Accident & Incident Policy

Truly Scrumptious E Y Nursery Accident & Incident Policy

Accident & Incident Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that when an accident occurs at Truly Scrumptious Nursery, appropriate action is taken and accurate information is recorded and communicated.

All members of staff are responsible for ensuring that accidents and injuries are dealt with promptly, appropriately, and in accordance with this policy.

The safety of every child is paramount. Every measure will be taken to prevent injury. However, accidents may still occur, and the following procedures will be followed:

The child will be comforted and reassured.
The extent of the injury will be assessed, and if necessary, medical support or an ambulance will be called.
First aid will be administered by a qualified paediatric first aider, if required.
Once the child is settled, the parent or carer will be contacted and informed of the accident. If necessary, they may be asked to collect their child or meet staff at the hospital.
A phone call will always be made to parents/carers following a head injury.

After Every Accident (However Minor)

An accident/incident report will be completed, signed, and witnessed.
The parent/carer will be asked to sign the report and will receive a copy.
All accidents are logged and evaluated at the end of each month.
Patterns in accidents or injuries will be risk-assessed, and adjustments will be made to the room, garden, or routine to reduce the risk of future occurrences.

If the Incident Requires Medical Treatment

Inform Ofsted immediately—or within 14 days at the latest—under Standard 14.3 of the Children Act (significant events).
Inform the nursery’s insurance provider.
Contact the local Early Years team for any additional advice or support.

In the Case of a Head Injury

The parent/carer must be notified immediately by phone.
The child will be given an “I bumped my head” sticker.
The child will be closely monitored throughout the day for any signs of deterioration in health.

We follow the guidelines of:

RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.
HSE – Health and Safety Executive.
EYFS – Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

First Aid

At Truly Scrumptious, we are proud that 100% of our staff are trained in paediatric first aid. All staff renew their paediatric first aid certification every three years.

First aid boxes are located throughout the nursery and are clearly labelled.
Each box contains an up-to-date inventory of supplies.
Overflow supplies are always available to replenish first aid kits as needed.
The nursery manager is responsible for ensuring all medical and emergency contact information in children’s files is accurate and up to date.
The attending first aider is responsible for determining whether an injury can be treated in-house or requires external medical assistance.

Accident & Incident Definitions

Accident: An unintentional event resulting in injury (e.g., tripping and falling).
Incident: An event involving another person that results in injury (e.g., being pushed and falling).

Procedure for Dealing with Accidents or Incidents Involving Children

All accidents, incidents, or injuries—however minor—must be recorded. The same procedure applies for both accidents and incidents:

A staff member who witnessed the event completes the accident/incident report.
The report must be written clearly and accurately.
Accident & incident forms are readily available and must be completed immediately.

The Report Must Include:

Whether it is an accident or incident.
Date and time of the event.
Name and signature of the staff member who dealt with it.
A clear description of the event.
A description of care provided (e.g., first aid, comfort).
Name of the staff member who provided care (must be paediatric first aid trained).
Description of any injury (if applicable).
Position of injury (illustrated using a body map if necessary).
Witness signature.
Counter-signature (by a qualified practitioner).
Signature of parent/carer.
Indication of whether follow-up medical advice is needed.
5–10 minute observation checks: by whom and at what time.

Note: In the case of an incident, both an accident and incident report must be completed. Names of other children involved must remain confidential.

Information Retention

All accident and incident forms are securely stored and retained for a minimum of 21 years and 3 months, in compliance with legal and safeguarding requirements.

Policy Review

Policy and procedure reviewed by Brittany V – 15/05/2025

Accident & Incident Policy

Truly Scrumptious E Y Nursery Accident & Incident Policy