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Setting up a Creche - Department for Communities

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Recording incidents,<br />

accidents, injuries<br />

or illness<br />

If a child is injured, their parent must<br />

be contacted immediately.<br />

A record of all incidents, accidents,<br />

injuries and illness should be kept<br />

in an incident/accident book to<br />

assist in any insurance claims or in<br />

the identification of the outbreak<br />

of infectious diseases.<br />

The record should include the<br />

day and date, name of the child,<br />

brief description of the incident,<br />

treatment administered to the<br />

child and signature of the crèche<br />

staff member. This should be<br />

counter-signed and dated by the<br />

child’s parent.<br />

To maintain confidentiality a<br />

separate sheet should be used <strong>for</strong><br />

each child.<br />

Ask your insurance company <strong>for</strong><br />

advice about storing records of<br />

incidents, accidents or injuries.<br />

In most circumstances crèche<br />

caregivers would not administer any<br />

medication to children. This would<br />

remain the responsibility of a parent.<br />

Any arrangements made between<br />

parents and staff to administer<br />

medication <strong>for</strong> specific treatment or<br />

allergies should be in writing.<br />

Emergencies<br />

Consult the local government authority about<br />

building requirements <strong>for</strong> emergencies:<br />

• there should be an alternative emergency exit,<br />

ideally with direct access to a safe location<br />

outside the building<br />

• develop emergency/evacuation plans and<br />

practise them<br />

• ensure all staff and parents are aware of their<br />

responsibilities <strong>for</strong> children in an emergency.<br />

The physical environment<br />

The physical environment should be safe and secure<br />

at all times. Check that:<br />

• the building is in sound condition<br />

• there is adequate space, light and ventilation<br />

• heating and cooling equipment is available and<br />

in working order<br />

• entry/exit doors are child safe<br />

• there is easy access <strong>for</strong> wheelchairs and prams<br />

• there is no industrial activity nearby that<br />

might emit fumes or particles that pose a risk<br />

to children’s health<br />

• there is direct access to a telephone<br />

• there is direct access to an outside exit in case<br />

of an emergency<br />

• there is an alternative exit in an emergency<br />

• access to hazardous areas such as swimming<br />

pools is restricted<br />

• flooring is clean, level and free from hazards<br />

• electrical fittings are child safe<br />

• heating equipment and fans are safeguarded<br />

when in use to prevent access by children<br />

• fire and emergency requirements meet standards<br />

set down by local government authorities<br />

• glass areas are shatterproof or protectively<br />

screened<br />

• cleaning products are safely stored and locked out<br />

of children’s reach<br />

9

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