EYFS Statutory Framework for group and school-based providers – effective 01 September 2026.
Section 3 – Safeguarding and welfare requirements:
The EYFS requires an accessible first-aid box, written records of accidents, injuries and first-aid treatment, and parents to be informed on the same day or as soon as reasonably practicable. Serious accidents, illnesses, injuries or the death of a child must be notified to Ofsted as soon as reasonably practicable and, in all cases, within 14 days.
The safety and wellbeing of every child is our first priority. We take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents and minimise risks while recognising that children need opportunities to explore, play, develop physical skills and take appropriate risks as part of their learning.
Our premises, garden, equipment, activities and outings are regularly assessed for risk. We review our procedures following significant accidents, incidents or changes to our environment or practice.
We maintain appropriate first-aid equipment which is readily accessible to staff but kept safely away from children.
We ensure that at least one member of staff with a current full PFA certificate is on the premises and available at all times when children are present. A suitably qualified paediatric first aider also accompanies children on outings. PFA certificates are renewed at least every three years in accordance with the EYFS.
If a child has an accident, injury or sudden medical emergency, our immediate priorities will be to:
Urgent medical treatment will never be delayed while we wait for a parent or carer to respond to our informing them or to arrive at the nursery.
Where an ambulance is required, a member of staff may accompany the child to hospital where this is appropriate and staffing arrangements allow. Parents or carers will be asked to attend the hospital as soon as possible.
The remaining children will continue to be appropriately supervised. Where necessary, our emergency staffing or back-up arrangements will be activated to ensure children's safety and appropriate supervision.
Children will not be left in the care of an unsuitable or unvetted adult as part of our emergency arrangements.
Parents and carers will be informed of accidents or injuries sustained by their child on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable, together with details of any first-aid treatment given, as required by the EYFS.
For a significant injury, head injury, medical emergency or where we have concerns about a child's wellbeing, we will contact the parent or carer as soon as possible rather than waiting until collection.
Parents are responsible for ensuring that the nursery always has up-to-date emergency contact details. Wherever possible, we ask families to provide more than two emergency contact numbers.
All accidents, injuries and relevant incidents will be recorded in our electronic accident and incident system.
The record will normally include:
The record is provided electronically to the child's parent or carer for their information and acknowledgement.
Significant incidents and recurring patterns of accidents will be reviewed by the nursery management team. Where appropriate, risk assessments, supervision arrangements, the environment or working practices will be changed to reduce the likelihood of the incident happening again.
Where a child suffers a serious accident, illness or injury, or dies while in our care, we will notify Ofsted as soon as is reasonably practicable and in all circumstances within 14 days, together with details of the action we have taken.
Ofsted's guidance identifies serious incidents as including circumstances such as resuscitation, loss of consciousness, fractures, severe breathing difficulties and hospital admission lasting more than 24 hours.
Where required, we will also notify the appropriate local child protection agencies, including the relevant Harrow children's safeguarding services, and follow any advice they provide. The current local safeguarding partnership is the Harrow Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Where an accident or incident meets the reporting requirements of the RIDDOR, the nursery will also make the appropriate report to the relevant enforcing authority. RIDDOR does not apply to every accident; reporting depends on the circumstances and whether the accident is work-related and meets the relevant reporting threshold.
Our insurers will also be informed where required under the terms of our insurance policy.
If a member of staff is injured or becomes seriously unwell, another responsible member of staff will take control of the situation, provide or obtain appropriate first aid or emergency assistance and ensure that the children remain safely supervised.
Emergency staffing arrangements will be activated where necessary.
Any accident involving a member of staff will be recorded and reported under RIDDOR where the statutory reporting criteria are met.
Children's emergency contact information is held securely and is accessible to authorised staff when required, including during outings.
Parents and carers must tell us promptly about any change to telephone numbers, emergency contacts, medical information or other information that could affect our ability to respond safely in an emergency.
We recognise that it is not possible, or desirable, to eliminate every risk from children's play and learning. Our responsibility is to identify significant hazards, take reasonable steps to minimise avoidable risks and ensure that activities are appropriately supervised.
Risk assessments cover our premises, garden, equipment, activities and outings and are reviewed regularly and whenever circumstances indicate that a change may be needed.
Review date: 31 December 2027, or earlier following a change in legislation, statutory guidance or nursery practice.
We take the task of nourishing children’s minds and bodies very seriously and ensure that their diet at the daycare is healthy and well balanced.
