Accidents, illness and emergencies.

 

Policy Statement:

As a registered childminder it is my policy to keep the children safe while in my care. I will promote good health and take actions to prevent accidents and the spread of infection and illness.

 

Procedure:

 

Accidents.

 

When caring for your child their safety in my home and out and about is very important.  Unfortunately, accidents happen!  

 

As a registered child-minder I am legally required to hold a valid first aid and health and hygiene certificate.

I am also a registered paediatric nurse so have extensive knowledge and experience if you child is involved in accident.

 

If an accident was to occur I would:

 

 Comfort your child – it could be upsetting for your child to have an accident, I will try my best to reassure them.

 

 Assess their injuries – depending on the severity I would decide if medical help/support is needed.

 

 First aid – I am trained in paediatric first aid and will apply my skills accordingly.  I have a first aid box which will be kept in my utility room in a high level cupboard but is still easily accessible and also carry a portable one with me on all outings. 

 

 Contact – once your child is settled I will give you a call to let you know that they have had an accident and possibly ask you to collect them if necessary.

 

After the accident, however minor I will record it in my accident book, ask you to sign it and give you a copy to keep.

 

 If the accident is more serious and requires medical treatment I will:

 

• Inform ciw– to keep in line with welfare requirements it is my duty to inform them of any serious injuries or incidents

 

• Inform my insurance company – to protect you, your child and myself.

 

Illness.

 

If your child is sick the best place for them to recover is at home with you caring for them.  I understand that working is very important for your family but I cannot put the health of the other children at risk if your child is ill. All fees are still payable for this period in accordance with your agreed contract.

 

If your child becomes ill when in my care or I suspect they have an infectious illness or disease I will contact the parents to collect the child and ask parents/guardians to ensure the child is kept at home until they have been well for the agreed amount of time or in accordance to the health authority guidelines.

 

If I or any immediate member of my family has a confirmed infectious disease or illness I will inform all parents immediately as I will not be able to offer my services. There will be no fees payable for this period as agreed in contract.

 

If either a minded child in my care, myself or a member of my family has a confirmed infectious disease, while maintaining confidentiality I will inform CIW if it is a notifiable illness.

 

I will refer to recognised health guildlines set out by the health protection agency,  when deciding  on the exclusion period when I child is absent due to illness.

 

I will accept a child as long as they do not have any of the following:

 

A raised temperature or fever

 

A contagious or infectious illness

 

Has not had vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 48hrs

 

Emergencies

 

In the unlikely case of an emergency, where the emergency services have been called I will contact you and meet you at the hospital.  I will ensure I have written parental permission for your child to be taken to the hospital and given emergency treatment, providing every effort has been made to contact the parents.  If it is not your child that is involved in the emergency I will still contact you to inform you of the situation and possibly ask you to collect your child.  I have a ‘back up’ this will be my husband.  He is DBS checked and he will take the children so I can be with the child involved in the emergency.  The children will be familiar with this person. I will have written parental permission for my husband to hold the contact details to be used in an emergency.  I have these procedures in place to work in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.  This helps me to keep the children I care for and myself safe when in the home or out and about.

 

Fire.

 

Fire I have fitted smoke alarms in the hall and upstairs landing to alert me to a fire, these are tested every week and are connected to the mains so never lose power but have a battery as a backup.  If a smoke detector sounds, or a fire is detected, the priority is to evacuate the children from the building.

Myself and the children will leave the property through either three of the doors leading outside.  This will depend on where the fire is.  We practice our fire drill regularly. We would assemble at the front of the house, at a safe distance and check that everyone is accounted for. We will then notify the fire brigade. We will not re-enter the house until told it is safe to do so by the fire officer. Parents will be called to come and collect their children in the event of a fire.