Advice on two issues please: chipped tooth on paving stone and paracetamol policy

[lilysma]

Hi, quick thoughts on two issues would really be appreciated:

1. My dd (18 months) chipped a front tooth playing in the outdoor area at nursery last week. It transpired that she tripped onto a paving stone. Dh wants the nursery to do something about this. What do you think? Can nursery outdoor play areas be completely 'safe'? Our garden has paving stones and we let her potter around there (with an eye on her obviously, but that wouldn't prevent tripping). i'm really upset that she's chipped her tooth, but not sure what to expect of the nursery.

2. Dd came down with a temperature yesterday and it transpired that the nursery policy is not to give them paracetamol, even with a parents permission, unless they have a doctor's prescription. Is this normal? It seems mad that poor dd had to wait until I made it back from work and got her home to have calpol even though she had quite a high fever.

Any thoughts MNers?! Thanks

I worked in nurserys years ago and we always gave calpol (with the parents consent).

I was shocked to find out when DS started at nursery in Jan that they are no longer able to give it !!

Silly really if a temp is all thats wrong.
And annoying to have to leave work and collect if thats all thats wrong !!

My son broke both his permanent front teeth very badly in the school playground. I think it's just life sadly.

I do think that the nursery should check that the stone isn't wobbly or proud as that can be fixed, but toddlers trip on their own feet and if we all complained/sued they wouldn't be allowed out at all.

I think a nursery should be able to give calpol though.

What does your husband want the nursery to do about the paving stone? Does he have a specific plan in mind or does he just want a non-specific "something" to happen? Unless the stone is sticking up or dangerous in some other fixable way, then I would unfortunately consider it one of those things that happens! Toddlers are always falling over and your dd could just as easily have fallen on grass and broken her tooth against a swing seat, the play area gate, even a plastic toy. Nurseries have a duty of care but it is impossible to protect little ones against everything. My usual rule of thumb is to decide whether a similar incident could just as easily have happened at home in my care and, if yes, then I would let it go.

It is a real shame about your dd's tooth, but I think it is just one of those things sadly. If she tripped on the paving slab then something could be done to make it safer but if she tripped and fell onto it (as I read your OP) then I am afraid it is just bad luck .

Regarding the Calpol imo if a child is ill enough to need Calpol then they should not be at Nursery so I have no issue with that one....

Thanks everyone. Re the paving stone you are all talking sense and confirming my gut instincts. I'll try to temper DHs righteous anger a bit!

Re the calpol, I would have come to get her from nursery anyway, as I agree that having a fever is ill enough to be at home with Mum, but it seemed a shame that she had to wait the half hour it took to do that and get her home before she could get some medicine in her to make her feel better. Is this a standard nursery policy do you know?

Yes I can see your point. I would think that each Nursery would have it's own policy. I know that the only medication our Nursery hold are inhalers....

Lilysma - re: calpol - the new EYFS welfare requirements say something like medicines muct be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. (onmaternity leave at moment so can't remember exact wording). In the nursery we manage we still give calpol in the sort of situation you describe, no doubt ofsted will tell me i'm wrong but common sense has to prevail sometimes! In their defence they are only following it to the letter.

Think you have pretty much resolved the paving slab thing, have you seen it? Perhaps the nursery manager could show you DH where it happened and a copy of their risk assessment might help him to feel more confident. Sorry for your little one.