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Play centres and incident reporting

If you are running a child-based business you no doubt have children’s wellbeing at the forefront of your mind. However despite thorough preventative safety measures, an accident or injury at some time or another could occur. So be prepared for it and understand what action must be taken following the incident.

Recording incidents:

Ensure your business has a procedure for recording incidents and that staff are trained to fill paperwork out accurately and quickly.

Create an incident form that records details of:

• The name, role/employment, and signature of the person completing the report – and the date and time the report was completed;
• The name, date of birth, age, gender of the child;
• The incident details – date, time, what the child was doing when they hurt themselves and what caused the injury;
• The nature of the injury – where on the body, what kind of injury it is;
• If a child is missing for a period of time – the circumstances surrounding that;
• Circumstances around any illness;
• Action taken by your centre – for example first aid, medication administered;
• Whether emergency services were engaged;
• If medical attention from doctor or hospital was sought or received;
• Have steps been taken to prevent or minimise that type of incident in the future at your centre – and if so what are they?
• Details of the attempted or actual notification of parent/guardian.

Ask that the parent signs this form as an acknowledgement that they were notified of the incident.

Best practice:

• If you are catering to younger children ensure staff have training in early childhood education and safety, and that you have appropriate staff-to-children ratios.
• Have a well-equipped and easily accessible first aid kit.
• Ensure your staff complete first aid training and CPR for children every year.

Minimising risks:

• When you are setting up your play centre, choose resources, equipment and materials that are safe for children to explore and discover;
• Look at your play area from a child’s height – you may see potential hazards that you may not otherwise notice;
• Ensure power points are covered;
• Make sure outdoor areas are properly fenced;
• Think about possible hazards such as doors and gates – put up signs to alert parents if they need to be kept shut to avoid children getting out.

Reduce likelihood of incidents reoccurring

If an accident happens, and there is anything you can do to stop it from happening again, ensure you do so as soon as possible. You do not want your centre to be unsafe, or risk a complaint.

If a serious incident occurs:

ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority) regulates reporting requirements about children.

If:

• There is a serious injury, complaint, or a circumstance at your service that poses a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of children; and/or
• There is any incident or allegation that physical or sexual abuse of a child/ren has occurred or is occurring whilst the child/ren are at your centre;

You need to notify the child’s parent immediately, and report the incident to the regulatory body – the Department of Education (Victoria).

If you are uncertain whether your current system of recording incidents is thorough enough, give us a call! We can help by ensuring your policies and procedures are up to scratch.

This is general advice only. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Published Mar 28, 2018