Health & Safety Policy

Statement of intent

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

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, to interact and explore rich and diverse learning and development opportunities in a healthy, safe and secure environment.

Insurance cover

We have public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. The certificate for public liability insurance is displayed on the notice board in the cloakroom.

Method

In order to achieve these aims we adhere to the following procedure

Safety

• We ensure all staff employed have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.

• Adults do not normally supervise children on their own.

• All children are supervised by adults at all times.

• Risk assessments are carried out regularly and the environment and activities constantly appraised and necessary adjustments made to ensure safety at all times. Risk Assessments include:

• checking for and noting hazards and risks indoors and outside, and in our premises and activities

• assessing the level of risk and who might be affected

• deciding which areas need attention

• developing an action plan that specifies the action required, the time-scales for action, the person responsible for the action and any funding required

• Equipment is checked on a regular basis and any dangerous items reported and either repaired or discarded.

• Large equipment is erected with care.

• There is at least one adult in every room where children are playing. Activities such as cooking, the trampoline and climbing equipment have close and constant supervision.

• All materials - including paint and glue - are non-toxic.

• Sand is clean and suitable for children’s play.

• 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.

• Heavy items are not moved or carried when there are children present.

• Electric points, wires and leads are adequately guarded. Radiators are checked to make sure they are not too hot to touch.

• All dangerous substances including medicines and cleaning materials are stored out of reach of children. Children are not allowed in the kitchen unless supervised by an adult.

• Smoking is not permitted on the premises at any time. and not outside in view of the children. Anyone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are not allowed access to pre-school.

• Hot drinks for adults are kept in the kitchen. They are not permitted to be taken in to the outside play area.

Security

• All adults are aware of the systems in place for children’s arrival and departure.

• All external doors are kept locked during a session. Visitors are verified before being allowed access. The outdoor play area is securely fenced.

• To keep a record of all those present a register of both children and adults is completed as they arrive.

• Only authorised persons named on the Child Information Form may collect a child from pre-school. In the event of an unauthorised person wishing to collect a child the parents are contacted.

• Children are sometimes taken outside in small groups of three or more for an activity that is not in the outside fenced play area. At these times there will be at least two adults supervising. If there are one or two children they may be supervised by one member of staff if it is considered to be safe and appropriate. If an activity such as sand play or play dough is situated outside the children will be closely supervised by an adult and will be in view of staff inside the building. The door closest to the activity will be open and secured with a stair gate.

• If a small group goes out there will be sufficient adults to maintain appropriate ratios for staff and children on the premises.

• If it is discovered that a child is lost or has left the group unaccompanied the following action would be taken:

• One adult to immediately search the surrounding area i.e. the area around the outside of the Pavilion; the play park and behind buildings

• One adult to check all the rooms inside of the Pavilion.

• Remaining adults to organise all the children in the main room and shut off the side rooms so they are all supervised.

• Telephone the child’s parents to warn them that their child may be attempting to get home.

• If the child lives close by, one adult to take the route on foot to catch up and intercept the child.

• If the child is still not located call the Police.

• In the event of a parent/carer failing to collect a child the following action will be taken:

• Keep the child in the main room with an adult to reassure them.

• After ten minutes telephone the person expected to collect the child. If there is no reply telephone the next contact number given.

• If after all the numbers have been contacted and the child has not been collected, two adults will stay on the premises and contact the relevant authorities.

• The personal possessions of staff and volunteers are securely stored during sessions.

 

Health and Hygiene

• Ofsted and local children’s social care are notified of any serious accident or injury to, or serious illness of, or the death of, any child and any advice given will be acted upon.

• If it is believed that a child is suffering from a notifiable disease identified as such in the Public Health (Infection Diseses) Regulations 1988 -

Acute Encephalitis

Anthrax

Cholera

Diphtheria

Dysentery

Enteric fever

Food poisoning

Leprosy

Leptospirosis²

Malaria

Measles, mumps and rubella

Meningitis (Meningococcal and pneumococcal)

Haemophilus influenzae³

Viral Meningococcal septicaemia (without meningitis)

Ophthalmia neonator

Paratyphoid fever

Plague

Poliomyelitis

Relapsing fever

Scarlet fever

Smallpox

Tetanus

Typhus

Tuberculosis

Viral haemorrhagic fever

Viral hepatitis, ie, hepatitis types A, B and C

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Yellow fever

Ofsted will be informed. Advice will be sought from the Health Protection Agency and acted upon and Ofsted informed of any action taken.

• Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they have an infection and to inform pre-school so other parents can be informed. Details on infectious diseases can be found in our prospectus and the Parents Information file.

• A child who is obviously unwell on arrival will not be permitted to attend the session. If a child becomes unwell during a session they are made as comfortable as possible and the parent/carer or other emergency contacts will be asked to collect them.

• Children with headlice are not excluded, but must be treated to remedy the condition.

• Parents are notified if there is a case of headlice in the setting.

• To prevent the spread of infection, children are expected to wash their hands after using the toilet, before snack time and before taking part in cooking.

• The toilets, sinks and floors in these areas are cleaned after each session. Other areas are cleaned at least once a week. Different bowls and cloths are used to wash eating and drinking items and toys etc. Toys and dressing up clothes are washed on a regular basis.

• All food and drink is stored appropriately.

• Fresh drinking water is available to the children at all times

• Drinks and snacks are as nutritious and as varied as possible, taking into account any particular dietary requirements. Opportunity to learn about healthy eating is included in the curriculum.

• Parents/carers provide details on the Child Information Form of any substance that their child is allergic to or any foods that they do not wish their child to consume.

• Children have the opportunity to play outside in the fresh air throughout the year.

• If we were to have any anima;s on the premises we would ensure that they are safe to be in the proximity of children and do not pose a health risk.

 

Awareness training

• Our induction training for staff and volunteers includes a clear explanation of health and safety issues so that all adults are able to adhere to our policy and procedures as they understand their shared responsibility for health and safety. The induction training covers matters of employee well-being, including safe lifting and the storage of potentially dangerous substances.

• Records are kept of these induction training sessions and new staff and volunteers are asked to sign the records to confirm that they have taken part.

• 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.

• As necessary, health and safety training is included in the annual training plans of staff, and health and safety is discussed regularly at staff meetings.

• We operate a no smoking policy.

• Children are made aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.

 

Food and drink

• Staff who prepare and handle food receive appropriate induction training, are kept up to date and understand and comply with food safety and hygiene regulations. (Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs.

• Parents are informed of appropriate food content for packed lunches that children bring to Rising Fives sessions.

 

 

 

Outings, visits and events

• Children are usually required to be supervised by their own parents/carers at events and outings organised by pre-school, such as the summer outing, Christmas Party and Sports Day. Although staff and/or committee members will have arranged the event and given due consideration to the safety of the children, it is the responsibility of the parents/carers to supervise their children at all times.

• Where a visit is arranged for a group of children outside of pre-school hours to the primary school that they will be attending parents are asked to bring their children to the school where pre-school staff will meet them and be responsible for them until they are collected by parents/carers at the end of the visit.

• Occasionally we are invited to special events at schools or other pre-schools during pre-school hours. Because of the distance we do not walk but encourage parents/carers to arrange transport for their own children.

• Children will only be taken on these outings after:

• a full risk assessment has been carried out

• Adequate adults/child ratios ascertained, usually one adult to two children

• Parents have been given full details and have given their written permission

• Drivers using their own transport should have adequate insurance cover.

• Essential records and equipment are taken on outings, for example, contact telephone numbers for the parents/carers of children on the outing, first aid kit, mobile phone.

• Records are kept about vehicles in which children are transported, including insurance details and names of drivers.

• There will be at least one member of staff on outings who has acurrent paediatric first aid certificate.

 

Fire safety

• TheStaff are familiar with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which came into force in October 2006 and replaced any previous fire safety regulations.

• We have a copy of the risk assessment that applies to the Pavilion that is rented from the Town Council and we contribute to regular reviews.

• Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed. All doors are unlocked at the start of every session but remain bolted for the safety of the children in accordance with fire regulations.

• Smoke detectors/alarms and fire fighting appliances conform to BSEN standards, are fitted in appropriate high risk areas of the building and are checked as specified by the manufacturer.

• Our emergency evacuation procedures are approved by the Fire Safety Officer and are:

• clearly displayed in the premises

• explained to new members of staff, volunteers and parents

• practised regularly at least twice a term

• Records are kept of fire drills and the servicing of fire safety equipment.

• In the event of a fire a member of staff blows the whistle three times to signal that the building must be evacuated by everyone present. The staff supervising the side rooms check the toilets and usher everyone outside through the nearest exit. The play Leader or Deputy takes the register outside and assemble the children outside away from the building If a mobile phone is available telephone the Fire Service or if not telephone them from the nearest house. Using the contact numbers listed in the register contact parents/carers to collect their children.

 

First Aid and Medication

• Accidents are recorded in the Accident Book and checking this book forms part of the risk assessments. Our accident book is kept safely and accessibly; all staff and volunteers know where it is kept and how to complete it;is reviewed at least half termly to identify any potential or actual hazards

• When there is any injury requiring general practitioner or hospital treatment to a child, parent, volunteer or visitor or where there is a death of a child or adult on the premises, we make a report to the Health and Safety Executive

• There will always be at least one member of staff with a current paediatric first aid certificate. A correctly stocked First Aid box is available at all times. In the event of an accident occurring to a child or adult the action taken would depend on the circumstances:

• For a minor injury remove the injured child/adult away from the play area and administer First Aid. Write details in the Accident Book and ask the parent/carer to sign it on collection of the child to confirm they have been informed.

• If hospital treatment is required phone the contact number and if necessary, an ambulance. If the child/adult cannot be moved First Aiders remain and the other children should be removed to another room under supervision and continue with activities so as not to cause alarm.

• No un-prescribed medication is given to children, parents or staff.

• 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.

• Each time medication is given to the child a written record is kept together with a witness signature. Parents sign the record book to acknowledge the administration of a medicine.

• If the administration of prescribed medicines requires technical/medical knowledge then individual training from a qualified health professional will be requested. Training is specific to the individual child concerned. With regard to the administration of life saving medication such as epipens we will request training from a qualified health professional and clarify our position with our insurance company before taking on this responsibility.

 

 

Dealing with incidents

We meet our legal requirements for the safety of our employees by complying with RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injury, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). We report to the Health and Safety Executive (North Dorset District Coucil Environmental Health):

• Any accident to a member of staff requiring treatment by a general practitioner or hospital.

• Any dangerous occurrences. This may be an event that causes injury or fatalities or an event that does not cause an accident but could have done, such as a gas leak.

• We have ready access to telephone numbers for emergency services, including local police. We have access to the person responsible for the Pavilion and that there is a shared procedure for dealing with emergencies.

• We keep an Accident/Incident Book for recording incidents including those that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive

• These incidents include:

• break in, burglary, theft of personal or the setting’s property

• an intruder gaining unauthorised access to the premises

• fire, flood, gas leak or electrical failure

• attack on member of staff or parent on the premises or near by

• any racist incident involving a staff or family on the centre’s premises

• death of a child

• a terrorist attack, or threat of one

• In the incident book we record the date and time of the incident, nature of the event, who was affected, what was done about it - or if it was reported to the police, and if so a crime number. Any follow up, or insurance claim made, should also be recorded.

• In the unlikely even of a terrorist attack we follow the advice of the emergency services with regard to evacuation, medical aid and contacting children’s families. The standard Fire Safety Policy will be followed and staff will take charge of their key children. The incident is recorded when the threat is averted.

• In the unlikely even of a child dying on the premises the emergency services are called, and the advice of these services are followed.

• The incident book is not for recording issues of concern involving a child. This is recorded in the child’s own file.

 

Records

In accordance with the National Standards for Day Care, we keep records of:

Adults

• the names and addresses of all staff on the premises, including temporary staff who work with the children or who have substantial access to them

• the names and addresses of all members of the management committee

• all records relating to the staff’s employment with the setting, including application forms, references, results of checks undertaken etc.

Children

• the 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

• consents for outings, administration of medication, emergency treatment

• 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.

• Fire safety records and certificates.

• Operational procedures for outings.

• Vehicle records including insurance.

• List of named drivers.

• 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.

This policy was adopted at a meeting of Larksmead Pre-school

Held on: 13^th June 2008

This policy was reviewed on 23rd January 2009