Statement of intent:

This setting believes that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We make our setting a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and volunteers.

Responsibility for Health & Safety isshared between all staff.

Aim:

We aim to make children, parents and staff aware of health and safety issues and to minimise the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

Methods:

  • Risk assessment-please see Risk Assessment Policy and Risk Assessments.
  • Insurance cover-We have public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. The certificate for public liability insurance is displayed on our notice board.
  • Health and safety issues are explained to the parents of new children so that they understand the part played by these issues in the daily life of the setting.
  • Health and safety trainingis included in the annual training plans of staff, and health and safety is discussed regularly at staff meetings.
  • Non smoking policy
  • Children are made aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.
  • The premises and equipment must be organised in a way that meets the needs of children. Providers must meet the following indoor space requirements:
Children under two years3.5 m2 per child
Two year olds2.5 m2 per child
Children aged three to five years2.3 m2 per child

Children’s safety:

  • We ensure all staff employed have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.
  • All children are supervised by adults at all times.
  • Staff to child ratios’ as dictated by the EYFS is adhered to.

Security:

  • Polices are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. (Please see drop off and collection of children policy)
  • The arrival and departure times of adults – staff, volunteers and visitors – are recorded (Please see Visitors Policy)
  • Our systems prevent unauthorised access to our premises.
  • Our systems prevent children from leaving our premises unnoticed.

Windows:

  • Windows are secured so that children cannot climb through them.

Doors:

  • We take precautions to prevent children’s fingers from being trapped in doors.
  • Doors are locked and only opened by a member of staff

Floors:

· All surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven or damaged.

Kitchen:

  • Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen.
  • All surfaces are clean and non-porous.
  • There are separate facilities for hand-washing and for washing up.
  • Cleaning materials and other dangerous materials are stored out of children’s reach.
  • When children take part in cooking activities, they:

– are supervised at all times;

– are kept away from hot surfaces and hot water; and

– do not have unsupervised access to electrical equipment.

Electrical/gas equipment:

  • All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements
  • Our boiler/electrical switchgear/meter cupboard is not accessible to the children.
  • Fires, heaters, electric sockets, wires and leads are properly guarded and the children are taught not to touch them.
  • Storage heaters are checked daily to make sure they are not covered.
  • There are sufficient sockets to prevent overloading.
  • The temperature of hot water is controlled to prevent scalds.
  • Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas including storage areas.

Storage:

  • All resources and materials from which children select are stored safely.
  • All equipment and resources are stored or stacked safely to prevent them accidentally falling or collapsing.

Outdoor area:

  • Our outdoor area is securely fenced
  • Our outdoor area is checked for safety and cleared of rubbish before it is used.
  • Adults and children are alerted to the dangers of poisonous plants, herbicides and pesticides.
  • All outdoor activities are supervised at all times.

Hygiene: (see Staff Hygienic Policy)

  • We regularly seek information from the Environmental Health Department and the Health Authority to ensure that we keep up to date with the latest recommendations.
  • Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene.
  • We have a daily cleaning routine for the setting
  • We have a rota for cleaning resources and equipment, dressing-up clothes and furnishings.
  • The toilet area has a high standard of hygiene including hand washing and drying facilities,
  • We implement good hygiene practices by:

– cleaning tables between activities;

– checking toilets regularly;

– wearing protective clothing – such as aprons and disposable gloves – as appropriate;

– providing sets of clean clothes;

– providing tissues and wipes; and

– ensuring sole use of towels.

– All soiled/wet nappies taken off promises by parent on collection of child.

Activities:

  • Before purchase or loan, equipment and resources are checked to ensure that they are safe for the ages and stages of the children currently attending the setting.
  • The layout of play equipment allows adults and children to move safely and freely between activities.
  • All equipment is regularly checked for cleanliness and safety and any dangerous items are repaired or discarded.
  • All materials – including paint and glue – are non-toxic.
  • Sand is clean and suitable for children’s play.
  • Physical play is constantly supervised.
  • Children are taught to handle and store tools safely.
  • Children learn about health, safety and personal hygiene through the activities we provide and the routines we follow.

Food and drink: (see food and drink Policyand Catering for special dietary requirements Policy)

  • Staff who prepare and handle food receive appropriate Food & Hygiene training and understand – and comply with – food safety and hygiene regulations.
  • All food and drink is stored appropriately.
  • Adults do not carry hot drinks through the play area(s) and do not place hot drinks within reach of children.
  • Snacks are appropriately supervised and children do not walk about with food and drinks.
  • Fresh drinking water is available to the children at all times.
  • We operate systems to ensure that children do not have access to food/drinks to which they are allergic.

First aid and medication (See First Aid Policyand Unwell Child Policy):

  • All members of staff are first aid trained. The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children.
  • Our first aid kit:

· complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981;

· is regularly checked by a designated member of staff and re-stocked as necessary;

· is easily accessible to adults; and

· is kept out of the reach of children.

  • At the time of admission to the setting, parents’ written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment is sought. Parents sign and date their written approval.
  • Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing staff to take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that parents have been informed and are on their way to the hospital.

See Accident/Incident Policy

See Incident Policy

  • Adults are provided with guidance about the safe storage, movement, lifting and erection of large pieces of equipment.
  • All warning signs are clear and in appropriate languages..

Records:

In accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage, we keep records of:

Adults:

  • names and addresses of all staff on the premises, including temporary staff who work with the children or who have substantial access to them;
  • name and address of the owner.
  • all records relating to the staff’s employment with the setting, including application forms, references, results of checks undertaken etc.

Children:

  • names, addresses and telephone numbers of parents and adults authorised to collect children from setting;
  • the names, addresses and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in case of children’s illness or accident;
  • the allergies, dietary requirements and illnesses of individual children;
  • the times of attendance of children, staff, volunteers and visitors;
  • accidents and medicine administration records;
  • administration of medication, emergency treatment; and
  • incidents.

In addition, the following procedures and documentation in relation to health and safety are in place:

  • Risk assessment.
  • Record of visitors.
  • Fire safety procedures-Please see Fire and Emergency Evacuation Policy
  • Fire safety records and certificates.
  • Administration of medication.
  • Prior parental consent to administer medicine.
  • Record of the administration of medicines.
  • Prior parental consent for emergency treatment.
  • Accident record.
  • Sick children.
  • No smoking.