Health and Safety

Accident Procedure

I take positive steps to promote safety within the home and when we are outside the home.
All equipment and activities I provide and encourage within my setting are designed with safety as a priority but children can and do injure themselves.

In the event of a minor accident, the child will be comforted and cared for appropriately. All accidents will be recorded in my Accident Record Book, the report will then be signed by myself and the parent(s) to indicate that they have seen the report and the parent/carer keep a carbon copy for their records; In the event of a more serious accident, which causes me concern and requires Medical attention, I will contact the parent/carer immediately and depending on the medical need, will take the child to Barnet General Hospital.

I will also arrange suitable cover for the children that I care for ie another Registered childminder/my sister-in-law who is known to the children (they will be given details of where to contact parents to let them know what has happened and where their children are; if any child is to be picked up from nursery and I am unavailable due to the accident, I will contact the nursery to let them know why I will not be there to collect the child and the nursery should be able to contact the parents, if I have not already done so).

Even in an emergency, a childminder cannot give permission for medical treatment of a child in their care, regardless of any written instruction to doctors from the parent of the child. In a ‘life or death’ situation medical staff will give any necessary treatment.

Existing Injuries

This section of the record book should be used to record any injury, no matter how minor, sustained by a child that I care for when they WERE NOT with me. This part is part of my registration as a childminder. It would be gratefully appreciated if you could inform me of any such injury so that I can be aware and if need be, keep a close eye on it. An injury record is a safeguard for me, my family, your child and you.

Harnesses or wrist straps will be worn by all children when we are out to prevent accidents. The safety of children is fundamental to their welfare.

I believe in reducing hazards and all cleaning products are kept out of the reach of children. Front and back doors and windows are kept locked with a key located nearby for adult access. The kitchen is kept out of bounds to children when the oven is in use.

All information in my accident/incident and medication book is CONFIDENTIAL and is kept in a safe place. All details that are kept on record are saved for a minimum of 2 years.