Focus on safety – an award scheme for nurseries, pre‐schools and playgroups in the City of Hull

Accidents are the most common cause of death to children over the age of one year. Pre‐school children are at particular risk and account for 30 percent of child attendances following an accident at Hull Royal Infirmary Accident and Emergency Department. With children spending more time outside the home at pre‐schools, playgroups and nurseries there is a need to ensure that accident prevention and safety remains high on their agenda. This paper details the development of the Focus on Safety award scheme developed by a multi‐agency group in Hull. Participating groups are asked to consider their own health and safety policies and how they promote accident prevention to both children and their parents / carers. The pilot of the Award Scheme showed that it was very popular with nurseries, pre‐schools and playgroups and that it was meeting a definite need.