Check first
Stay calm. Check that the child is responsive and breathing normally.
FIRST AIDGARAGE
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS & NURSERIES
Head injury
safety hub
Clear, calm and practical support after a child bumps their head.
- Staff emergency action
- Parent and carer advice
- Free practical resources
TRAINED. PREPARED.
READY TO HELP.
Cool safely
Use a cold pack or ice pack wrapped in a cloth, for short periods only.
Observe
Watch for any change from the child’s normal behaviour or condition.
Record and share
Record what happened and tell the parent/carer clearly what to watch for.
RED FLAGS
When to get urgent help
- Loss of consciousness, a seizure, serious breathing problems, weakness or trouble speaking: call 999.
- Repeated vomiting, worsening headache, increasing drowsiness, confusion or unusual behaviour: seek urgent medical advice.
- If you are unsure, call NHS 111. For children under five, NHS advises calling 111 if you need guidance after a head injury.
FOR CHILDCARE STAFF
Practical action and a reliable handover
Use your setting’s accident and safeguarding procedures. Record the time, how the injury happened, symptoms, treatment, observations and parent contact.
Download the Staff Quick Guide (PDF)
FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
Simple advice for the first 24 hours
Keep an adult with your child, observe for changes and get help if anything concerns you. A child can sleep if tired, but should be rousable and behave normally when awake.
Download the Parent Guide (PDF)DOWNLOADS
Keep these resources where they are easy to find.
TRUSTED GUIDANCE
Clear advice from trusted sources
Our practical guidance is designed to sit alongside your setting’s first-aid policy and current clinical advice.
A wrapped cold pack can help a minor bump.Never put ice directly on skin. Keep observing the child and act on any concern.
NHSHead injury and concussionCurrent NHS advice for children and adultsALDER HEYChildren’s head injury adviceLiverpool children’s hospital guidance for families and carersST JOHN AMBULANCEHead injuries in babies and childrenFirst-aid steps and signs of a serious injuryBRITISH RED CROSSFirst aid for a child’s head injurySimple first-aid action and when to call for help
If you are worried about a child after a head injury, seek medical advice. In an emergency, call 999.