WESTSIDE PRE-SCHOOL

First aid

Policy statement

Staff at Westside Pre-school are able to take action to apply first aid treatment in the event of an accident involving a child or adult.  All staff are first aid trained. The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children along with how to administer an epi pen should the need arise.

When a child starts at Westside Pre-school, we request parents/carers sign a consent form giving their permission to carry out any first aid treatment on their child/children and for us to seek any emergency medical advice or treatment as and when necessary.

We keep records of any accidents; injuries and first aid treatment given and inform parents of these. We also have a duty to notify the relevant regulatory authority (Ofsted) of any serious accident, illness, injury or death, and the action taken as a result within at least 14 days of the incident. 

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The First Aid Kit

Our first aid kit complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and contains the following items only:

• Triangular bandages (ideally at least one should be sterile) - x 4.

• Sterile dressings:

a) Small (formerly Medium No 8) - x 3.

b) Medium (formerly Large No 9) – HSE 1 - x 3.

c) Large (formerly Extra-Large No 3) – HSE 2 - x 3.

• 20 assorted (individually-wrapped) plasters

• 1 Sterile eye pads (with bandage or attachment)

• 6 safety pins

• Guidance card as recommended by HSE 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.

• The first aid box is easily accessible to adults and is kept out of the reach of children.

• No un-prescribed medication is given to children, parents or staff.

• At the time of admission to Westside, 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 call an ambulance 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.

Fever management

Fever management is a temperature above 37.5c

• While at Pre-school if a child has a temperature of 37.5c or above it is dependent on the child if medicine should be administered. If the child is their normal self of being well and happy then it is not necessary for medicine to be administered. The child’s temperature should be regularly checked and if staff have any concerns then parents/carers will be contacted.

• If a child has a fever, it’s important to keep them well hydrated by giving them a cool drink, preferably water and to encourage the child to drink little and often. 

• To help reduce the child’s temperature we will keep them cool by undressing them to their nappy/underwear (a cool, lightweight sheet can be used to cover the child if they are shivering) as well as keeping the room cool by opening windows

References/Legislation that inform this policy:

Medi Aid April 2018

The Children Act 1989 & 2006

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992

Five Steps to Risk Assessment (HSE 2006)

The Data Protection Act 1984

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH 2002)

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR 1995)

Legal framework

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

Further guidance

First Aid at Work: Your questions answered (HSE 1997)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf

Basic Advice on First Aid at Work (HSE 2006)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg347.pdf

 Guidance on First Aid for Schools (DfEE)
www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/4421/GFAS.pdf