Preventing accidents and incidents in a nursery setting: keeping children safe every day

When looking into childcare options, safety is one of the most important factors families consider. Every parent wants reassurance that their child is in a secure, well-managed environment where risks are minimised and well-being is prioritised.

At Grandir UK, we believe preventing accidents and incidents in a nursery setting is fundamental. From robust risk assessments to highly trained staff members, safety is embedded into every aspect of nursery life across our early years settings.

While minor accidents will happen as part of children’s development, high-quality daycare providers take proactive steps to reduce risks and respond effectively when incidents occur.

Why preventing accidents and incidents in a nursery setting matters

Children in their early years are naturally curious. Whether climbing, running, or exploring new environments, they are still developing coordination and awareness. This means there is always the potential for minor injuries such as:

• Grazes and bruises
• Sprains or minor joint injuries
• Insect bites or a bee sting
• Trips or falls

That is why nurseries continuously work hard to create environments where children can explore safely, balancing independence and fun with protection.

How nurseries prevent accidents and reduce risk

Regular risk assessments and safe environments

Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), all childcare premises must carry out regular risk assessments and demonstrate how hazards are managed.

This includes:

• Daily checks of indoor and outdoor spaces
• Removing hazards such as spills or broken equipment
• Ensuring furniture is safe and age-appropriate
• Preventing access to harmful substances or unsafe items

These checks help reduce the likelihood of both minor accidents and more serious accident or incident situations.

Supervision and staff to child ratios

Proper supervision is essential in preventing accidents and incidents.

Staff must follow strict ratios:

• 1 adult for 3 babies (under 12 months)
• 1 adult for 5 two-year-olds
• 1 adult for between 8 and 13 children (aged 3 years and over)

This ensures children are always supported especially during activities where there is a higher risk of injury. Close supervision also helps prevent incidents involving other children, such as collisions or accidents during play.

Age-appropriate equipment and layouts

A well-designed nursery environment reduces risk significantly. This includes:

• Soft play equipment to prevent injury while still encouraging risk-taking
• Open spaces to avoid trips and falls
• Safe storage of hazardous items
• Clear walkways to reduce accidents

These thoughtful designs help prevent incidents, while still encouraging active learning.

Teaching children how to stay safe

Children are also taught to understand and manage risk. This includes:

• Walking indoors instead of running
• Using tools like scissors safely and under supervision
• Being aware of others around them
• Understanding routines that keep them safe
• Following road safety measures

This supports independence while reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Staff training and paediatric first aid readiness

All nurseries must meet legal requirements for paediatric first aid.

At Grandir UK:

• Senior staff, including the Nursery Manager, are fully qualified
• At least 50% of team members hold first aid certification. Some of our nurseries (like Kiddi Caru Leighton Buzzard) are proud to be 100% paediatric trained which enables the nursery setting to be accredited with a Millie’s Mark.
• Staff regularly refresh their training

This ensures quick and effective first aid treatment if a child suffers an injury.

What happens when an accident or incident occurs

Even with strong prevention, some incidents occur. When they do, nurseries must follow strict incident reporting and record keeping procedures as well as follow an accident and incident policy.

Reporting children’s accidents step by step

1. Immediate care is given to the child
2.  If required a paediatric first aider provides first aid treatment
3. If needed, emergency services are called for hospital treatment
4. Parents are informed as soon as possible
5. An accident form or incident form is completed
6. Details are stored in the accident book with written records
7. Parents receive the report via an online form or the Grandir UK app

In the unlikely event of a more serious incident, such as a head injury or suspected fracture, or if a child needs urgent medical attention, we follow additional reporting procedures. This may include informing the appropriate authorities and completing any required official reports reporting under the Dangerous occurrences regulations.

What to look out for when choosing a safe nursery

What families should look for when choosing a nursery

Key safety signs during visits include:

• Secure entry systems
• Clean, hazard free environments
• Active supervision by staff members
• Organised, age-appropriate layouts
• Calm and structured atmosphere
• Open and frequent communication amongst the team
• Transparent safety procedures, communication and policies

Questions to ask about safety

• How are risk assessments carried out?
• What is your incident policy?
• How do you handle reporting children’s accidents?
• How many staff are trained in paediatric first aid?
• How are allergies and medical needs managed?

Transparency and communication

A high-quality nursery will:

• Inform parents of any accident incident on the same day
• Provide clear written records and explanations
• Be open and approachable when discussing concerns

Keeping children safe every day

Preventing accidents and incidents in a nursery setting is about more than meeting legal requirements. It is about creating a culture of safety where children feel confident to explore and learn.

Book a visit to your local Grandir UK nursery today and see our great safety practices in action.