Keymer

Laws and Regulation

Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy

NQF

QA2

2.1.2

Health practices and procedures – Effective illness and injury management and hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.

2.2.2

Incident and emergency management – Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practiced and implemented.

 

National Law

Section

174

Offence to fail to notify certain information to Regulatory Authority

National Regulations

Regs

12

Meaning of serious incident

85

Incident, injury, trauma and illness policies and procedures

86

Notification to parents of incident, injury, trauma and illness

87

Incident, injury, trauma and illness record

88

Infectious diseases

89

First aid kits

97

Emergency and evacuation procedures

161

Authorisation to be kept in enrolment record

162

Health information to be kept in enrolment record

168

Education and care service must have policies and procedures

175

Prescribed information to be notified to Regulatory Authority

Aim

The service and all educators can effectively respond to and manage accidents, illness and emergencies which occur at the service to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, educators and visitors.

Related Policies
  • Death of a Child Policy
  • Emergency Service Contact Policy
  • Emergency Management and Evacuation Policy
  • Enrolment Policy
  • Grievance Policy
  • Infectious Diseases Policy
  • Medical Conditions Policy
Implementation

This policy and related policies and procedures at the service will be followed by nominated supervisors and educators of, and volunteers at, the service in the event that a child –

(a) is injured or

(b) becomes ill or

(c) suffers a trauma or

(d) is involved in an incident at the service

The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will ensure that:

  • a parent of a child is notified as soon as possible, preferably on the same day, and no later than 24 hours of the injury, illness, trauma or incident
  • an Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record is completed without delay
  • at least one first aid qualified educator (with asthma and anaphylaxis training) is always present at the service
  • first aid qualifications (including anaphylaxis and asthma management training) are current and updated at least every 3 years
  • all components of first aid qualifications are current if some require an earlier revision (e.g. CPR)
  • first aid qualified employees receive CPR refresher training annually
  • first aid qualified educators never exceed their qualifications and competence when administering first aid

 

The Nominated Supervisor will ensure the contents of first aid kits and their location are reviewed at least annually but every month and after every use. Audits will ensure each Kit has the required quantities, items are within their expiry dates and sterile products are sealed.  Consideration will also be given to whether the contents suit the injuries that have occurred, based on our incident, injury, trauma and illness records and action taken to obtain additional resources if required.

 

During our induction process for new educators and staff the Nominated Supervisor or delegated staff member will:

  • advise which (other) educators and staff have first aid qualifications
  • the location of the first aid kit(s)
  • obtain information about any medical needs the new employee may have that could require specialist first aid during an incident or medical emergency. This information will only be shared with the employee’s consent or in order to meet our duty of care to the employee.

The Nominated Supervisor will review the following matters in consultation with employees (e.g. at staff meetings) where appropriate, at least annually or when there are staff changes:

  • our first aid procedure
  • the location of our first aid kit(s)
  • the nature of incidents occurring at the service

 

If children are injured or become ill at the service, educators or staff members will request parents or authorised nominees to collect children within one hour of the request.

 

Photos of all educators and staff, together with their qualifications, in a prominent position where they can be easily viewed by families and team members, this is located in main office.

 

We will also display appropriate first aid signage (e.g. CPR posters) in prominent locations.

Our service will use the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record template published by ACECQA

We also use an Injury Register for less severe treatment

Administration of First Aid

If there is an accident, illness or injury requiring first aid an educator with a current first aid qualification will:

  • assess any further danger to the child, other children and any adults present and take steps to remove or mitigate the danger
  • respond to the injury, illness or trauma needs of the child or adult in accordance with their current first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training, and in accordance with the child’s medical management plan and risk minimisation plan if relevant. As part of first aid response educator may if required:
  • call an ambulance (or ask another staff member to call and co-ordinate the ambulance). The Nominated Supervisor or a familiar educator will accompany the child in the ambulance if parents/guardians are going directly to the hospital
  • notify a parent or authorised nominee that the child requires medical attention from a medical practitioner
  • contact a parent or authorised nominee to collect the child from the service if required within 60 minutes
  • notify the nominated supervisor and parents of the incident, illness or injury the same day that it occurs
  • complete an Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record without delay

The Nominated Supervisor and educators will supervise and care for children in the vicinity of the incident, illness or injury as appropriate.

First Aid Kit Guidelines

First aid kits will be easily recognised and readily available where children are present at the service and during excursions.  They will be suitably equipped having regard to the hazards at the service, past and potential injuries and size and location of the service.

We will use the checklist in Safe Work Australia First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice as a guide on what to include in our first aid kits, and tailor the contents as necessary to meet our service needs

We will display a well-recognised, first aid sign which complies with AS 1319:1994 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment to assist in easily locating first aid kits.

Any First Aid kit at the service must –

  • not be locked
  • not contain paracetamol (Panadol)
  • have enough first aid resources for the number of employees and children
  • have appropriate first aid resources for the immediate treatment of injuries at the service (including asthma and anaphylaxis)
  • be accessible within two minutes of an incident (includes time required to access secure areas) and located where there is a risk of injury occurring if relevant
  • be taken on excursions
  • be constructed of resistant material, dustproof (can be sealed) and large enough to adequately store the required contents
  • preferably be fitted with a carrying handle as well as internal compartments
  • have a white cross on a green background with the words ‘First Aid’ prominently displayed on the outside
  • contain a list of contents
  • display emergency telephone numbers, and the phone number and location of the nearest first aid trained educators (including appropriate information for those employees who have mobile workplaces)
  • display a photograph of the first aid trained educators along with contact details to assist in the identification process
  • be maintained in proper condition and the contents replenished as necessary
Notification of serious incidents

The Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor will notify the regulatory authority through the online NQA ITS within 24 hours of any serious incident at our service (s. 174). If our service only becomes aware that the incident was serious afterwards, we will notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours of becoming aware that the incident was serious.

Serious incidents include:

  • the death of a child at the service or following an incident at the Service
  • any incident involving a serious injury or trauma to a child at the service which a reasonable person would say required urgent attention from a medical practitioner, or the child attended or should have attended a hospital e.g. broken limb
  • any incident involving serious illness of a child at the service where the child attended, or should have attended, a hospital e.g. severe asthma attack, seizure or anaphylaxis.

This does not include treatment at a hospital for non-serious injury, illness or trauma in cases where a General Practitioner consults from a hospital e.g. in rural and remote areas

  • any emergency where emergency services attended i.e. there was an imminent or severe risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of a person at the service. It does not include incidents where emergency services attended as a precaution
  • a child is missing or cannot be accounted for at the service
  • a child has been taken from the service by someone not authorised to do this
  • a child is mistakenly locked in or locked out of the service.

A serious injury, illness or trauma includes:

·        amputation

·        epileptic seizures

·        anaphylactic reaction requiring urgent

·        head injuries

·        asthma requiring urgent hospitalisation

·        measles

·        Broken bone/fractures

·        meningococcal infection

·        bronchiolitis

·        sexual assault

·        burns

·        witnessing violence or a frightening event

·        diarrhoea requiring urgent hospitalisation

 

Notification of serious complaints and circumstances

The Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor or any staff will notify the regulatory authority through the online NQA ITS:

  • within 24 hours of any complaints alleging that a serious incident has occurred or is occurring while a child was or is at the service
  • within 24 hours of any complaints that the National Law or Regulations have been breached
  • within 7 days of any circumstances arising at the Service that pose a risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of a child
  • within 7 days of any incident, complaint or allegation that physical or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is at the service.
  • within 24 hours of any children being educated and care for in an emergency, including where there is a child protection order, or the parent needs urgent health care. Emergency care can be no longer than two consecutive days of operation. The Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor will consider the safety, health and wellbeing of all children at the service before accepting the additional child/children and will advise the regulatory authority about the emergency.
  • within 24 hours of any incidents that require the Service to close or reduce attendance.
Notification of Work Health and Safety incidents

Serious injury or illness is a “notifiable incident” under the work, health and safety legislation. Serious injury or illness means a person requires:

  • immediate treatment as an in-patient in a hospital or
  • immediate treatment for:
    • the amputation of any part of the body
    • a serious head injury
    • a serious eye injury
    • a serious burn
    • the separation of skin from an underlying tissue (such as degloving or scalping)
    • a spinal injury
    • the loss of a bodily function
    • serious lacerations or
  • medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a substance.


A serious illness includes any infection which the carrying out of work contributed to significantly, example an infection that can be linked to providing treatment to a person or coming into contact with human blood or body substances.

A dangerous incident is also notifiable under the legislation and includes:

  • an uncontrolled escape, spillage or leakage of a substance
  • an uncontrolled implosion, explosion or fire
  • an uncontrolled escape of gas or steam
  • an uncontrolled escape of a pressurized substance
  • electric shock
  • the fall or release from a height of any plant, substance or thing
  • the collapse, overturning, failure or malfunction of, or damage to, any plant that is required to be authorised for use under regulations
  • the collapse or partial collapse of a structure
  • the collapse or failure of an excavation or of any shoring supporting an excavation
  • the inrush of water, mud or gas in workings, in an underground excavation or tunnel.


The Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor will notify Workcover by telephone or in writing (including by facsimile or email) as soon as possible after the injury, illness or incident.  Records of the incident must be kept for at least 5 years from the date that the incident is notified. The Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor must ensure the site where the incident occurred is left undisturbed as much as possible until an inspector arrives or as directed by Workcover.

Grievance Policy

National Law

Section

174

Offence to fail to notify certain information to Regulatory Authority

 

National Regulations

Regs

12

Meaning of serious incident

168

Education and care service must have policies and procedures

175

Prescribed information to be notified to Regulatory Authority

176

Time to notify certain information Regulatory Authority

Aim

To ensure that all grievances (complaints) are investigated in a timely, transparent, thorough and impartial manner, and that affected parties are advised of the outcome and their rights of appeal.

Related Policies

  • Educator and Management Policy

  • Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy

  • Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

Managing Breaches and Complaints/Grievances

All breaches of our Code of Conduct (including corruption, maladministration and waste of resources) and complaints or grievances from educators, staff members, families, visitors and volunteers associated with the workplace will be managed in line with our Grievance Guidelines.

This includes incidents of bullying, discrimination and harassment at the Service. Our Service takes any incident of (alleged) bullying, discrimination or harassment very seriously because it can cause significant health and wellbeing issues for employees.

Grievances can occur in all workplaces and handling them properly is important for maintaining a safe, healthy, harmonious and productive work environment. Documented grievance procedures are important because:

  • staff and visitors need to know a process exists for receiving and managing grievances and complaints fairly, impartially, promptly and thoroughly.
  • they help to ensure small issues or problems do not escalate.
  • supervisors and managers need to be aware of issues causing conflict. 
  • documentation provides evidence and a record of the grievance and the outcome.
  • complaints facilitate continuous improvement of Service operations.
Grievance Guidelines

These guidelines explain the procedure for reporting and managing grievances, the roles and responsibilities of educators, staff and managers and the potential consequences of breaching our policies , procedures and Code of Conduct.

Educators, staff, volunteers, families and visitors will:

  • raise the grievance/complaint directly with the person concerned. Both parties should try to resolve the issue and develop solutions to ensure the problem does not happen again. Discussions should remain private, confidential, respectful and open-minded, will not involve other educators, staff, volunteers or visitors (eg parents) and will take place away from children
  • raise the grievance/complaint with the Nominated Supervisor (or another committee if the Nominated Supervisor is involved) if they are unable to resolve the concern or feel unable to raise the matter directly with the person concerned. The Nominated Supervisor (or committee) may request the issue be put in writing. Employees should provide all relevant information, including what the problem is, any other person involved in the problem and any suggested solution. Educators are encouraged to communicate openly about the issue.
  • raise any grievance involving suspected or actual unlawful activity (including bullying) with the Nominated Supervisor immediately and privately
  • be confident that their concerns will be thoroughly investigated, but aware that the outcome may not result in the action requested.

       Union members may seek assistance or support from their trade union at any time.

Educators, staff, volunteers, families and visitors will not:

  • get involved in complaints/ grievances that don’t concern them. This is not ethical or helpful in managing the complaint
  • raise complaints with an external complaints body, such as a court or Tribunal, without using our grievance procedures and appeal process first.


The Nominated Supervisor will:

  • discuss the issue with the complainant within 24 hours of receiving the verbal or written complaint
  • properly, fairly, confidentially and impartially investigate the issue including:
  • thoroughly investigating the circumstances and facts and inviting all affected parties to provide information or respond where appropriate. To encourage teamwork and respect,
  • the issue may be discussed at an educator meeting if the privacy of the people involved can be protected.
  • inviting the complainant to have a support person present during an interview
  • provide all affected parties with a clear written statement (letter, email or SMS) of the outcome of the investigation within seven working days of receiving the verbal or written complaint.
  • If the resolution of the complaint involves a written agreement, all parties must agree with the wording etc.
  • If the Nominated Supervisor decides not to proceed with the investigation after initial enquiries, he or she will give the complainant the reason/s in writing.
  • keep appropriate records of the investigation and outcome and store those records in accordance with our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy and Record Keeping and Retention Policy. Unsubstantiated complaints against educators/staff may be retained on file if the person has been given the opportunity to record a comment on the documentation
  • monitor ongoing behaviour and provide support as required
  • ensure the parties are protected from victimisation
  • offer external review by a Tribunal or alternate organisation where employees, visitors and volunteers are unhappy with the outcome of the grievance procedure. Workplace bullying matters may be referred to the Fair Work Commission which can direct employers to take specific actions against workplace bullies or the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulator which may investigate whether WHS duties have been contravened
  • request feedback on the grievance process using a questionnaire
  • track complaints to identify recurring issues within the Service
  • notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours if a complaint alleges the safety, health or wellbeing of a child is being compromised. Refer Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy.

 

 Outcomes may include:

  • an apology and a commitment that certain behaviour will not be repeated ( monitoring this over time)
  • education and training in relevant laws, policies or procedures (eg bullying awareness, leadership skills)
  • assistance in locating relevant counselling services
  • disciplinary procedures including a verbal or written warning, termination of employment or transfer to a different position at the Service
  • ensuring any inequality or inequity is remedied
  • providing closer supervision
  • modifying Service policies and procedures
  • developing new policies and procedures.


Outcomes will take into consideration relevant industrial relations principles and guidelines and make provision for procedural fairness. The Nominated Supervisor will consider:

  • the number of complaints (or breaches)
  • the opportunities given to adhere to a policy or procedure and/or change behaviour.
  • the opportunities given to respond to the allegations.
  • the seriousness of the complaint (or breach), and whether it impacted the safety and welfare of other employees, volunteers or visitors.
  • whether a policy, procedure or complaint is reasonable.
Complaints that must be notified to Regulatory Authority

The Nominated Supervisor will notify the regulatory authority through the online NQA ITS:

  • within 24 hours of any complaints alleging that a serious incident has occurred or is occurring while a child was or is at the service
  • within 24 hours of any complaints that the National Law has been breached
  • within 7 days of any allegation that physical or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is at the service.

Medical Conditions Policy

NQS

QA2

2.1.1

Health – Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted.

2.1.2

Health practices and procedures – Effective illness and injury management and hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.

2.2.1

Supervision – At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.

National Regulations

Reg

90

Medical conditions policy

90(1)(iv)

Medical Conditions Communication Plan

91

Medical conditions policy to be provided to parents

92

Medication record

93

Administration of medication

94

Exception to authorisation requirement—anaphylaxis or asthma emergency

95

Procedure for administration of medication

96

Self-administration of medication

EYLF

LO3

Children are happy, healthy, safe and connected to others.

Educators promote continuity of children’s personal health and hygiene by sharing ownership of routines and schedules with children, families and the community

Educators discuss health and safety issues with children and involve them in developing guidelines to keep the environment safe for all

Aim

The service and all educators can effectively respond to and manage medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and anaphylaxis at the service to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, staff and visitors.

Related Policies
  • Additional Needs Policy
  • Administration of Medication Policy
  • Death of a Child Policy
  • Emergency Service Contact Policy
  • Emergency Management and Evacuation Policy
  • Enrolment Policy
  • Food Nutrition and Beverage Policy
  • Health, Hygiene and Safe Food Policy
  • HIV AIDS Policy
  • Immunization and Disease Prevention Policy
  • Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy
  • Infectious Diseases Policy
  • Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
  • Staffing Arrangements Policy
Implementation

The service will involve all educators, families and children in regular discussions about medical conditions and general health and wellbeing throughout our curriculum. The service will adhere to privacy and confidentiality procedures when dealing with individual health needs.

A copy of the Medical Conditions Policy will be provided to all educators and volunteers at the service. The Policy will also be provided to parents of children enrolled at the service including those whose child has been identified as having a specific health care need or allergy. Educators are also responsible for raising any concerns with a child’s parents about any medical condition/suspected medical condition or known allergens that pose a risk to the child.

No child enrolled at the service will be able to attend the service without medication prescribed by their medical practitioner. No child who has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injection device, insulin injection device or asthma inhaler is permitted to attend the service or its programs without the device.

 Families are required to provide information about their child’s health care needs, allergies, medical conditions and medication on the Enrolment Form and are responsible for updating the service about these things, including any new medication, ceasing of medication, or changes to their child’s prescription.  Where children have specific health care needs or medical conditions, medical, risk minimisation and communication plans are required as discussed below.

The Nominated Supervisor and educators will provide support and information to families about resources and support for managing specific health care needs and medical conditions, including allergies, anaphylaxis asthma and diabetes.

Where a child has been diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis, a notice stating the anaphylaxis risk and the nature of the allergen will be displayed so it is clearly visible from the main entrance. The privacy and confidentiality of the child will be maintained at all times and the notice will not name the child.

The Nominated Supervisor will ensure all educators and relevant staff receive refresher training in the administration of adrenaline auto-injection devices and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation every 12 months, even if there are no children diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis at the service at the time.

If there are children with diabetes at the service, the Nominated Supervisor will ensure first aid trained educators receive regular training in the use of relevant devices eg insulin injection devices (syringes, pens, pumps) used by children

Medical Management Plan

The Enrolment Form provides an opportunity for parents to help the service effectively meet their child’s health and medical needs. All educators and volunteers at the service follow a child’s medical management plan, including in the event of an incident related to the child’s specific health care needs or medical condition.

Families must:

  • advise details of specific health care needs or medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and allergies, and whether the child has been diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis
  • provide a Medical Management Plan prepared by the child’s doctor in respect of any specific health care needs or medical conditions. The Plan should:
    • include a photo of the child
    • state what triggers the allergy or medical condition if relevant
  • state first aid needed
  • contact details of the doctor who signed the plan
  • state when the Plan should be reviewed
  • have supporting documentation if appropriate
Medical Conditions Risk Minimisation Plan

The Nominated Supervisor and relevant educators will prepare and implement a medical conditions risk minimisation plan in consultation with families which is informed by the child’s Medical Management Plan. The Plan will include measures to ensure:

  • any risks are assessed and minimized
  • practices and procedures for the safe handling of food, preparation, consumption and service of food for the child are developed and implemented if relevant (we will follow all health, hygiene and safe food policies and procedures)
  • all parents are notified of any known allergens that pose a risk to a child and how these risks will be minimized
  • a child does not attend the service without medication prescribed by their medical practitioner in relation to their specific medical condition.


This plan will be signed by parents, the Nominated Supervisor and relevant educators. We have a template resource for this purpose titled ‘Medical Conditions Risk Minimisation Plan’.

The Medical Management and Risk Minimisation plans will be kept in the child’s file and a copy of the plans stored securely with the child’s medication, emergency evacuation kit and first aid kit. A copy of the plans will also be displayed in a prominent position near a telephone to ensure all procedures are followed.  If parents have not authorised display of the plans in public areas, the plans will be displayed in areas which are not accessed by families and visitors to protect the child’s privacy.  We will explain to families why the prominent display of their child’s plans is preferable. 

The medical plans will also be taken on any excursions.

Medical Conditions Communication Plan

The Nominated Supervisor will implement a medical conditions communication plan to ensure that relevant educators, staff, and volunteers:

  • understand the Medical Conditions Policy
  • can easily identify a child with health care needs or medical conditions
  • understand the child’s health care needs and medical conditions and their medical management and risk minimisation plans
  • know where each child’s medication is stored
  • are updated about the child’s needs and conditions

The Nominated Supervisor will also ensure the medical conditions communication plan sets out how parents may advise changes to their child’s medical management and risk minimisation plans. The Nominated Supervisor will regularly remind families to update their child’s health and medical information as outlined in the Plan.

The plan will be signed by parents, the Nominated Supervisor, and relevant educators. We have a template resource for this purpose titled ‘Medical Conditions Communication Plan.”

The Nominated Supervisor will ensure:

  • any new information is attached to the child‘s Enrolment Form and medical plans where relevant and shared with relevant educators, staff and volunteers
  • displays about a child’s health care needs or medical conditions are updated.
Anaphylaxis/Allergy Management

While not common, anaphylaxis is life threatening. It is a severe allergic reaction to a substance. While prior exposure to allergens is needed for the development of true anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions can occur when no documented history exists. We are aware that allergies are very specific to an individual and it is possible to have an allergy to any foreign substance.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling or tightness in the throat, swelling tongue, wheeze or persistent cough, difficulty talking, persistent dizziness or collapse and in young children paleness and floppiness.

Anaphylaxis is often caused by a food allergy. Foods most associated with anaphylaxis include peanuts, seafood, nuts and in children eggs and cow’s milk.

To minimise the risk of exposure of children to foods that might trigger severe allergy or anaphylaxis in susceptible children, educators and staff will:

  • ensure children do not trade food, utensils or food containers
  • prepare food in line with a child’s medical management plan and family recommendations
  • use non-food rewards with children, for example, stickers for appropriate behaviour
  • request families to label all bottles, drinks, and lunchboxes etc with their child’s name
  • consider whether it’s necessary to change or restrict the use of food products in craft, science experiments and cooking classes so children with allergies can participate
  • sensitively seat a child with allergies at a different table if food is being served that he/she is allergic to, so the child does not feel excluded. If a child is very young, the family may be asked to provide their own highchair to further minimise the risk of cross infection
  • hold non-allergic babies when they drink formula/milk if there is a child diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis from a milk allergy
  • closely supervise all children at meal and snack times, ensure food is eaten in specified areas and children are not permitted to ‘wander around’ the service with food

The Nominated Supervisor will also:

  • instruct educators and staff on the need to prevent cross-contamination
  • consider requesting parents to not send food that contains highly allergenic elements, even if their child does not have an allergy eg by placing a sign near the front door reminding families about this. In the case of a nut allergy, this may prevent, for example, parents or other individuals visiting the service from bringing any foods or products containing nuts or nut materials such as:
  • peanuts, brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecan nuts
  • any other type of tree or ground nuts, peanut oil or other nut-based oil or cooking product, peanut or any nut sauce, peanut butter, hazelnut spread, marzipan
  • any other food which contains nuts such as chocolates, sweets, lollies, nougat, ice creams, cakes, biscuits, bread, drinks, satays, pre-prepared Asian or vegetarian foods
  • foods with spices and seeds such as mustard, poppy, wheat and sesame seeds
  • cosmetics, massage oils, body lotions, shampoos and creams such as Arachis oil that contain nut material


In relation to nuts and nut products, commercial food processing practices mean it is not possible to eliminate nuts and nut products entirely from our service eg there will be traces of nuts in many products.

For this reason, we are a nut aware service rather than a nut-free service.

  • consider the food allergies of all children. It may not be practical to prohibit all foods triggering food allergies. Nut allergy is the most likely to cause a severe reaction and will take precedence
  • consider requesting parents of children with (severe) food allergies to prepare food for the child at home where possible
  • instruct food preparation staff and volunteers about measures necessary to prevent cross-contamination between foods during the handling, preparation and serving of food and organise training as required eg careful cleaning of food preparation areas and utensils, use of different tools and equipment for allergic children
  • ensure meals prepared at the service do not contain ingredients like nuts, and other allergens including eggs and milk if appropriate
  • ensure food preparation staff consult risk minimisation plans when making food purchases and planning menus
  • provide information about anaphylaxis and organise training for all educators on how to administer adrenaline auto-injector devices eg EpiPen’s
  • encourage all educators to undertake anaphylaxis management training
  • ensure all educators administer medication in accordance with our “Administration of Medication Policy”
  • ensure educators and staff regularly reflect on our documented risk management practices to prevent the triggering of an anaphylactic reaction, and implement improvements if possible

Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are also commonly caused by:

  • animals, insects, spiders, and reptiles
  • drugs and medications, especially antibiotics and vaccines
  • many homeopathic, naturopathic and vitamin preparations
  • many species of plants, especially those with thorns and stings
  • latex and rubber products
  • Band-Aids, Elastoplast and products containing rubber-based adhesives.


Educators will ensure body lotions, shampoos and creams used on allergic children are approved by their parents.

The service will display an Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan poster for Anaphylaxis in a key location at the service in the rooms and in the Kitchen

Educators will react rapidly if a child displays symptoms of anaphylaxis and will:

  • lay child flat or seat them if breathing is difficult (child will not be allowed to walk or stand)
  • ensure a first aid trained educator with approved anaphylaxis training administers first aid in line with the child’s medical management plan. This may include the use of an adrenaline autoinjector device eg EpiPen® and CPR if the child stops breathing in line with the steps outlined by ASICA in the Action Plan for
  • call an ambulance immediately by dialling 000


The Nominated Supervisor will ensure that an emergency auto-injection device kit is stored in a location that is known to all staff, including relief staff, easily accessible to adults (not locked away), inaccessible to children, and away from direct sources of heat.

Asthma Management

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Educators and staff will implement measures to minimise the exposure of susceptible children to the common triggers which can cause an asthma attack.  These triggers include:

  • dust and pollution
  • inhaled allergens, for example mould, pollen, pet hair
  • changes in temperature and weather, heating and air conditioning
  • emotional changes including laughing and stress
  • activity and exercise

To minimise exposure of susceptible children to triggers which may cause asthma, educators and staff will ensure children’s exposure to asthma triggers are minimised. This may for example,

  • implement wet dusting to ensure dust is not stirred up
  • plan different activities so children are not exposed to extremes of temperature eg cold outsides and warm insides
  • restrict certain natural elements from inside environments
  • supervise children’s activity and exercise at all times
  • keep children indoors during periods of heavy pollution, smoke haze or after severe storms which may stir up pollen levels etc

 

The Nominated Supervisor will also:

  • consider banning certain plants and vegetation from the outdoor and indoor environments
  • consider children’s asthma triggers before purchasing service animals or allowing children’s pets to visit
  • ensure indoor temperatures are appropriate and heating and cooling systems are being used appropriately
  • assist educators to monitor pollution levels and adverse weather events
  • ensure educators and staff regularly reflect on our documented risk management practices to prevent the triggering of an asthma attack, and implement improvements if possible

 

The service will display a National Asthma Council Australia Action Plan Poster in a key location at the service. (see www.nationalasthma.org.au

An asthma attack can become life threatening if not treated properly. If a child is displaying asthma symptoms, educators will:

  • ensure a first aid trained educator with approved asthma training immediately attends to the child. If the procedures outlined in the child’s medical management plan do not alleviate the asthma symptoms, or the child does not have a medical management plan, the educator will provide appropriate first aid, which may include the steps outlined in the National Asthma Council Australia Action Plan:
  1. Sit the child upright – Stay with the child and be calm and reassuring
  2. Give 4 separate puffs of a reliever inhaler (blue/grey)
  • Use a spacer if there is one
  • Shake puffer
  • Give 1 puff at a time with 4-6 breaths after each puff
  • Repeat until 4 puffs have been taken
  1. Wait 4 minutes – If there is no improvement, give 4 more puffs as above
  2. If there is still no improvement call an ambulance on 000
  • Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the ambulance arrives


The service will ensure that an Emergency Asthma First Aid Kit is stored in a location that is known to all staff, including relief staff, easily accessible to adults (not locked away), inaccessible to children, and at room temperature in dry areas.  An Emergency Asthma First Aid kit should contain:

  • Blue or grey reliever puffer
  • At least 2 spacer devices that are compatible with the puffer
  • At least 2 face masks compatible with the spacer for use by children under 5

Spacers and masks can only be used by one person.  That person can re-use the spacer or mask but it cannot be used by anyone else. Educators will ensure the child’s name is written on the spacer and mask when it is used.

Diabetes Management

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood are too high. Glucose levels are normally regulated by the hormone insulin. The most common form of diabetes in children is Type 1. The body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells so insulin can no longer be made.  People with type 1 diabetes need to have insulin daily and test their blood glucose several times a day, follow a healthy eating plan and participate in regular physical activity.

Type 2 diabetes is often described as a ‘lifestyle disease’ because it is more common in people who are overweight and don’t exercise enough. Type 2 diabetes is managed by regular physical activity and healthy eating. Over time type 2 diabetics may also require insulin.

Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, tiredness, weight loss, vision problems and mood changes. People who take medication for diabetes are also at risk of hypoglycaemia (they may have a “hypo”) if their blood sugar levels are too low. Things that can cause a “hypo” include:

  • a delayed or missed meal, or a meal with too little carbohydrate
  • extra strenuous or unplanned physical activity
  • too much insulin or medication for diabetes
  • vomiting

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include headache, light-headedness and nausea, mood change, paleness and sweating, and weakness and trembling. If left untreated people may become disorientated, unable to drink, swallow or stand, suffer a lack of coordination, loss of consciousness and have seizures.

Educators and staff will implement measures to reduce the risk of children suffering adverse effects from their condition. These may include, for example:

  • ensuring medication is administered as outlined in the medical management plan
  • ensuring children eat at regular intervals and have appropriate levels of carbohydrate


The Nominated Supervisor will also ensure information about the child’s diet including the types and amounts of appropriate foods as outlined in the child’s Medical Management Plan is considered when preparing service menus.

If a child is displaying symptoms of a “hypo” a first aid trained educator will:

  • immediately administer first aid in accordance with the child’s medical management plan. This may include giving the child some quick-acting and easily consumed carbohydrates eg several jellybeans, 2-3 teaspoons of honey or some fruit juice. Once blood glucose is at regular levels the child may be given some slow-acting carbohydrate to stabilise blood sugar eg slice of bread, a glass of milk, a piece of fruit


If a child is displaying severe hypoglycemia (eg they are unconscious, drowsy or unable to swallow) a first aid trained educator will:

  • immediately administer first aid in accordance with the child’s medical management plan
  • call an ambulance by dialling 000
  • administer CPR if the child stops breathing before the ambulance arrives.

 

We will refer to as1diabetes (as1diabetes.com.au) for more information and resources, including child-friendly resources, on diabetes.

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