Two choking tragedies in nursery settings highlight the vital need for leaders to frequently review mealtime procedures, refresh training and ensure that all staff recognise the signs of choking in young children.
Choking on food is one of the most common preventable accidents among children, but staff need to be trained and vigilant in other mealtime areas as well – including food allergies and hygiene – and it is imperative that leaders ensure that policies are consistently followed.
The EYFS (2021) stipulates the criteria for first-aid training, which includes ‘help a baby or child who is choking’. At least one person who has paediatric first-aid (PFA) training must be on the premises at all times, and all newly qualified Level 2s and 3s must have a full PFA or emergency PFA certificate within three months to be included in ratios.
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