Policy statement

Our 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.

  • We aim to make children, parents, staff and volunteers 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.
  • The members of staff responsible for health and safety is:

    Sam Lavender and Joanne Fern

  • They are competent to carry out these responsibilities.
  • They have undertaken health and safety training and regularly their knowledge and understanding.
  • We display the necessary health and safety poster in: 

   On the door

Insurance cover

We have public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. The certificate for public liability insurance is displayed:

    On the Communication display board located in the hallway

Procedures

Awareness raising

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • We operate a no-smoking policy.
  • Children are made aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.

Safety of adults

  • Adults are provided with guidance about the safe storage, movement, lifting and erection of large pieces of equipment.
  • When adults need to reach up to store equipment or to change light bulbs, they are provided with safe equipment to do so.
  • All warning signs are clear and in appropriate languages.
  • Adults do not remain in the building on their own or leave on their own after dark.
  • The sickness of staff and their involvement in accidents is recorded. The records are reviewed termly to identify any issues that need to be addressed.
  • We keep all cleaning chemicals in their original containers.

Windows

  • Low level windows are made from materials that prevent accidental breakage or are made safe.
  • Windows above the ground floor are secured so that children cannot climb through them.

Doors

  • We take precautions to prevent children’s fingers from being trapped in doors.

Floors

  • All floor surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven, wet or damaged.

Electrical/gas equipment

  • All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly.
  • Our boiler/electrical switch gear/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.
  • 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, which are used by the children, 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.
  • Where water can form a pool on equipment, it is emptied before children start playing outside.
  • All outdoor activities are supervised at all times.

Hygiene

  • We seek information from the Health Protection Agency 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, which includes the play room(s), kitchen, toilets and nappy changing areas.
  • We have a schedule 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 and disposal facilities for nappies.
  • We implement good hygiene practices by:
  • cleaning tables between activities;
  • cleaning and checking toilets regularly;
  • wearing protective clothing – such as aprons and disposable gloves – as appropriate;
  • providing sets of clean clothes;
  • providing tissues and wipes

Activities and resources

  • 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.
  • Any faulty equipment is removed from use and is repaired. If it cannot be repaired it is discarded.
  • Large pieces of equipment are discarded only with the consent of the manager and the management team.

Legal framework

  • Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
  • Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (2002)
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992 (As Amended 2004))
  • Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992)

Further guidance

  • Health and Safety Law: What You Need to Know (HSE Revised 2009)
  • Health and Safety Regulation…A Short Guide (HSE 2003)
  • Electrical Safety and You: A Brief Guide (HSE 2012)
  • Working with Substances Hazardous to Health: What You Need to Know About COSHH (HSE Revised 2009)

Getting to Grips with Manual Handling – Frequently Asked Questions: A Short Guide (HSE 2011)

Hot drinks

  • No hot drinks to be taken outside, indoors only
  • Hot drinks should always be out of children’s reach
  • Hot drinks are to be pushed back as far as possible if on lower surface to avoid spillage and accidents
  • No hot drinks to be put on any table or floor whilst children are around.