Advice & Information

National bundle of care for children with asthma

If you care for children with asthma in your setting, you are now able to access free resources from the NHS specifically on asthma support.

Access free training here
Access a collection of templates here

Safety advice on raw jelly

Childcare providers have been advised to be aware of the choking hazard of using raw jelly cubes for sensory play, especially when children are not closely supervised. The warning was issued following an inquest at Westminster Coroner's Court. For more information contact Westminster Coroner's Court.

Safety advice on button batteries

Button batteries and lithium coin batteries are the small, round batteries you find in lots of toys and everyday objects. They can be extremely dangerous for children if swallowed – especially lithium coin batteries –and can kill within hours. For more information visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust website.

Requirement to remove plug socket covers

The NHS issued guidance which states that 13A electrical socket inserts should not be used in health or social care premises. Any socket inserts currently in use should be withdrawn and responsibly disposed of. Find out more in this factsheet from NDNA and Citation.

You can find out more about electrical safety and get support from Citation here.

Choking hazards

Choking happens very quickly and it can happen to anyone. Every year hundreds of children require hospital treatment from choking in the UK and unfortunately on average one dies every month.

The Food Standard Agency have issued 2 posters which can be displayed within your setting wherever food is prepared or served to help reduce the risk; Choking Hazards and Food Safety Advice.

Finger Foods are considered the best way to introduce foods to young children to foods with minimal risk of choking. This video on Preparing Food Safely for Young Childre n from Early Start Nutrition are really useful on the topic of food preparation

The Food safety page on the Help for early years providers website provides EYFS guidance, more in depth information plus further resources on the topic.

This Millies Trust page provides information on what to do if a baby is choking - First aid for baby who is choking.

Check blind cords

New blinds with looped cords must have child safety devices installed when manufactured or sold with the blind. However, blinds installed earlier may not have these features so it is important to fit a tidy, tensioner or a cleat; tidies and tensioners should be firmly fixed to an adjoining surface so that the cord or chain are permanently held tight. Cleats should be positioned out of children’s reach on an adjacent surface, at least 1.5 metres from the floor. Cords should be fastened in a figure of eight after every use of the blind, making sure all the spare cord is secured on the cleat. Move furniture away from windows. Children love to climb, so keep furniture clear of window blinds. This includes cots, beds, highchairs and playpens. Find out more here.

Securing furniture

It is important that your nursery furniture is not at risk of falling on children. The best way to prevent furniture from tipping over is to secure it to the wall. Find advice from IKEA here.

General health and safety advice

The Health and Safety Executive aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill-health. Find out more about general health and safety advice at www.hse.gov.uk

Information on minor head injuries

Great Ormond Street Hospital has produced a minor head injuries guidance document for Children NHS Foundation Trust. The guidance gives information on what signs to look out for over the few days after the incident.

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