Child-related accidents and injuries

 

We are committed to creating and providing safe environments for children.  While every endeavour is made to prevent accidents, they unfortunately still occur.  Children use play to actively investigate and explore their world and surrounding environment.  During play, children will take calculated risks to build new knowledge, and to understand and enhance their own capabilities.  Sometimes during their investigation and exploration children may have an accident (trip, fall) and perhaps sustain an injury (abrasion, bruise). 

 

Child-related accidents that occur at our service are recorded in an Incident Report.  Incidents are classified into two types at this service:

 

• Major Incident - Where the child sustains serious injury and requires medical attention (ie. Ambulance) more than staff are able to provide; and/or the incident was deemed as dangerous (eg. lost child).  In accordance with legislation, these incidents are also reported to the relevant regulatory authorities.

 

• Minor Incident - Where the child sustains minor injury (eg. minor cut, bump, bruise, abrasion) that requires the medical attention from centre staff only.  

 

A report will be prepared for you to read and sign at the end of your child’s day.  This report provides us with a record that will help us make any necessary changes to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring again.  You may also be given a courtesy call following an incident and, only if necessary, asked to collect your child.

 

If your child requires medical treatment other than immediate first aid and we are unable to contact you, we will take any steps necessary to ensure your child is appropriately cared for.  This could include contacting the person you have identified on your child’s enrolment form as your emergency contact and/or calling an ambulance.  It is important your emergency contact and authorised nominee information is up to date at all times.  Please note any medical costs incurred will be at your expense.

 

If your child has sustained an injury at home and there is a concern the injury may be made worse by your child’s attendance at our service, we may request a medical clearance from a medical practitioner prior to your child returning to our service.