I happened to stumble across a blog post from Niki Buchan from Natural Learning, Early Childhood Consultancy. As I read it I could see my exact way of thinking brought to mind. I agreed with what she was saying and more of us should consider this. I work in a number of settings (2 different preschools and an OSHC program, along with CRT work) and the principles are the same. If a child is hurt, we write a injury report. Niki challenges us to why? As I read on I could see my own practice. I don't usually write an accident report for a band-aid or a bump. Why do other educators? It seems that fear of being held responsible and labelled negligent is something that drives us to do this. I know that certainly in my OSHC setting (which is for a large provider company) my regional manager expects us to write up every single band-aid that is applied to children etc. and this becomes tiresome and families hate seeing these forms time and time again.
Niki talks about common childhood injuries such as grazes and bumps. I know that as a child I used to wear my bruises like a badge of honour and compare how many bruises I had to my childhood friends. Why is it that we as educators feel the need to justify returning children to their families with bumps and bruises with an injury and accident report form? I know that some people will be thinking that they have some families who want every little thing detailed, that's okay! There is always going to be over cautious families who want to know everything.
I know only a few weeks ago I had a child get a blood nose during group time on the mat in my 4 year old Kinder session. I then wrote up an incident report... why? To let the family know. Upon reflection of this practice though, I forgot to get the family to read and sign it and I created further paperwork for myself to complete. Could I have not just let them know? No need to worry about the paperwork. The blood nose was not inflicted by force, the child was just sitting and listening to a story.
I have found many parents to be understanding and happy with verbal communication in these types of situations. I teach a Bush Kinder program and I am often handing out band-aids to children who have fallen and scraped a knee or poked their finger on a stick. I haven't filled out forms for all these children, I just speak to their families and let them know. Don't get me wrong I certainly do use these vital forms in times of more serious incidents. I had a child who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up with a large scratch across their face from a stick another child was carrying across the space. There are times of teacher and educator decisions on the appropriateness to fill out these forms.
(Taken directly from Niki Buchan's blog post)
I would complete an accident form for:
1. Any head injury.
2. Any high impact incident.
3. Any intentional injury to the child.
4. Any injury where the child was unduly upset.
I urge you to view Niki's blog post (link below) and challenge your own thinking on risk and injury and see how you can better change your practice! As Niki says 'Throw away your accident report forms!'
Niki talks about common childhood injuries such as grazes and bumps. I know that as a child I used to wear my bruises like a badge of honour and compare how many bruises I had to my childhood friends. Why is it that we as educators feel the need to justify returning children to their families with bumps and bruises with an injury and accident report form? I know that some people will be thinking that they have some families who want every little thing detailed, that's okay! There is always going to be over cautious families who want to know everything.
I know only a few weeks ago I had a child get a blood nose during group time on the mat in my 4 year old Kinder session. I then wrote up an incident report... why? To let the family know. Upon reflection of this practice though, I forgot to get the family to read and sign it and I created further paperwork for myself to complete. Could I have not just let them know? No need to worry about the paperwork. The blood nose was not inflicted by force, the child was just sitting and listening to a story.
I have found many parents to be understanding and happy with verbal communication in these types of situations. I teach a Bush Kinder program and I am often handing out band-aids to children who have fallen and scraped a knee or poked their finger on a stick. I haven't filled out forms for all these children, I just speak to their families and let them know. Don't get me wrong I certainly do use these vital forms in times of more serious incidents. I had a child who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up with a large scratch across their face from a stick another child was carrying across the space. There are times of teacher and educator decisions on the appropriateness to fill out these forms.
(Taken directly from Niki Buchan's blog post)
I would complete an accident form for:
1. Any head injury.
2. Any high impact incident.
3. Any intentional injury to the child.
4. Any injury where the child was unduly upset.
I urge you to view Niki's blog post (link below) and challenge your own thinking on risk and injury and see how you can better change your practice! As Niki says 'Throw away your accident report forms!'