First Aid
Unfortunately children are sometimes involved in accidents at school. Most of the time, this is dealt with in school, by a member of the support staff all of whom have regular first aid training. A red first aid letter is completed and given to the child to take home to parents/carers to advise that treatment has been given. If your child has a bumped head, they will have a red 'bumped head' wristband, and ice pack and are observed for the remainder of the day. It is recommended that the wristband stays on for 5 days so that any side effects of the bumped head are identified.
- Simple cuts and grazes are washed. We don’t apply plasters unless it is essential to keep a large wound clean. We do not use antiseptic creams just alcohol free wound cleansing wipes. Our support staff are very caring and always make sure that injuries are treated with a large dose of TLC.
- If we feel the accident has been traumatic for the child, which is often the case with young children, or that the injury sustained needs more specialised treatment, we telephone to let a parent know. It may be appropriate for parents or carers to take the child home for more attention.
- If the injury is more serious and needs hospital attention, we telephone either parent or next authorised contact to come to the school immediately. If they are unavailable, we make arrangements for the child to be taken to hospital by ambulance and will meet the parent there. A member of staff will always accompany the child if the parent hasn’t arrived at the school. If necessary the staff member will act in ‘loco parentis’ to ensure a child is treated appropriately at the hospital until a parent arrives.
- Several members of staff have Paediatric First Aid qualifications, they are called upon to advise in the event of more serious injuries.
- If a child falls ill whilst at school we telephone the parent or next authorised contact (if the parents are unavailable) for the child to be taken home.
- Children who have stomach upsets involving sickness and diahorrea should have 48 hours at home before they return to school. This equates to 2 clear nights without any symptoms.
- If you suspect your child has concussion, the NHS guidance can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-injury-and-concussion/