Accident and Injury Policy – Summer School. Sussex Music Lessons – Summer School & Out-of-School Settings.
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1. Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures for preventing, responding to, and recording accidents and injuries during our summer school programme. Its aim is to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and appropriate care of all children, staff, and visitors on site.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
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All children attending the summer school
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All staff, volunteers, visiting specialists, and contractors
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Any activity taking place on or off site as part of the programme
3. Principles
Our approach is based on:
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Prevention first – safe spaces, risk assessments, and proactive supervision
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Qualified care – at least one trained and certified first aider is present on site at all times
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Calm, timely response – injuries are managed promptly and appropriately
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Clear communication – parents are informed promptly when necessary
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Accurate records – all incidents are documented
4. Staffing and First Aid Provision
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At least one qualified first aider will be present throughout the programme.
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First aiders will have uptodate training appropriate for working with children.
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A fully stocked first aid kit will be available at all times, with its location known to all staff.
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Additional kits may be placed in highrisk or highactivity zones (e.g., outdoor areas, rehearsal rooms).
5. Prevention and Risk Management
To minimise injuries:
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Daily visual checks of teaching and activity spaces
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Termly/seasonal programme-level risk assessments
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Instrument and equipment checks
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Supervision guidelines (e.g., safe ratios, no unsupervised rooms)
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Clear instructions given before physical activities (e.g., movement games, percussion work, outdoor sessions)
6. Responding to an Accident or Injury
6.1 Immediate Response
When an accident or injury occurs:
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Ensure safety of all children in the area
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Assess the injury calmly
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First aider responds if required
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Nonfirst-aid staff supervise the rest of the group to maintain safety
6.2 First Aid Treatment
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Only trained first aiders may provide first aid beyond very basic care.
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Staff must follow current first aid guidelines as trained.
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Children should never be left alone after an injury.
7. When to Contact Parents
Parents/carers will be contacted as soon as possible if:
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The injury requires more than basic first aid (e.g., head injury, suspected sprain or fracture, significant cut)
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The child is distressed or unable to continue participating
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Any injury involves a blow to the head (parents must always be informed)
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The child requires medical treatment beyond what we can provide on site
Parents may be asked to collect their child depending on the situation.
8. Emergency Services
Staff will call 999 if:
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The injury appears serious or lifethreatening
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The child is unconscious, unresponsive, or having difficulty breathing
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A first aider recommends urgent medical support
A staff member will accompany the child to hospital until a parent arrives.
9. Recording and Reporting
All accidents and injuries must be recorded on the Accident/Incident Report Form, including:
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Child’s name and age
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Date, time, and location of incident
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Description of what happened
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Nature of injury
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Treatment provided
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Staff involved
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Whether parents were informed
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Any further action or monitoring required
Accident records will be kept securely in line with GDPR and safeguarding requirements.
10. Ongoing Monitoring After an Injury
Depending on the nature of the injury:
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Staff may conduct checkins throughout the day
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A “return to activity” decision will be made based on wellbeing
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Any delayed symptoms (e.g., after a mild head bump) will be monitored
11. Managing More Serious or Repeated Incidents
If a child experiences repeated minor injuries, displays unsafe behaviour that risks causing injury, or cannot safely participate:
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Staff will review possible underlying causes (fatigue, sensory needs, emotional distress)
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Adjustments may be made
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Parents may be asked to collect their child if safety cannot be maintained
12. Communication with Parents
Parents will receive:
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A verbal explanation of the incident (for moderate/serious injuries)
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A written accident form where appropriate
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Guidance on any recommended followup (e.g., observing for concussion symptoms)
13. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually and after any significant incident to ensure it remains effective and up to date.

