About Me.

Policy Intention

 

This policy is in place to manage the health and safety of children, in line with the requirements laid out in the EYFS Framework.

We are required by law to protect employees and others from harm and are committed to managing health and safety of children, families, staff and visitors.

This policy details our aims and provides the practical arrangements including training, risk assessments, safety signs and equipment so that we can achieve these.

The procedure also lists the names, positions and roles of the people who have specific responsibilities for health and safety including who does what, when and how.

We have robust systems in place to ensure the environment and equipment on the premises is fit for purpose, safe and suitable for the ages and/or stages of children.

 

Procedure

 

Safeguarding & Welfare

 

• We take responsible steps to ensure the safety of children, families, staff and visitors at all times.

• Our setting meets the floor space requirements as stated in the EYFS.

• Regular risk assessments are carried out, in line with health and safety legislation to ensure indoor and outdoor space is suitable and meets the needs of children. These assessments are designed to identify hazards and manage risks in relation to specific activities, resources and equipment. Risk assessments inform staff practice and are available to parents/carers, inspectors and other professionals if required.

• Risk assessments identify all areas of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, minimising and removing risks as appropriate whist recognising that children need to be able to take relevant risks, see the Accident Incident and Injury Policy.

• We have appropriate insurance in place, including Public Liability Insurance. Insurance is reviewed and renewed to cover all premises where we provide childcare.

• We ensure that induction and ongoing supervision of all staff meets the requirements of the EYFS and is of a high standard so they are competent and able to safely undertake their roles and responsibilities, see the Supervision and Continuing Professional Development Policy.

• We have a nominated health and safety lead and while staff are trained to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, any concerns are reported to the health and safety lead.

• We ensure suitable access for children, parents/carers, staff and visitors in line with the legal requirements and SEND Code of Practice, see the Visitor Policy.

• No smoking, or vaping is allowed by staff or parents/carers, in or on the premises.

• We provide access to outdoor play or outdoor activities on a daily basis, in line with risk assessments, see the Outings Policy.

• Sleeping children are adequately provided for and frequently checked, additional measures are in place for children that stay overnight (where applicable).

• There is a separate area for children under the age of two.

• All toilets, hand basins and changing facilities are adequate, hygienic, have sufficient supplies, appropriate storage and other necessary items, including PPE, and are always available.

• We take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection, see the Sickness Policy.

• Staff are aware of all children's whereabouts, at all times, whilst on the premises, ensuring children never leave the premises unsupervised, see the Safeguarding Policy.

• We carry out a fire safety risk assessment to identify sources of ignition and flammable substances and inform a procedure should an emergency situation occur, see the Emergency Evacuation Policy.

• We ensure appropriate fire detection and control equipment (for example, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire blankets and/or fire extinguishers) are in working order and serviced as required according to instructions and legal requirements.

• Emergency communication systems, such as walkie talkies, are checked regularly.

• Fire exits are clearly identifiable and fire doors must be free of obstruction and easily opened from the inside.

• Our Emergency Evacuation Policy details what need to happen in the event of an emergency.