3.2 First aid

Policy statement

At Thorpe Acre Preschool Playgroup, staff are able to take action to apply first aid treatment in the event of an accident involving a child or adult. At one least member of staff with current first aid training is on the premises or on an outing at any one time.  Newly qualified staff who achieved an early years qualification at lever 2 or 3 on or after 30 June 2016 also have a paediatric first aid certificate in order to be counted in the adult:child ratios.  We aim to ensure that all staff attend First Aid Training.  The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children. We have evidence of due diligence when choosing first aid training and ensure that this is relevant to adults caring for young children.

Procedures

The first aid kit

Our first aid kit is accessible at all times, complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and contains the following items:

• Triangular bandages (ideally at least one should be sterile) x 4.
• Sterile dressings:

• Small  x 3.
• Medium x  3.
• Large x 3.

• Composite pack containing 20 assorted (individually-wrapped) plasters x 1.
• Sterile eye pads (with bandage or attachment) eg No 16 dressing x 2.
• Container of 6 safety pins x 1.
• Guidance card as recommended by HSE x 1.

In addition to the first aid equipment, each box should be supplied with:

• 2 pairs of disposable plastic (PVC or vinyl) gloves.
• 1 plastic disposable apron.
• A children’s forehead ‘strip’ thermometer.
• A supply of ice or an ice pack is kept in 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 staff training folder and is available to parents.
• The first aid box is easily accessible to adults and is kept out of the reach of children.

• There is a named person in the setting who is responsible for checking and replenishing the first aid box contents.
• Medication is only administered in line with our Administering Medicine policy.
• In the case of minor injury 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.
• An ambulance is called for children requiring emergency treatment.  We contact parents immediately and inform them of what has happened and where their child has been taken.
• At the time of admission to the setting, parents' written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment is sought. Parents sign and date their written approval.
• Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing staff to take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that parents have been informed and are on their way to the hospital.
• Accidents and injuries are recorded in our Accident Record book 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 Injuries Policy.
• Training would be accessed if necessary for a child’s individual medical needs.
• The person designated to ensure that the First Aid box complies with our policy by checking regularly and restocking is MRS RACHEL DASHI

Legal framework

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

Further guidance

• First Aid at Work: Your questions answered (HSE Revised 2009)
• Basic Advice on First Aid at Work (HSE Revised 2008)
• Guidance on First Aid for Schools (DfEE)
   

Other useful Pre-school Learning Alliance publications

• Medication Record (2010)

UPDATED MARCH 2020