At The Nestlings Kindergarten, the safety, health and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We have a duty of care to children, families, visitors and staff, and are committed to creating an environment where children can explore, take appropriate risks and develop resilience within carefully managed boundaries.

Our approach recognises that minor accidents are a natural part of active, outdoor, child-led learning. Through thoughtful supervision, dynamic risk assessment and high-quality first aid provision, we aim to minimise avoidable harm while preserving children's opportunities to develop confidence, independence and risk awareness.

This policy applies at all times, including whilst children are attending the setting, using the outdoor learning environments, travelling in our vehicles and participating in off-site visits.

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Staff Training

The Nestlings Kindergarten is committed to ensuring that children receive immediate and competent first aid whenever required.

We will:

• Ensure that all members of staff hold a current Paediatric First Aid qualification that meets EYFS requirements.

• Require new members of staff who do not yet hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate to complete approved training at the earliest available opportunity.

• Provide annual first aid refresher and scenario-based training through EMT Medical Training, tailored to the needs of our current cohort of children.

• Ensure staff remain confident in responding to medical emergencies, outdoor injuries and child-specific health needs.

• Recognise that volunteers are not expected to hold first aid qualifications and therefore do not administer first aid independently.

 

Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

• Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

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Our Commitment

The Nestlings Kindergarten will:

• promote a culture where children's safety and wellbeing are everyone's responsibility

• prevent accidents wherever reasonably possible through effective risk assessment and continual environmental review

• undertake both written and dynamic (verbal) risk assessments throughout the day

• ensure children are appropriately supervised whilst being supported to develop independence and risk awareness

• provide thorough induction training so all staff understand accident and first aid procedures

• maintain accurate records of all accidents, incidents and existing injuries

• regularly review accident records to identify patterns, trends or safeguarding concerns

• report notifiable accidents and injuries to RIDDOR, Ofsted or other relevant agencies where required

• maintain high-quality first aid provision and ensure equipment remains fully stocked

• continually update staff knowledge in line with current first aid guidance and best practice

• teach children to assess and manage risk safely through everyday experiences.

 

Recording Accidents and Existing Injuries

Accurate recording supports children's welfare, safeguarding and effective communication with families.

We will:

• complete an Accident Record immediately following treatment

• ensure records clearly detail the nature of the injury, treatment given and staff involved

• obtain signatures from the treating member of staff and a witnessing colleague where possible

• share the record with parents or carers at collection and obtain their signature

• file all records chronologically within the Medical and Safeguarding file

• complete an Existing Injury Record whenever a child arrives with an injury sustained outside of our care

• ask the adult bringing the child to complete the form wherever possible

• contact parents if the accompanying adult is unable to provide the information

• review accident and injury records regularly to identify recurring accidents, environmental concerns or safeguarding patterns.

 

First Aid Equipment

The Nestlings Kindergarten maintains accessible and appropriately stocked first aid equipment throughout the setting.

We will ensure:

• a fully stocked main first aid kit is available at all times

• smaller portable first aid kits accompany staff throughout the site and on all outings

• first aid kits are checked regularly and replenished by the Health and Safety Lead (Sophie)

• emergency medication accompanies children in accordance with their individual healthcare plans

• staff know the location of the nearest public defibrillators (Village Hall and Co-op) and understand that access codes are obtained by calling 999

• parental consent for emergency first aid and the application of plasters is obtained during registration

• only appropriately trained staff administer first aid.

 

Responding to an Accident

When a child has an accident, staff will:

1. Remain calm and reassure the child.

2. Assess the situation and summon additional support where required.

3. Follow any existing healthcare or medical plans relevant to the child.

4. Administer appropriate first aid within the limits of their training.

5. Clean minor wounds using clean running water or sterile saline.

6. Remove splinters safely using sterile tweezers where appropriate.

7. Apply cold packs for bumps, sprains or swelling when suitable.

8. Check parental consent before applying a plaster.

9. Closely monitor the child following treatment.

10. Complete an Accident Record as soon as practicable.

11. Inform parents of the incident at collection, or sooner if appropriate.

12. Provide a Head Injury Information Letter where the child has sustained a bump to the head.

13. Contact parents immediately if the injury requires medical assessment.

14. Call 999 without delay where emergency treatment is required.

15. Ensure a familiar member of staff accompanies the child if parents are unavailable and hospital attendance is necessary.

16. Provide emergency services with any relevant healthcare plans or medical information.

 

Existing Injuries

Where a child arrives with an injury sustained outside the setting:

• an Existing Injury Record will be completed before the child joins the session wherever possible

• the accompanying adult will be asked to explain how the injury occurred

• staff will accurately record the information provided

• the form will be signed and dated

• relevant staff will be informed of the injury

• the record will be filed within the Medical and Safeguarding records

• any unexplained, inconsistent or concerning injuries will be managed in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

 

Reporting Serious Accidents and Injuries

Where an accident or injury meets the statutory reporting threshold, The Nestlings Kindergarten will notify the relevant authorities within the required timescales.

This may include reporting to:

• Ofsted

• the Health and Safety Executive (under RIDDOR)

• the Local Authority

• the Police where appropriate

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The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Manager will determine reporting requirements and ensure all notifications are completed promptly and accurately.

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Relevant government guidance can be found at:

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

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Serious incidents can be reported online via:

https://www.report-childcare-incident.service.gov.uk/serious-incident/childcare/update-incident/

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Updated July 2026.