Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 2.3: Use legislation relating to the health and safety of children
Learning outcome: Understand how to identify, record and report accidents, incidents and emergencies
Assessment criteria: Identify forms for completion in the event of: accidents, incidents, emergencies
In the previous section, we explored the differences between accidents and incidents. It is also important to understand what an emergency is – this is a potentially life-threatening situation.
Your setting will have forms that need to be filled in whenever there is an accident, incident or emergency within the setting. These records are a legal requirement and may need to be reported to external agencies, such as OFSTED or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The method of recording will vary between settings – for example, your setting may use a computer-based system or a written accident book – so it is important that you know how your employer requires accidents, incidents, and emergencies to be recorded. This will be set out in their policies and procedures.
In general, you will be required to record the time and date and an accurate description of what has happened and any actions you took in response. You should also sign and date the document.