Health and Safety Policy

Statement of intent

Sticky Mits 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.

Aim

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

Methods

The member of staff responsible for health and safety is Claire Rumens-Harper she is competent to carry out these responsibilities. She has undertaken health and safety training and regularly up dates her knowledge.

Risk Assessment

Our risk assessment process includes:

• Checking for hazards indoors and outside, and in our activates and procedures. Our assessment covers adults and children;
• Deciding which areas need attention;
• Developing an action plan that specifies the action required the timescale for action, the person responsible for the action and any funding required.

We maintain lists of health and safety issues, which are checked:

• Daily before the session begins;
• Weekly; termly – when a full risk assessment is carried out.

Insurance Cover

• We have public liability cover.

Awareness rasing

• Our induction training for staff and volunteers include a clear explanation of health and safety issues so that all adults are able to adhere to our policies and understand their share responsibility for heath 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 place.
• 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 have a no smoking policy.
• Children are made aware of Health and Safety issues through discussion, planned activates and routines.

Children's 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.
• Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults must be present.

Security

• Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. The times of the children's arrivals and departures are recorded.
• The arrival and departure times of adults –staff, volunteers and visitors-are recorded.
• Our system prevents unauthorised access to our premises.
• Our systems prevent children from leaving our premises unnoticed.
• The personal possessions of staff and volunteers are securely stored during sessions.

Windows

• Windows are protected from accidental breakage or vandalism from people outside the buildings.

Doors

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

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 washing up.
• Cleaning materials and other dangerous materials are stored out of children reach.
• When children take part in cooking activates they:
  • Are supervised at all times;
  • Are kept away from hot surfaces and hot water
  • Do not have unsupervised access to electrical equipment.
  • They wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap.

Electrical/gas equipment

• All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly.
• Our boiler/electrical 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 from which children select are stored safely.
• All equipment and resources are stored or stacked safely to prevent them accidentally falling or collapsing.

Outside area

• Outdoor area is securely fenced.
• Our outdoor area is checked for safety and cleaned 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 actives are supervised at all times.

Hygiene

• We regularly seek information from the Environmental Health Department and the Health Authority to ensure we keep up to date with latest recommendation.
• Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene.
• We have a daily cleaning routine for the setting which includes kitchen, rest area, play room, toilet 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 the disposal of nappies.
• We implement good hygiene practices by:
  • Cleaning tables between activities
  • Checking toilets regularly
  • Wearing protective clothing-such as disposable aprons and gloves-as appropriate.
  • Providing sets of clean clothes
  • Providing tissues and wipes
  • Ensuring sole use of flannels and towels.

Activities

• Before purchasing or loaning, equipment all 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 who are sleeping are checked regularly.
• Children learn about health, safety and personal hygiene through the activies we provide and the routines we follow.

Food and drink

• Staff that prepare and handle food receive appropriate training and understanding – and comply with – food safety and hygiene regulations.
• All food and drink is stored appropriately.
• Adults do not carry hot drinks through the lay area, and do not place hot drinks within reach of children.
• Snack and meal times are set appropriately and children do not walk around with food or 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/drink to which they are allergic.

Outings and visits

• We have agreed procedures for the safe conduct of outings.
• Parents sign a general consent form on registration for their children to be taken out as part of their daily activities of the setting.
• Parents always sign consent forms before major outings.
• A risk assessment is carried out before an outing takes place.
• Our adult to child ratio is high, normally one adult to two children.
• Named children are assigned to individual staff to ensure each child is individually supervised and to ensure no child gets lost and that there is no unauthorized access to children.
• Outings are recorded in an outings record book stating.
  • The date and item of outing
  • The venue and mode of transport
  • Names of staff assigned to named children
  • Time of return.
• Staff take a mobile phone on outings, and supplies tissues, wipe, pants etc as well as a mini first aid pack, a snack and water. The amount of equipment will vary and be consistent with the venue and the number of children as well as how long they will be out for.
• Records are kept of the vehicles used to transport children, with named drivers appropriate insurance cover.
• A minimum of two staff should accompany children on outings and a minimum of two staff should remain behind with the rest of the children.

Missing children

If a child goes missing from the setting

• The person I charge will carry out a thorough search of the building and garden.
• The register is checked to make sure no other child has also gone astray.
• Doors and gates are checked to see if there has been a breach of security whereby a child could have wandered out.
• The manager talks to staff to establish what happened. if the child is not found the parent is contracted and the missing child is reported to the police.

If a child goes missing from an outing where parents are not attending and responsible for their own child, the setting ensures that there is a procedure that is followed.

• As soon as it is noticed that a child is missing, staff on the outing as children to stand with their designated person and carry out a headcount to ensure that no other child has gone astray. One staff searches the immediate vicinity but does not search beyond that point.
• The person in charge is informed, if s/he is not on the outing and makes his/her way to the venue to aid the search and to be the point of contact for the police as well as support staff.
• Staff take the remaining children back to the setting.
• The manager contacts the child's parent who makes their way to the setting or outing venue as agreed with the manager.
• The staff contact the police using the mobile phone and report the child missing.
• In an indoor venue, the staff contact the venue's security who will handle the search and contact the police if the child is not found.
• The manager contacts the owner who comes down as soon as possible.

The investigation

• The manager and owner carries out a full investigation taking written statements from all the staff present at the time, or who were on the outing.
• The key person/staff writes an incident report detailing:
  • The date and time of the report; what staff/children were in the group/outing;
  • When the child was last seen in the group/outing;
  • What has taken place in the group/outing since then;
  • The time it is estimated that the child went missing.
• A conclusion is drawn as to how the breach of security happened.
• If the incident warrants a police investigation all staff co-operate fully. In this case the police handle all aspects of the investigation, including interviewing staff. Social services may be involved if it seems likely that there is a child protection issue to address.
• Ofsted is informed.

Animals

• Animals visiting the setting are free from disease and safe to be with children, and do not pose a health risk.
• Children wash their hands after contact with animals.
• Outdoor foot wear worn to visit farms are cleaned of mud and debris and should not be worn indoors.

Fire safety

• Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from the inside.
• Smoke dectors/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 premises;
  • Explained to new members of staff, volunteers and parents;
  • Practiced regularly at least once every half term.
• Records are kept of fire drills.

First aid and medication

At least one member of staff with current first aid training is on the premises or on an outing at any one time. The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children.

Our first aid kit:

• Complies with 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;
• 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.

Our accident forms:

• Are kept safely and accessibly;
• All staff and volunteers know where it is kept and how to complete it; is reviewed at least half termy to identify any potential or actual hazards.

Ofsted is notified of any injury requiring treatment by a general practitioner or hospital doctor, or the death of a child or adult.

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 using a format for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence.

Dealing with Incidents

We meet legal requirements for the safety of our employees by completing with RIDDOR. We report to the Health and Safety Executive.

• An accident to a member of staff requiring treatment by a general practitioner or hospital
• Any dangerous occurrence. 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.
• Any dangerous occurrence is recorded in our Incident book.

Our incident book

• We keep an incident book for recording incidents including those that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive as above.
• These incidents include:
  • Break in, burglary, theft of personal or the setting's property;
  • 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 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 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 be recorded.
• In the unlikely event of a terrorist attack we follow the advice of the emergency services with regard to evacuation, medical aid and contacting the children's families. Our 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 event of a child dying on the premises, for example, through cot death in case of a babe, or any means involving an older child, 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.

Administration of medication

• Only prescribed medication may be administered. It must be in-date and prescribed for the current condition.
• Children taking prescribed medication must be well enough to attend the setting.
• Children's prescribed drugs are stored in their original containers, are clearly labeled and are inaccessible to children.
• Parents give prior written permission for the administration of medication. This states the name of the child, name/s of parent(s); date the medication starts, the name of the medication, the dose and times, or how and when the medication is to be administered.
• The administration is recorded accurately each time it is given and is signed by staff. Parents sign the record book to acknowledge the administration of medicine.
• If the administration of prescribed medicine requires medical knowledge, individual training is provided by a health professional.

Sickness

Our policy for exclusion of ill or infectious children is discussed with parents. This includes procedures for contacting parents-or other autherised adults-if a child becomes ill while in the setting.

• We do not provide care for the children who are unwell, have a temperature, or sickness and diarrhoea, or who have an infectious disease.
• Children with headlice are excluded, and must be treated to remedy the condition.
• Parents are notified if there is a case of headlice in the setting.
• Parents are notified if there is and infectious disease, such as chicken pox.
• HIV may affect children or families attending the setting. Staff may or may not be informed.
• Children and families are not excluded because of HIV.
• Good hygiene practiced concerning the cleaning of any spilled bodily fluids is carried out at all times.
• Ofsted is notified of any infectious diseases that a qualify medical practitioner considers notifiable.

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.
• 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 t identify any issues that need to be addressed.

Records

In accordance with the National Standards for day care, we keep records of:

Adults

• Names and address of all staff on the premises, including temporary staff who work with the children or who have substainal 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, address and telephone numbers of parents and adults authorised to collect children from the setting;
• The names and address and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in case of children's illness or accident;
• The allergies, dietary requirements and illness of individual children;
• The times and 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:

National standard 6: safety

• Risk assessment
• Record of visitors
• Fire safety procedures.
• Fire safety records and certificates.
• Operational procedures for outings.
• Vehicles records including and insurance.
• List of named drivers.

National Standard 7: health

• Administration of medication.
• Prior parental consent to administer medicine.
• Record of administration of medicines.
• Prior parental consent for emergency treatment.
• Accident record.
• Sick children.
• No smoking.