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As guardians of children in your care, the primary goal is always their safety and well-being. When running an Out of School Club emergencies or accidents (although rare) are events to be prepared for.
This article is to help you learn how to navigate and circumvent these situations while maintaining the joyous and nurturing environment of your club.
Understanding Emergencies and Accidents
Minor Accidents: Think of those inevitable tumbles during a game of tag - the bumps and scrapes that remind us of the spirited play that happens under your watch.
Medical Emergencies: Sometimes, it’s more than a scrape. Maybe it’s an asthma attack or a sudden allergic reaction. These are the moments that require swift and knowledgeable action.
Safety Incidents: Beyond the daily mishaps and occasional bumps, there can be a more serious incident, where a child might wander off or get into an accident. These moments require prompt action and care.
There is no such thing as being “too safe” when it comes to watching children. Apart from adopting basic safety measures such as being first-aid certified, removing sharp objects and maintaining adequate staff rations, there are other protocols you need to follow.
To ensure comprehensive safety, it is crucial to be familiar with the regulations set forth by Ofsted regarding the reporting of serious accidents and incidents.
Reporting to Ofsted
Ofsted requires you to report certain serious injuries, accidents, and illnesses. Specifically, any of the following incidents must be reported immediately:
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Anything that requires resuscitation
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Admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
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A broken bone or fracture
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Dislocation of any major joint, such as the shoulder, knee, hip, or elbow
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Any loss of consciousness
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Severe breathing difficulties, including asphyxia
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Anything leading to hypothermia or heat-induced illness
For further reading on Ofsted’s reporting requirements and ensuring child safety in emergencies please refer to the article here.
We’ve covered ground on what rules and regulations you need to follow. However, dealing with an accident can be challenging and must be effectively managed.
Immediate Action and Care
When an incident unfolds, here’s what you should do:
Assess and Respond: Take a deep breath and assess. A quick yet calm response is key. Ensure you have well-equipped first aid for minor scrapes, and seek immediate medical attention when it’s more serious.
Soothe and Comfort: Amidst the rush, a gentle word or a reassuring hug can be just as healing as a band-aid. Remember, their emotional well-being is equally important.
Additionally, we maintain an emergency contacts list in Kids Club HQ, ordered by priority (i.e., emergency contact 1, emergency contact 2). This list is crucial for identifying who to contact in case of an emergency and ensuring swift communication and support.
Reporting The Incident
Once you have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the children are safe. The next thing to do would be to record what transpired efficiently and articulately. This is to help parents understand what happened and for you to maintain your records for Ofsted inspections.
Record with Ease: Every detail, no matter how small is crucial. Documenting it helps us understand what happened and the steps we can take to prevent it.
Partner with Parents: Once everything’s under control, bring the parents into the conversation. Use our ‘Incidents & Accidents’ feature to record the incident and notify the parent. Follow-up notes can be used to add any further, relevant, information after the incident.
Document for Tomorrow: By recording systematically, you’re not just filling out forms; you’re creating a narrative that helps you to learn and grow.
How To Move Forward
Once the dust has settled, the relevant people are informed and the situation is under control. There are a few things you can do to help you and your staff grow from this experience.
Analyse with Empathy: Reflect on the incident. Could you have done something differently? This reflection is about growing, not blaming.
Educate and Empower: Regular training isn’t just about protocols; it’s about empowering your team to handle emergencies with confidence and care.
In the dynamic environment of a kids’ club, being prepared for emergencies is as crucial as fostering fun and learning. By taking vigilant care, communicating clearly and having an efficient recording system, your club can be a safe space for every parent and child.