2.2. Describe the actions to take when children or young people are ill or injured

This guide will help you answer 2.2. Describe the actions to take when children or young people are ill or injured.

Looking after children means you have a duty to keep them safe and healthy. Sometimes children will become ill or have an accident. You must know what to do and act quickly and calmly. Following correct actions can protect the child and may prevent the situation from becoming worse.

When dealing with illness or injury, always follow your setting’s policies and procedures. These are written guidelines that tell you step-by-step what should happen. They are based on legal requirements and best practice.

Responding When a Child is Ill

When a child is unwell, your role is to respond in a way that keeps them safe and comfortable. This might mean giving basic care, contacting parents, and seeking medical help.

Spotting Signs of Illness

Illness can appear suddenly or develop over time. Common signs include:

• Raised temperature
• Persistent coughing
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Unusual tiredness
• Complaints of headache or pain
• Loss of appetite

Sometimes children will tell you they feel unwell. Other times you must notice changes in behaviour, mood, or appearance.

Immediate Actions

If you suspect a child is ill:

• Make sure they are in a safe, quiet, comfortable area, away from other children if possible to reduce risk of spreading illness
• Stay with them and keep a close watch
• Offer water if appropriate
• Avoid giving medication unless you have written permission from a parent and follow the setting’s medical procedure
• Record what you see in an incident or illness report
• Notify a senior member of staff

If symptoms are serious or worsening, seek first aid assistance. In settings like nurseries or schools this may mean getting the trained first aid officer.

Informing Parents or Carers

Parents must be informed quickly. Give clear details:

• What the symptoms are
• When they started
• Any care already given
• If emergency help has been called

Only authorised staff should make this contact. Use the contact details provided by parents upon enrolment.

Calling Medical Help

If a child’s condition is severe, call emergency services. Severe conditions include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Persistent severe pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Fits or seizures
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat

While waiting for help to arrive, keep the child comfortable and monitor their breathing and responsiveness.

Responding to Injury

Children can be injured during play, sports, or everyday activities. Injuries range from minor cuts to major accidents.

Assessing the Situation

When an injury happens:

• Stay calm
• Check if the area is safe for you and the child
• Approach the child carefully
• Ask them what happened and where it hurts
• Look for visible injuries or signs of pain

Providing First Aid

Every setting should have at least one person trained in paediatric first aid. Follow their instructions and your procedures.

For minor injuries:

• Clean the wound with water or approved wipes
• Apply a plaster if needed
• Comfort and reassure the child
• Keep them under supervision until you are sure they are well

For serious injuries:

• Call for the trained first aid officer
• Keep the child still
• Do not move them if you suspect broken bones, neck, or back injuries
• Stop bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth
• Use gloves when dealing with blood or body fluids

Contacting Emergency Services

Dial 999 if the child is:

• Unconscious
• Struggling to breathe
• Bleeding heavily
• Has suspected major head injury
• Experiencing seizure
• There is suspicion of serious internal injury

Give clear information to the operator:

• State you are with a child
• Explain the problem
• Give exact location
• Mention any existing medical conditions if known

Informing Parents or Carers about Injury

Parents must be called as soon as possible. Explain:

• What happened
• What treatment was given
• If the child has been taken to hospital or needs further checks

Keep communication factual and calm.

Recording Illness or Injury

Accurate records are important. They provide a legal record and help monitor repeated incidents.

A written report should include:

• Date and time of illness or injury
• Child’s name and age
• Description of what happened
• Symptoms or injuries observed
• Actions taken and by whom
• If emergency services or parents were contacted
• Outcome and follow-up recommendations

Reports must be stored securely following data protection rules. Only authorised staff should access them.

Preventing Spread of Illness

If a child is ill, think about preventing others from catching it. Many settings have clear rules for excluding children with certain conditions, such as stomach bugs or chickenpox.

Steps to reduce spread:

• Keep the child away from group activities until collected
• Wash hands after helping them
• Clean surfaces they have touched with disinfectant
• Dispose of tissues or gloves safely

These actions protect children and staff from getting sick.

Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE such as gloves or aprons prevent contact with body fluids. Always use these when:

• Treating wounds
• Cleaning up vomit or blood
• Helping with toilet accidents

Dispose of PPE in the correct bin immediately after use. Wash your hands properly after removal.

Following Legal and Policy Requirements

Your actions must follow the law and your setting’s rules. In England, paediatric first aid guidance is given by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. This states that at least one person with a full paediatric first aid certificate should be available on site and on trips.

Local safeguarding procedures must be applied if the injury raises concern about possible abuse or neglect. This means reporting to designated safeguarding staff.

Staying Calm and Offering Reassurance

Children may feel scared when they are ill or hurt. Your calm behaviour helps them feel safe.

Ways to reassure:

• Speak softly and kindly
• Stay close and keep eye contact
• Tell them help is coming
• Avoid showing your own panic or distress

Your presence is important for their emotional comfort.

Working as Part of a Team

You are rarely alone when dealing with illness or injury in a childcare setting. Work with your colleagues:

• One person can call parents or emergency services
• Another can care for other children so you can focus
• Share observations for accurate reporting
• Support each other emotionally if an incident is upsetting

Teamwork keeps the response organised and effective.

Awareness of Allergies and Medical Conditions

Before incidents occur, learn about any medical needs children have. This includes allergies to food, medication, or insect bites, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, or heart conditions.

This information should be on the child’s file and accessible in emergencies. Some children carry inhalers or epinephrine injectors. Staff must be trained to use these when needed.

Summary of Key Steps in Responding to Illness or Injury

• Identify symptoms or signs quickly
• Move the child to a safe and comfortable place
• Inform senior staff and follow procedure
• Give basic care as trained
• Contact parents with clear information
• Call emergency services when needed
• Keep detailed records
• Use PPE for safety
• Extend care to emotional support
• Work as a team

Final Thoughts

Working with children means you must be quick to act when faced with illness or injury. Knowing the right steps ahead of time will help you stay calm and keep the child safe. Your focus should be on protecting the child’s wellbeing, seeking help when required, and informing the right people.

The way you respond can make a big difference to the child’s recovery. Follow your procedures, trust your training, and remember to give both physical and emotional care. This helps the child feel safe and supported until they are back in full health.