Accident with scissors at nursery

[Catscatsandmorecats]

Yesterday I got a call from nursery to say DS (2) had had his finger cut by another child, accidentally, whilst they were putting away the scissors. DH went and got him, we got some advice from the dr and are keeping it clean and covered. The cut is quite deep, although fortunately he still has full movement so no tendons caught and no stitches needed.

I am happy that nursery teaches them to use scissors and how to handle them safely, I also understand Ofsted recommends that they are available and children should be able to snip from 30 months.

Nursery have very much brushed it off as 'one of those things'. However I am a little concerned that two toddlers were both allowed to be putting scissors into the same pot at the same time and therefore not being taught safe practice and that the scissors were sharp enough to cut so deep when it was an accident and therefore I am assuming wasn't forcible.

When I dropped off this morning none of the staff who were there at the time we in to talk to. I'm hoping to be able to do pick-up tonight so would like to ask them for a bit more detail and if these types of incidents are reviewed.

I'd like to ask people's views before I do, especially if there are any nursery professionals on here. How do you think I should approach this?

I am not in a great mind space following recurrent miscarriages and am aware my judgement may be off. I also know the staff were really upset by it so I am sure if there was something amiss they wouldn't let it happen again.

Thanks

[Uniklo]

poor you and poor dc.

I would have a non-confrontational word. I am surprise nursery scissors can cut so deep. Is your dc vaccinated against tetanus? Ask what they will put in place for this not to happen again and ask if there are any issues with this other child, e.g. any pickles between the two boys or frequent arguments or physical incidents. Don't let them bob you off. It may be one of those things but the nursery still have to deal with this professionally and be able to reassure you this will not happen again.

[JinkxMonsoon]

I'm very surprised that nursery scissors were so sharp as well. Most child friendly scissors can cut paper and card but virtually nothing else.

Two year olds should not be allowed near sharp objects of any sort IMO.

[anotherdayanothersquabble]

No need to scaremonger Uniklo. A cut indoors that bleeds is not a tetanus risk. Tetanus lives in the soil and cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Those most at risk are the elderly with poor circulation.

OP, my son cut his finger (needing 8 stitches) on a metal toilet roll holder. Freak accidents happen with non lethal instruments.

I sympathise with your anxiety, concern that your child was hurt and your feelings of vulnerability. It is OK and normal to feel like this.

Take comfort from the fact that the staff were upset by the incident and feel justified in reviewing the situation with them. Ask to see the accident report which should have a description of the accident and Amy corrective action required. Also ask to see the scissors.

[ILostItInTheEarlyNineties]

I've worked at a preschool and although we did let the children use scissors, they were very blunt ones and were pretty useless at cutting anything! I'm surprised he got a deep cut and wonder if the scissors are suitable for 2 year olds? At that age they would be better off with plastic bladed scissors just to get the feel of using them.
Scissor safety was also really emphasised, how to carry them safely, never to leave them open etc so maybe they should review that. Realistically though, a 2 year old won't take much of that on board so they need close supervision.

I would arrange to have a quiet word with them just for your own reassurance. Try not to be confrontational or accusing but perhaps ask if they are making any changes after this accident or reviewing how much supervision the children need with scissors?
If you are happy with the nursery so far in all other aspects, I would leave it there and put it down to an unfortunate accident.

Hope his finger feels better soon .

[Uniklo]

"No need to scaremonger Uniklo." What?

It's probably prudent to check one is on track with ones vaccinations.

"Deep wounds containing dirt or foreign objects are most likely to lead to tetanus, but the condition can occur after a minor injury you didn't notice at the time." NHS Choices.

[LIZS]

Presumably it was noted in their accident book. You could ask to see the risk assessment of scissor based activities and make sure procedures were followed. I don't think you can expect there to be changes purely on the basis of an accident but obviously it should be age appropriate . Is it a Montessori by any chance , as they tend to use everyday household items and expect children to participate in clearing away, following rules. These may need reiterating to the children again.

[Catscatsandmorecats]

Thanks All

I'm not concerned about tetanus, happy it wasn't a risk and he is up to date so really no worries there.

It's not a Montessori but they do have that kind of setup with the tidy up, and I'm really happy about it.

I agree Anotherday and ILostit, I want to raise my concerns but quietly and in a non confrontational manner. I don't expect changes as such, just if their procedure wasn't followed that it is reviewed. Or if they think something could be done better, they implement it. They have far more experience than me!

I hope I handle it OK, I do not want to be THAT Mum. After a shaky start due to terrible admin getting him in, everything has been brilliant with nursery.

[Catscatsandmorecats]

They were really good about it. The manager was supervising three of them at the table and it happened in a split second. She showed me the scissors, they are pretty blunt, she was also really shocked how deep the cut was. We can only imagine that DS pulled his finger away as it was caught so quickly it was able to cut like that.

She ran me through how they deal with scissors and it's perfectly fine, and good that the kids are learning. Yesterday when she called me she was a bit panicked as DS was so distraught and she said so today, she obviously felt absolutely awful. Totally different the brush under the carpet I got this morning from the secretary, she was lovely and I was very happy with her response.

DS's finger is well on the mend today and he has decided that he likes plasters now. Phew.

Thanks again for helping me look at it objectively. All too easy to get emotional in these situations.

[anotherdayanothersquabble]

Perfect result. Glad it went well.