents to sign at pick-up, then file in the Medical and Safeguarding folder.

• Send home a head bump letter if relevant.

• Call an ambulance and contact parents if professional care is needed.

• Guide ambulance staff and accompany child if necessary.

• Provide care plans to medical staff for existing conditions.

 

Existing Injuries

• Provide an Existing Injury Form to the person bringing the child in.

• If they are not present, contact parents to complete the form.

• Ensure the form is complete and signed by staff.

• File the form in the folder.

• Inform manager and staff of the injury.

• Forms are filed in the same way as Accident Forms.

 

Reporting Serious Injuries

• Certain injuries must be reported to Ofsted.

• Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childcare-reporting-childrens-accidents-and-injuries

• Reports submitted online: https://www.report-childcare-incident.service.gov.uk/serious-incident/childcare/update-incident/

Nov 25