Emergency Treatment Policy

July 2026

LC Policy #20

At Little Crumpets the safety of your child is paramount and every measure will be taken to ensure they are protected from hurting themselves.  However accidents do happen and in the event of a medical emergency, staff will respond quickly, calmly, and effectively, following this policy and statutory guidance. This policy supports our wider Safeguarding, and Medication procedures.

The Aim of this Policy is to:

• Ensure children receive prompt and appropriate emergency treatment.

• Clarify staff roles and responsibilities.

• Ensure parents/carers are informed immediately.

• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, DfE, and health & safety legislation.

• Maintain accurate records of all incidents.

Staff Responsibilities

• A qualified Paediatric First Aider will be present at all times.

• All staff must know:

  • the location of first aid kits,

  • emergency medication (e.g., EpiPens),

  • emergency exits,

  • how to contact emergency services.

• Staff must follow the emergency response flow below.

Emergency Response Procedure

Step 1 — Assess the Situation

• Ensure the area is safe.

• Quickly assess the child’s condition.

• Do not move the child unless necessary for safety.

Step 2 — Provide Immediate First Aid

• The designated first aider takes the lead.

• Follow training and DfE medical guidance.

• Use emergency medication only if prescribed and authorised.

Step 3 — Call Emergency Services (999)

Emergency services must be called if:

• the child is unconscious,

• breathing is impaired,

• there is heavy bleeding,

• a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes,

• anaphylaxis is suspected,

• staff are unsure but concerned.

Step 4 — Contact Parents/Carers

• Notify parents/carers immediately after calling 999.

• Provide clear, factual information.

• Request they meet staff at the hospital if required.

Step 5 — Supervision of Other Children

• All other children within Little Crumpets care not involved in the accident / incident will be kept safe at all times

• If necessary the emergency procedures will be instigated for children who are not injured, ie: using emergency backup / other childminders to care for these children.

• Ratios will be maintained.

Step 6 — Handover to Emergency Personnel

• Provide emergency services with:

  • child’s name,

  • known medical conditions,

  • medication administered,

  • details of the incident.

Step 7 — Recording the Incident

A written record must be completed within 24 hours, including:

• date/time,

• description of incident,

• treatment given,

• staff involved,

• emergency services involvement,

• parent communication.

Use of Emergency Medication

• Staff may administer emergency medication (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler) only if:

  • parents have provided written consent,

  • medication is clearly labelled,

  • staff have received training.

• All medication administration must be recorded.

Hospital Transport

• If a child is taken to hospital without a parent present, a staff member may accompany them.

• Staff must carry emergency contact details and medical information.

• Staff must remain with the child until a parent arrives.

Post-Incident Review

Within 48 hours, the manager will:

• review the incident,

• identify any improvements to practice,

• update risk assessments,

• report to Ofsted if the incident meets notification criteria.

• It is important that you keep us informed regarding your child's condition following an accident and if you have sought additional medical advice or care.

Ofsted Notification Requirements

We will notify Ofsted if:

• a child suffers a serious injury,

• emergency medical treatment is required,

• There is a significant event affecting welfare. Notifications will be made within 14 days, as required.

Training Requirements

• All staff must complete 3 year Paediatric first aid refreshers.

• Staff working with children with medical conditions must receive condition-specific training.

• Emergency drills will be practised termly.

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any serious incident.