Get ready, the time has come to welcome a new cohort of students and remember their names! It's exciting; it's a new academic year and a new term, with lots to look forward to.
The start of a new academic year brings fresh energy – and, unfortunately, a spike in minor injuries.
Let's list what we know:
✅ Children are readjusting to routines, some old, some new.
✅ New environments and social settings can be common areas where accidents increase in September. Free periods in your sixth form areas or your shiny new Bunsen burners in Year 7 classrooms - I'm looking at you!
✅ Understanding the most frequent injuries during this period and how to prevent them can help reduce risk, save admin time, and keep pupils safe.
Here are the four most common injuries in the first month of term and what we can do to prevent them!
The issue:
(We call it an issue, but it's not really, because we love energy in our students)
➡️ Pupils of all ages tend to come back to school with plenty of pent-up energy. For this part, we'll call them Duracell batteries!
➡️ That energy is released at full throttle at break and lunchtime, leading to slips, trips, and tumbles on hard surfaces or uneven ground.
Those new school shoes aren't going to run in themselves, and those trousers or tights certainly could do with a scuff or rip on day one - not!
Why not try:
💭 Conduct a quick post-summer playground risk audit. Sounds thrilling, but look for loose tarmac, moss, puddling or tripping hazards.
💭 Reiterate playground rules in assemblies or tutor time, especially around running in designated areas only.
💭 Consider zoning playgrounds or assigning staff to hotspots where incidents regularly occur (data from Medical Tracker can help identify these).
The issue:
➡️ Whether it's new pupils unfamiliar with their surroundings or hurried transitions between lessons, fingers frequently get caught in classroom and corridor doors early in the term.
Why not try:
💭 Ensure door hinge protectors are in place, especially for doors used by early years and KS1.
💭 Remind pupils to use safe doors (open slowly, don’t crowd exits).
💭 Consider staggered transition times to reduce corridor congestion.
Disclaimer: We know hinge protectors are not new, and 'reminding pupils' to do anything is easier said than done.
So, below is a poster you could use to put on the door and an Amazon link for some hinge protectors.
The issue:
➡️ With PE returning full swing after the summer, students may be less conditioned and more prone to sprains and minor sports injuries.
Why not try:
💭 Encourage thorough warm-ups and cooldowns, especially in the first few weeks.
💭 Ask PE staff to report any recurring injury patterns – it might point to curriculum or equipment issues.
The issue:
➡️ A new school year may introduce new foods, classroom materials, or environmental changes that can trigger allergies – particularly in younger or newly enrolled students.
Why not try:
💭 Ensure pupil medical and allergy info is current and that EpiPens/inhalers are accessible and checked.
💭 Brief all staff – not just the first-aid team – on key pupil allergies.
💭 Display visual reminders in canteens and classrooms for allergen awareness.
💭 Stay vigilant. Research has shown that school allergy awareness is not where it should be. This isn't anyone's fault, but that's where we are, and fatalities are a byproduct of this lack of awareness.
Most of these injuries are minor and preventable. Reviewing previous first-aid records can help you spot patterns specific to your school, helping you adapt your environment and routines before accidents happen.
🟢 Top Tip: If you’re using Medical Tracker, run a quick report on last year’s September incidents. Use this data to brief staff or tweak risk management strategies.