First aid

Policy statement

We are able to take action to apply first aid treatment in the event of an accident involving a child or adult. At least one adult with a current first aid certificate is on the premises, or on an outing, at any one time. All level 2 and level 3 staff members who gained their qualification since June 2016, must hold a valid paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate, otherwise they cannot be included in ratio. We have evidence of due diligence when choosing first aid training and ensure that it is relevant to adults caring for young children.

At Kea Preschool we ensure all staff holds a relevant level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification.

Procedures

The first aid kit

Our first aid kit is accessible at all times and contains adequate first aid equipment for the number of adults and children onsite. A list of contents is stored in the box and this is checked regularly, replenished and items going out of date are replaced. The First Aid facilities are kept in the kitchen area in the window. There is a first aid kit in the annex and we have first aid bags for trips and outings. Tracey Couldridge is responsible for the first aid kit for Forest School.

Person responsible for checking and stocking first aid box:

Tracey Couldridge,

Denise Penna

Melissa Thomas

(All staff have a responsibility)

• All members of staff know the location of First Aid boxes, the contents of which are in line with St John’s Ambulance recommendations as follows:
• 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes)
• 2 sterile eye pads
• 4 individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile)
• 6 safety pins
• 2 large, individually wrapped, sterile, un-medicated wound dressings
• 6 medium, individually wrapped, sterile, un-medicated wound dressings
• a pair of disposable gloves
• adhesive tape
• a plastic face shield (optional)
• Children’s thermometers (with a strip thermometer to use as a back up).
• A supply of ice packs are kept in the freezer or instant packs on top of the freezer.

• Information about who has completed first aid training and the location of the first aid box is provided to all our staff and volunteers. A list of staff and volunteers who have current PFA certificates is displayed in the setting on the planning board.
• If a child is displaying a high temperature, staff record these temperatures on our Temperature monitoring sheet and check every 30 minutes or more regularly if deemed necessary.
• The first aid box is easily accessible to adults and is kept out of the reach of children. Our first aid box is on the window in the kitchen area in a secure box away from children.
• Medication is only administered in line with our Administering Medicines policy.
• In the case of minor injury or accidents, first aid treatment is given by a qualified first aider.
• In the event of minor injuries or accidents, we normally inform parents when they collect their child, unless the child is unduly upset or we have concerns about the injury. In which case we will contact the child’s parents for clarification of what they would like to do, i.e. whether they wish to collect the child and/or take them to their own GP.
• Parents are informed of any head bumps and children are monitored.
• ALL STAFF ENSURE THAT ACCIDENT FORMS ARE COMPLETED WITH AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE. The manager/assistant manager also signs all forms.
• Staff record all accidents and monitor forms for health and safety assessments and to ensure we are keeping children safe.

Serious accidents or injuries

• An ambulance is called for children/staff requiring emergency treatment.
• First aid is given until the ambulance arrives on scene. If at any point it is suspected that the child has died, Death of a child on site procedure is implemented and the police are called immediately.
• The registration form is taken to the hospital with the child.
• Parents or carers are contacted and informed of what has happened and where their child is being taken to.
• The setting managers arranges for a taxi to take the child and carer to hospital for further checks, if deemed to be necessary.

• Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing a member of staff to take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that they have been informed and are on their way to the hospital.
• Accidents and injuries are recorded on our accident record form and, where applicable, notified to the Health and Safety Executive, Ofsted and/or local child protection agencies in line with our Recording and Reporting of Accident and Incidents Policy.

Recording and reporting

• In the event of a serious accident, injury, or serious illness, the designated person notifies the designated officer using our Confidential safeguarding incident report form as soon as possible.
• The setting’s line manager is consulted before a RIDDOR report is filed.
• If required, a RIDDOR form is completed; one copy is sent to the parent, one for the child’s file and one for the local authority Health and Safety Officer.
• The owners/directors/trustees are notified by the setting manager of any serious accident or injury to, or serious illness of, or the death of, any child whilst in their care in order to be able to notify Ofsted and any advice given will be acted upon. Notification to Ofsted is made as soon as is reasonably practicable and always within 14 days of the incident occurring. The designated person will, after consultation with the owners/directors/trustees, inform local child protection agencies of these events

Covid 19 – If a child is displaying symptoms of Covid 19.

• A high Temperature
• Persistent cough
• A change or loss of taste or smell
• Parents will be called and asked to collect the child and follow our respiratory policy.

Legal framework

• Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations (1981)
• EYFS 2024

Further guidance

• First Aid at Work: Your questions answered (HSE Revised 2015)
• Basic Advice on First Aid at Work (HSE Revised 2012)
• Guidance on First Aid for Schools (DfE Revised 2014)