Children and choking

[sarah707]

The death of a child during messy play at a nursery has really affected me.

Any death is desperately sad but it seems so much worse when it's a child :(

The Ofsted judgement that lack of supervision contributed to the child's death worries me and I have been thinking about how to protect myself and support colleagues in the aftermath of the inquest findings.

I have written this blog - Sarah's Blog: Children and choking ... some thoughts (http://www.knutsfordchildminding.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/children-and-choking-some-thoughts.html)

The Nursery World article is here if you want to read more x

Ofsted says lack of supervision largely responsible for child's nursery death | Nursery World (http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1145566/ofsted-lack-supervision-responsible-childs-nursery-death)

[gwm]

I have always had very firm rules about the children and food. They must always be sitting down when eating....No eating along the street and no messing about at meal times. I have been cutting up grapes for years and cherry tomatoes. I won't leave them unsupervised for one second when they are eating.
My own LO will be starting Reception in September and I was thinking, is it time I stopped cutting up his grapes? It bothers me. But, I have become so 'scared' of the thought of any of the children choking (we have had two local cases here of children choking and dying...on a grape at supermarket....and meatball at school) that I think I will be cutting up grapes for years.
Of course, just to fuel my fear, when we visited a friend recently she offered the children UNCUT grapes and my own LO gagged on a grape. I know they have to learn to deal with whole grapes and cherry tomatoes .....and to be honest they probably can already. It is just my fear. The fact that I have done about five first aid courses over the years does not make it any better.

[hummingbird2014]

My lo actually chocked on a strawberry no breathing sounds and lips turning blue I soon got het by the ankles and cleared her airway while dialling 999 only got 99 in the phone and she started crying she's now 19months and I don't chop her grapes up. But I used to deal with stroke victims with swallowing difficulties so used to chocking people and I'm vet confident in my abilities for correct airway management. But this doesn't mean I'm lapsed with rules we sit down to eat an drink at all times and I still supervise them. Just sharing my experience xx

[alex__17]

I've also never cut up grapes or tomatoes once children have teeth although reading that everyone seems to panics me a bit! However I asked all my parents and none of them chop them either and kids all have to sit down while eating and I'm with them so I will most probably carry on like that. A friend's neice died from choking on a pasta twist which would never have been chopped up

[AliceK]

Thanks Sarah, your blog makes very thoughtful reading.

I am so paranoid about children choking on grapes as they are notoriously hard to dislodge, I always cut grapes up and cherry tomatoes and also sausages I cut length ways.
Each of my children have proper choked once, one on a piece of biscuit and the other on a piece of toast, luckily I knew what to do but it is very scary.

xxx

[tigwig]

I always cut up things like grapes. In my opinion this is a tragic accident. I don't think anyone was necessarily to blame. Yes the child should have been directly supervised but as we all know it is not always possible. I guess if it were me with an activity like that out children would always be supervised. But then I could clear it away and a child could pick up a stone from my big 'stone' pit and choke on that. Unfortunately children can and do pick up objects and put them in their mouths. What has happened to this child is truly awful but in all honesty I don't think any of us can ever make our environments 100% free of any risk and a guarantee that no child could ever possibly come to any harm.

[Simona]

Great sharing Sarah...we certainly have to reflect on and I am sure adjust our Risk Assessment to minimise the risk of choking
Free flow is something I have been reflecting on recently...it was widely used in the EYFS 2008 but not really mentioned in the 2012 version nor the 2014...I recall Truss saying clearly free flow was not required in EYFS...both frameworks recommend child initiated and adult led activities but free flow has to be implemented at times

One thought that has come to my mind is the difference between 'supervision' and actual 'engagement' by staff in an activity...personally I think there is a huge difference

This child was not properly supervised...or so the outcome says....if she had been seen choking someone would have acted but in nurseries not all staff are First Aid trained.
my experience is that there are nominated First Aiders but I know of nurseries where not all staff are trained in FA...I also read of settings that train all staff as good practice

Maybe one lesson to be learnt is that ALL practitioners attend the training and choking be given a special time during the training
Another lesson would be to make certain activities...where there is a potential choking risk...always led by an adult...snack comes to mind or anytime children eat ...for me that has to have a clear boundary and that children sit and not walk around munching on food...most cms I think do that
My view of course

[angeldelight]

The death of a child during messy play at a nursery has really affected me.

Any death is desperately sad but it seems so much worse when it's a child :(

The Ofsted judgement that lack of supervision contributed to the child's death worries me and I have been thinking about how to protect myself and support colleagues in the aftermath of the inquest findings.

I have written this blog - Sarah's Blog: Children and choking ... some thoughts (http://www.knutsfordchildminding.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/children-and-choking-some-thoughts.html)

The Nursery World article is here if you want to read more x

Ofsted says lack of supervision largely responsible for child's nursery death | Nursery World (http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1145566/ofsted-lack-supervision-responsible-childs-nursery-death)

Like I said brilliant Sarah

You should get lots of replies agreeing I'm sure

Angel xxx

[angeldelight]

Great sharing Sarah...we certainly have to reflect on and I am sure adjust our Risk Assessment to minimise the risk of choking
Free flow is something I have been reflecting on recently...it was widely used in the EYFS 2008 but not really mentioned in the 2012 version nor the 2014...I recall Truss saying clearly free flow was not required in EYFS...both frameworks recommend child initiated and adult led activities but free flow has to be implemented at times

One thought that has come to my mind is the difference between 'supervision' and actual 'engagement' by staff in an activity...personally I think there is a huge difference

This child was not properly supervised...or so the outcome says....if she had been seen choking someone would have acted but in nurseries not all staff are First Aid trained.
my experience is that there are nominated First Aiders but I know of nurseries where not all staff are trained in FA...I also read of settings that train all staff as good practice

Maybe one lesson to be learnt is that ALL practitioners attend the training and choking be given a special time during the training
Another lesson would be to make certain activities...where there is a potential choking risk...always led by an adult...snack comes to mind or anytime children eat ...for me that has to have a clear boundary and that children sit and not walk around munching on food...most cms I think do that
My view of course


That's very true Simona about nursery staff not all first aid trained

It never fails to amaze me to be honest

My daughters work in a nursery and some of the staff are not trained ...why ??

Madness

Angel xxx

[rickysmiths]

It is very interesting reading.

I have always cut up grapes and any other food for small children including pasta, in fact I buy small pasta shapes for the under threes. I was taught to peel fruit as well, apples and pears especially as the peel can stick in their throat and it can cut their throats as well so I peel for all under fives.

I do wonder why cubes of jelly were left out so children could help themselves and I must say there are many other safer sensory opportunities you can offer under 3s. cubes of jelly wouldn't be one of mine. I would make up the jelly maybe a bit less water than if you were going to eat it and then break it up on a tray or in a bowl for them to explore.

I thought all cm sat with their children when they ate? I know I attended a Healthy eating workshop when the free snack system was being encouraged in all Nurseries, that is a table of snacks and a jug of water and cups is left out all through they day for children to access when they want so they play is not interrupted by stopping for a snack at a set time. I must say my jaw dropped at the possible disadvantages of a system such as this on many levels! I have drinks available all the time but with all under 2s at the moment they are in cups on the table I can't imagine the benefits of having fruit etc out and available to graze on all day and out in this heat!!! Never mind the chocking hazards of it all.

[Simona]

It is very interesting reading.

I have always cut up grapes and any other food for small children including pasta, in fact I buy small pasta shapes for the under threes. I was taught to peel fruit as well, apples and pears especially as the peel can stick in their throat and it can cut their throats as well so I peel for all under fives.

I do wonder why cubes of jelly were left out so children could help themselves and I must say there are many other safer sensory opportunities you can offer under 3s. cubes of jelly wouldn't be one of mine. I would make up the jelly maybe a bit less water than if you were going to eat it and then break it up on a tray or in a bowl for them to explore.

I thought all cm sat with their children when they ate? I know I attended a Healthy eating workshop when the free snack system was being encouraged in all Nurseries, that is a table of snacks and a jug of water and cups is left out all through they day for children to access when they want so they play is not interrupted by stopping for a snack at a set time. I must say my jaw dropped at the possible disadvantages of a system such as this on many levels! I have drinks available all the time but with all under 2s at the moment they are in cups on the table I can't imagine the benefits of having fruit etc out and available to graze on all day and out in this heat!!! Never mind the chocking hazards of it all.

I remember years ago when the 'cafeteria style' snack was the rage ...children helped themselves at any time and walked around with food and spilled drinks everywhere ...many nurseries implemented it while others were totally against it
I also think it was Ofsted driven as that is what they were suggesting

I agree cms do sit with their children and the PSED opportunities far outweigh the free style system...but we all do things differently

Angel...one of the reasons for not training all staff could be the cost maybe? I know many LAs charge now but some still offer free FA...mine included at the moment...so I would say they should take advantage of that...silly not too I would say.

One other point of reflection...have you ever experienced a child putting their hand in their pocket and ...out pops a coin? because some parents do give children money without realising the risks...or put olives with stones in their lunchbox for young children...or give huge grapes to babies
I have all those covered in my policy but off I go to stress it even more in bold letters!!

great sharing...thank you all

[rickysmiths]

.....and have children arriving with a handful of grapes because they found them I don't know where from! or the half eaten biscuit consumed in the car where if they had chocked the parent couldn't have got to them (we had a no food or drink in the car rule with our children and I do with the minded ones I carry drinks with me but we stop and have them the mind boggles if you have to do an emergency stop when they were eating or drinking at the time!).

I always give food they bring with them half eaten back to the parent to take home! I then point out the dangers of bringing it into my setting and the dangers of actually having it in the car.

I also take hairclips out of tiny ones hair and hand them back to the parent.

I frisk certain children for the bits of toys, hairclips, money etc both into the house and for things like lego bricks and playmobile parts, on the way out as well!!

I used to check my son's pockets when he came out of Playgroup, he was a terror and I continued to do so all through Primary. The most found item was blu tac!

[Mouse]

It's always so sad when a child dies in a seemingly preventable situation.

While we all try to limit the risks to children, something like this does make you think & reassess what we do.

I think one of the advantages we have is that we know our children very well. We know if they are likely to put things in their mouth, if they're likely to climb, throw, fall, bite, wriggle their arms out of their pushchair or car seat straps etc. We have often looked after them from babies, so can anticipate what they're likely to do and plan activities, resources accordingly. If we take on a new child we tend to be extra vigilant while we're getting to know them.
Also, the fact that we are solely responsible for the children makes us more focussed. In a nursery setting, I wonder how many nursery staff assume someone else is watching the children? If they are busy with one child, do they assume someone else is watching the others? We know that if we are busy with one child, no one is watching the others. I know that makes a difference to me. If we're in the garden, for example, and one needs the toilet, everyone has to come in as I won't leave the others unsupervised in the garden. Maybe in the nursery where the little girl died, it would have made a difference if one person had been given sole responsibility for supervising the messy play activity?

And I'm another person who can't understand why it's not a requirement for ALL nursery staff to have at least some basic first aid training. Maybe they don't all need the full 12 hour paediatric certificate, but they should all have something that covers choking, allergic reactions etc. My son's girlfriend works in a nursery and says she is glad she doesn't have first aid training because she wouldn't ever want to be called on to us it :panic: She wouldn't have a clue what to do in an emergency, which is a massive worry when she is left in charge of a room of children.

[jackie 7]

and darling et wanted to increase the ratios!

[hummingbird2014]

Flipping eck! I thought it was a big standard thing that all nursery staff had to be first aid trained! If I had a nursery that would a bog standard requirement for all my staff!

[Mouse]

Flipping eck! I thought it was a big standard thing that all nursery staff had to be first aid trained! If I had a nursery that would a bog standard requirement for all my staff!

I agree. I also think all parents should have the opportunity to get first aid training if they want it and that it should be taught in schools.

[Simona]

The only reference to First Aid for group settings in EYFS 2012 is on page 17 (3.24) and in the 2014 version it is on page 21 (3.25)

I cannot find any other reference that all staff must be trained in a nursery...while for CMs and assistants it is in black and white that we MUST be trained

[Maza]

Of course we all know that accidents still happen even when the children are right under our nose, but, really, how can a group of toddlers be supervised from next door, even if the door was wide open? They just should have had a member of staff in each room.

Yes, Simona - I have had the 'coin in the pocket' thing too! I was gobsmacked! Always frisked that particular mindee after that!

On my first aid course we were told that the majority of choking related deaths in toddlers were caused by grapes.

[Lal]

One of the main reasons I have nannied and am now registering as a childminder is so that I can provide a level of supervision I am happy with. I worked in one nursery where it was common practice for the children to go out in to the garden on their own with the attitude that as long as the window was open so they could be heard and seen through the window it was fine. I wasn't comfortable with it as the only thing stopping the children from going round the corner and completely out of sight was a line of milk crates. There wasn't ever really a division of who was watching which area of which children which I found difficult.
At least with childminding and sole-charge nannying you know YOU are responsible (e.g. if you do leave the children to go to the loo you know you need minimise risks before you leave and check they are all ok when you get back).

[rickysmiths]

Yes coins tend to go straight through.

I was very impressed on my last First Aid Course they had a dummy jacket to put on so you could try thrusts for real. It really demonstrated how hard you have to push up. Not so hard on a child of course!

[snortlet]

My last inspection (Oct 2012) said I was not outstanding because I did not do self service free range snack. I argued that it wasnt appropriate due to reasons stated here plus a mindee on a special diet where food intake was carefully monitored. Inspector still put it in report. I do a range if fruits etc on a platter and children can choose and serve what they want and pour own water but around the table with us all sitting together!

[Mouse]

My last inspection (Oct 2012) said I was not outstanding because I did not do self service free range snack. I argued that it wasn't appropriate due to reasons stated here plus a mindee on a special diet where food intake was carefully monitored. Inspector still put it in report. I do a range if fruits etc on a platter and children can choose and serve what they want and pour own water but around the table with us all sitting together!

That goes back to a point I made before about really knowing our minded children. Over the years I have looked after children who, for one reason or another, could not have free access to food or drink. One child went to nursery and despite mine & foster mum's repeated requests that he wasn't allowed free access to the snack table, they still let him :panic: This child also needed constant supervision around any sort of messy play, but again, they just didn't seem to acknowledge this and he'd often come out having eaten something he shouldn't.

[mum67]

Can someone tell me what a self service free range snack is please as I thought a platter of various fruits/biscuits etc would be classed as such.

I am in total shock to hear a child choked on Jelly, something I always gave my own children when they were small as it is so light and soft, I never gave it as cubes, only when we had made it together in a bowl and the older ones loved to feed it to the babies in their high chair.

I am going to revisit my RA as mentioned, so sad for the little girl and her family.

How come Ofsted have not made it compulsory now for nurseries to make sure all their staff have FA training after these last few incidents of choking children in nursery settings.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention Sarah 707

[Maza]

DD's nursery did self service snacks. When I stayed for her settling in session I saw several children go over for their snack at various times of day and - you know what kids are like - they picked up several pieces of carrot before deciding which one they actually wanted. I wouldn't want to help myself to a snack from that table after that. Also, Ofsted are so hot on kids washing their hands before snacks (not just lunch and tea). Some kids were going straight from the sand or playdough table (and probably the loo before that) to the snack table. In another nursery I looked at, the snacks had clearly been out all day because the apples were brown and the carrots were withering. My daughter never helped herself to the snack table because she was she was so timid and shadowed her teacher all morning. In a way I'm glad for the reasons mentioned above, but if they had done a set snack time and monitored it then I am sure she would have enjoyed a nice healthy snack every day. x

[moggy]

Can someone tell me what a self service free range snack is please as I thought a platter of various fruits/biscuits etc would be classed as such....

This is where the snack table is set out and is left there all morning/afternoon so children can come and go as they wish. There was a fashion for this- to do with children being able to decide when they wanted to eat themselves, rather than having to wait for a designated 'snack time'. But there are many drawbacks too- depends on the setting and how it is managed.

[Simona]

The reason is that there is no requirements in the EYFS for nurseries/preschools to have ALL staff First Aid trained

The EYFS clearly has no such requirement as I have posted below ...Ofsted cannot impose expectations...they can only follow the DfE statutory framework and judge on its requirements

They are... however... as the regulatory body...sadly duty bound to investigate accidents and even death....that should be enough for them to recommend ALL staff are trained in this field regardless on which setting they work in.
Nurseries/preschools operate on different criteria and they are by no means breaking the requirements by having 'designated' First Aiders rather than all staff trained in FA


Recent deaths and other accidents should really make it clear to owners/managers that having all staff trained in FA would be advisable and may possibly avoid tragic events taking place

The inquest at the nursery where the child choked on a jelly cube reported the supervision was poor ... it did not say there was no supervision at all...I think it says there were not enough staff to supervise

It is certainly an area for improvement in large settings....hope they take the hint and avoid such tragedies in future

[fran90]

The nursery where I used to work were very hot on first aid. All staff were first aid trained and we had St. John's come in annually to give all staff refreshers and to hold classes for parents to undertake first aid. I don't understand why more nurseries aren't the same you can't put a price on a child's safety.

[Simona]

The nursery where I used to work were very hot on first aid. All staff were first aid trained and we had St. John's come in annually to give all staff refreshers and to hold classes for parents to undertake first aid. I don't understand why more nurseries aren't the same you can't put a price on a child's safety.

There are nurseries that train all their staff...while others simply follow the requirements...it could be question of cost...not just the training but the supply cover they need to put in place when staff attend training?
but the investment would be worth the money I think.

Training parents is also a wonderful idea...why not?

[mum67]

This is where the snack table is set out and is left there all morning/afternoon so children can come and go as they wish. There was a fashion for this- to do with children being able to decide when they wanted to eat themselves, rather than having to wait for a designated 'snack time'. But there are many drawbacks too- depends on the setting and how it is managed.

Thanks for that Moggy I have never heard of it before. School nurseries don't have snacks out all day only water and milk is available so why have Ofsted picked up on it for a childminder even after she has explained her reasons for not having a self service. Do some of these inspectors make their own rules up as well as our DO's? and when they file their report does anyone actually look at it because surely they should be questioned on their reasoning of things.

[mum67]

There are nurseries that train all their staff...while others simply follow the requirements...it could be question of cost...not just the training but the supply cover they need to put in place when staff attend training?
but the investment would be worth the money I think.

Training parents is also a wonderful idea...why not?

At my daughters school they have medics come in once a year and teach all year 6 first aid and the children love it. You hear them all telling their parents about what they learned at home time, we had to be guinea pigs for weeks after it whilst our daughter shown us what she knew. I think it is the sad reason again of penny pinching for the wrong reasons, I also know a woman who is a nursery worker and she said they really struggle to make resources last as the budget for it is sparse.

I agree that you cannot put a price on a child's life or anyone's for that matter.

[moggy]

Thanks for that Moggy I have never heard of it before. School nurseries don't have snacks out all day only water and milk is available so why have Ofsted picked up on it for a childminder even after she has explained her reasons for not having a self service. Do some of these inspectors make their own rules up as well as our DO's? and when they file their report does anyone actually look at it because surely they should be questioned on their reasoning of things.

Yes, inspectors make up all kinds of recommendations on reports, not 'rules' as such but reasons why a setting is not yet 'good' or 'outstanding' in their opinion. Because to meet the EYFS Framework word for word itself is not enough to get 'outstanding', it is the extras, the feeling of a place/person, the atmosphere, the subtly different ways of doing things that make a difference and get you the 'good' or 'outstanding'- but they are not written down in any rule book.

But, it does not mean that by just doing that one or two recommendations the setting would therefore be 'outstanding'... The way I see it, the inspector makes a mental judgement when they visit a setting, a gut-instinct, and then they have to think of a few recommendations to fill the box in their report form to say how they could improve.

Do you read Ofsted reports? It is an interesting thing to do- see Ofsted website- Reports page, search by setting type/location/date- read all the comments in the section about how the setting could improve... laughable sometimes, the things they say- that is where the comments/jokes like 'have to have windmills in the garden' come from!

You don't get to see the recommendations on the day of inspection, usually. You read them later when the report is sent to you to read. Yes, you have a chance to complain about what is in the report, but that takes a lot of effort and self-confidence- to be able to argue back to Ofsted. I think a lot of people are just glad it is over, are satisfied with their grade and realise that many parents don't worry too much about grades anyway.

[Simona]

if I remember correctly the 'cafeteria style' snack was very popular with inspectors prior to EYFS 2012
While some preschools and nurseries managed it very well...and it can be very good for children in terms of independence, helping themselves and recognising their need for food and drink... the settings' main concerns were that Ofsted expected the cafeteria open throughout the session...does anyone remember?

It caused various problems: some children never got any food...others were eating a lot...spillage... and food being eaten while children returned to play munching on biscuits and fruit

In schools...nursery and reception.... that idea would never take hold.
I would like to see an inspector challenge a school on that...children sit still on the floor and are not allowed to move...all that is on offer is water or juice and a digestive...has anyone seen any different from this in any school?

Personally and, possibly because of my culture, I detest seeing children sitting on nylon carpets while eating ...I know many will disagree

Most settings have now returned to the sitting down and the more social interactive opportunity for snack/meals...children can still help themselves but at least it is teaching them manners at the table...

I also think the 'free flow' took hold prior to EYFS 2012...while it can be an excellent way to extend child initiated learning there are also many disadvantages if it never has a mixture of adult led activities as well where the inspector can judge on the teaching and share an activity where both practitioner and inspector make observations?

Mum67...I think it would be a great idea if nurses and health professionals visited all settings...teaching directly to the children, parents and practitioners...one clear message for all

Parents would benefit from learning basic FA and accident prevention and basic safety for their children...use the settings as a Children Centre...can't imagine why it would not work....

...or is it just a dream? maybe the new education/health working together may achieve this

[Maza]

if I remember correctly the 'cafeteria style' snack was very popular with inspectors prior to EYFS 2012
While some preschools and nurseries managed it very well...and it can be very good for children in terms of independence, helping themselves and recognising their need for food and drink... the settings' main concerns were that Ofsted expected the cafeteria open throughout the session...does anyone remember?

It caused various problems: some children never got any food...others were eating a lot...spillage... and food being eaten while children returned to play munching on biscuits and fruit

In schools...nursery and reception.... that idea would never take hold.
I would like to see an inspector challenge a school on that...children sit still on the floor and are not allowed to move...all that is on offer is water or juice and a digestive...has anyone seen any different from this in any school?

Personally and, possibly because of my culture, I detest seeing children sitting on nylon carpets while eating ...I know many will disagree

Most settings have now returned to the sitting down and the more social interactive opportunity for snack/meals...children can still help themselves but at least it is teaching them manners at the table...

I also think the 'free flow' took hold prior to EYFS 2012...while it can be an excellent way to extend child initiated learning there are also many disadvantages if it never has a mixture of adult led activities as well where the inspector can judge on the teaching and share an activity where both practitioner and inspector make observations?

Mum67...I think it would be a great idea if nurses and health professionals visited all settings...teaching directly to the children, parents and practitioners...one clear message for all

Parents would benefit from learning basic FA and accident prevention and basic safety for their children...use the settings as a Children Centre...can't imagine why it would not work....

...or is it just a dream? maybe the new education/health working together may achieve this

I can definitely see the advantages of the buffet style snacks, but also the disadvantages. Schools are given free fruit for the children these days and in my experience it was good quality - pears/apples/Satsuma/banana or carrot sticks. I think most classes sat at tables but some probably would have sat on the carpet (I also don't like sitting on a dusty old carpet for snacks). The last school I worked at the parents had apparently opted out of the free fruit and wanted to provide their own. At my daughter's school we provide our own and the children have it outside at playtime from Reception upwards. Not perfect either for various reasons.

Our Surestart used to offer a free first aid course for parents. My hubby did it. I don't know if they still offer it though due to...cuts of course.

[mum67]

Thank you for your comments Simona and Moggy.

I do read some Ofsted reports albeit when I have looked on the family information service website to get an idea of what they do actually look for and I was amazed by one that was for a childminder near me who told me she just leaves the kids to play and doesn't do any activities such as fathers/mothers day cards, easter egg/bonnet making etc "Why should I" was her comment. Not my idea of interacting with the lo's but then I enjoy seeing their little faces when they achieve something or show me their robots with laser eyes and legs that turn into wheels (in their eyes and imagination, in reality its a few boxes with red tissue paper for eyes and 'square' wheels) lol but I play along because its so nice to see and be part of. Anyway getting back to my point, she got a 'Good'-shows she understands the children and provides good resources for their needs; communicates well and encourages their imagination! What is this the same person I heard speak those words I thought and what on earth did she make up for the inspection day as it worked well.

I also printed off the Ofsted are you ready for your inspection booklet and another about Ofsted grading and what they look for. But thank you Moggy for your suggestions. I am dreading my first inspection as I never feel things are right,so much pressure. Back to lots of bedtime reading for me I think Moggy lol

Simona I agree totally about health professionals teaching everyone, just look at how many lives have been saved since the defibrillator was introduced into so many work places, sports halls etc.

In my daughters school, fruit, milk and water is offered in nursery and reception. The nursery eat it on the carpet and reception can help themselves from the table. Fruit is free for children upto year 2 and the other years have to pay at break time. The government did their usual of Free to all and then took it back announcing it costs too much for them to provide (claiming for toilet seats or healthy children, if you get my drift).

Also I came into childminding under the EYFS 2012 guidance but do I still follow some of the old ones, such as free serving fruit etc or just follow the 2012? We never learnt about a lot of the things brought up on the forum so any advice is more than welcome.

I must apologise for my long reply I do try to keep them short but it never works.

Again I :)Thank You both.