Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, all early years providers are required to keep a written record of any accidents or injuries that occur while a child is in their care. This record must include details of the incident, the actions taken, and be shared with the child's parents or carers on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable. This ensures transparency, promotes child safety, and supports effective communication between providers and families.
The tiney app allows you to record accidents and injuries and share these with parents. When completing the form you can choose from the following options:
Accident with injury
Use this category when a child has had an accident and the injury is visible or causes pain or distress. You should use this section to record both minor and major accidents and injuries. Some examples include:
Cuts or grazes
Bumps or bruises
Burns or bites
Or more serious injuries such as
Head injuries
Deep cuts or lacerations
Fractures or suspected broken bones
Accident with no visible injury
Sometimes children have accidents that don't result in a clear or visible injury. This might include:
A fall with no apparent injury
An object hitting a child without bruising or marks
A near miss that could have caused harm
It's still important to complete the form in these events to ensure parents are informed and a record is kept.
Pre-existing injury
If a child arrives with an injury that happened outside your setting, this must be recorded. This might include:
A bruise, bump or mark
A bandaged wound
Or a parent/ carer informs you that a child has had an accident outside of the setting with no visible injury.
You can use this section to record what the parent/carer shared.
When should I report an accident to tiney?
In the case of a serious accident or injury of any child while in your care you must also report this to tiney.
Below are some examples of serious accidents or injuries that you would need to notify tiney of. This list does not contain all possible events that you may need to tell us about but these examples are included to help you. If you are ever not sure whether to report something it is best to err on the side of caution and let us know.
Any loss of sight (temporary or permanent)
A penetrating injury to the eye
A chemical or hot metal burn to the eye
Any injury from absorption of a substance by inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin
Any injury from an electric shock or electrical burn
Any injury resulting from exposure to a harmful substance, biological agent, toxin, or infected material
Anything that requires resuscitation
Admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
A broken bone or fracture
Dislocation of any major joint (shoulder, knee, hip or elbow)
Any loss of consciousness
Severe breathing difficulties, including asphyxia
Anything leading to hypothermia or heat-induced illness:
For full information of other circumstance in which you need to notify tiney please refer to this guidance. Some accidents also need to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.