The problem
The EYFS requires childminders to keep a written record of accidents, injuries and first aid, and of every medicine given, and to tell parents the same day or as soon as reasonably practicable. Paper forms get signed in a rush at the door, left unsigned when someone else collects, or lost. With 4 minor bumps and 6 doses of medicine a month, that's 10 records a month that must be complete for Ofsted.
What the AI does
Tapestry's Care Diary records accidents, incidents and medication, and Tapestry's site says parents can sign off forms digitally from their own device. Dedicated reports help spot patterns, such as a child who keeps bumping into the same thing. The childminder records the accident or dose at the time, the parent is notified and signs on their phone, and the signed record is kept in Tapestry. Written permission for each medicine, which the EYFS also requires, is collected before any dose is given.
A worked example
A childminder in Lancaster cares for 6 children and records about 4 minor accidents and 6 medicine doses a month. They switch from a paper accident book to Tapestry's forms.
Before
10 paper records a month, 3 unsigned when another adult collected
After
10 records a month signed by parents on their phones the same day
What it's worth
The gain is a complete, signed record of every accident and medicine dose for Ofsted, not a money saving. Tapestry for up to 6 children is $90£68€81A$131C$128 a year excluding VAT, about $8£6€7A$12C$11 a month or $9£7€8A$13C$13 with VAT, and the same subscription covers the daily diary, observations and invoices.
How to set it up
- Set up accident, incident and medication forms in Tapestry and check the wording covers what the EYFS asks you to record.
- Collect written permission from parents for each medicine before you give it.
- Record each accident, first aid treatment or dose at the time, while details are fresh.
- Tell the parent in person or by phone as well, then ask them to sign in the app the same day.
- Check the reports monthly for unsigned forms and for patterns.
What goes wrong
- A signed form doesn't replace telling the parent. For anything more than a bump, speak to them directly.
- Serious accidents and injuries must be notified to Ofsted or your childminder agency, and that is separate from this form. Know the rule and the time limit.
- Parents who don't use the app can't sign. Keep a paper backup for them.
- Children's health information is special category data. Don't copy these records into WhatsApp or personal email.