Health & Safety
Policies & Procedures
The health and safety of your child is of the utmost importance to me. Here are the procedures in place to support this
Accident and Incident Procedure
I will take every precaution to prevent your child from hurting themselves, however, sometimes accidents do happen. Most will be minor but whatever the accident this is the procedure I shall follow
It is important you keep me informed regarding your child's condition after an accident and if you have sought medical advice.
Hygiene Policy
It is very important to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. The following procedures are in place and strictly adhered to
Pet Policy
Children can learn so much from having contact with animals, however procedures must be in place to ensure the safety of the children;
Sun Protection Policy
The damaging effects of the sun on young skin is well documented. Suitable sun cream and clothing shall need to be provided by you, and I shall ensure their use. I will avoid spending prolonged time outside during the hottest part of the day, and encourage the children to drink water and stay hydrated.
Head Lice Policy
Head lice can effect people from any background, and do not imply lack of hygiene or cleanliness of the infected person. My policy for head lice is simple. No child shall be excluded from my care if they have head lice. I ask that all parents and children are understanding towards the child. It is not their fault they if have head lice.
To help ensure the safety of your child my home must be risk assessed. I also risk assess any environment I take the children into, such as walking to the school, going to the library or toddler groups. These risk assessments shall be regularly checked and maintained. I also risk assess my home each morning before any child arrives to ensure it is a safe environment.
All risk assessments are available for you to view if you wish.
Safety on Outings Procedure
Proper planning is done to ensure the safety and welfare of all children when on an outing.
Socket Cover Policy
Having read the website www.fatallyflawed.org.uk and information from the Royal Society for the Prevention of accidents (RoSPA) I have decided not to use socket covers in my setting. Research has proven that the risk from the use of socket covers is far greater than the risk of not using them and I put the safety of children above everything else.
RoSPA state, “RoSPA does not consider it necessary to recommend the use of socket covers.”
British sockets are made in such a way that even if something was pushed into one of the socket shutters there is no danger of electric shock. BS 1363 sockets are designed to be child-safe.
As well as using British standard sockets I will also give added protection by:
No Smoking Policy
In following with the National Standards produced by the Department for Education and Skills, there is a no smoking policy in my home and on the entire property.
Nobody is permitted to smoke on these premises. I shall also not take children into smoky environments, and will also attempt to avoid places that permit smoking wherever possible
Drugs and Alcohol Policy
Working as a childminder means I shall have sole responsibility for your child whilst they are in my care. It is important I am alert to any dangers and able to protect them. To do this effectively I shall not be under the influence of alcohol or any form of drugs (Including some prescription medication) at any time. If I am prescribed medication, other than routine antibiotics, I must inform OFSTED who shall make the decision as to whether I can continue to mind whilst taking them. I will not drink any alcohol during minded hours or immediately before.
If you yourself have been drinking, perhaps a work leaving do or party, I would prefer you to arrange for another responsible adult to collect your child. Alternatively you may call me and I can delay the pick up time if possible.
Emergency Evacuation Procedure
To keep the children and myself safe I have written the following procedure to evacuate my home in the event of an emergency. This may be as a result of a fire, gas leak etc.
The children shall regularly practice the evacuation procedure with me so they will not be alarmed in the event of the situation being real. Practices will be carried out on different days of the week to ensure all children practice. Details shall be recorded in the evacuation log.
If you have any questions regarding any of these policies and procedures, please discuss them with me.
- All toys shall be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure they are safe. Broken or hazardous toys will immediately be removed. Children will only be offered toys suitable for their age/stage of development
- Every morning I do a mental risk assessment, and an ongoing risk assessment of my home before the children arrive, ensuring it is a safe environment
- Equipment is regularly checked and cleaned, ensuring everything is fitted with correct safety harnesses to prevent accidents e.g. High chairs
- Appropriate safety equipment is used for the children in my care. E.g. cupboard locks, stair gates etc. These are all checked regularly
- Sleeping children are checked regularly, I will also use a baby monitor
- I have strict Child Protection guidelines in place (See separate policy)
- I ensure that the children have no access to any rubbish. The waste-paper bins are emptied daily, the main rubbish bin is kept in the kitchen and emptied regularly
- Nappies are double wrapped and disposed of immediately
- I have strict hygiene rules in place (These are listed later in this policy)
- All cleaning products are kept high up and out of reach
- I keep my kitchen very clean, following hygiene guidelines on the storing of food, keeping my fridge at the correct temperature etc.
- I hold a Food Hygiene and safety certificate which is kept up to date
- I will work with you to teach your child about making healthy food choices and about physical exercise
- The front door shall be kept locked, the keys are kept high on a hook out of children's reach
- There is a procedure in place in the event of a fire (This is included later in this policy), we regularly practice fire drills and all exits are kept clear
- I do not permit smoking in my home (Included later in this policy)
- Emergency contact details are kept with me at all times should I need to contact the parents
- Children must stay with me while outside my home. Younger children strapped securely in a pushchair, older children will either be on a harness, or holding my hand/pushchair
- I will teach Stranger Danger and Road Safety to all children
Accident and Incident Procedure
I will take every precaution to prevent your child from hurting themselves, however, sometimes accidents do happen. Most will be minor but whatever the accident this is the procedure I shall follow
- I shall comfort your child and reassure them
- I will assess the extent of their injuries, and if needed, call for medical support/an ambulance
- I will carry out any first aid necessary, that I have been trained to do
- Once the child is more settled I will contact you as soon as possible to inform you of the accident, and if necessary ask you to return to care for your child, or if needed, meet me at the hospital
- After every accident, however minor, I will complete a report in my accident book, ask you to sign the report, and provide you with a copy
- OFSTED
- My insurance company
- Isle of Wight Early Years Support for additional help and advice
It is important you keep me informed regarding your child's condition after an accident and if you have sought medical advice.
Hygiene Policy
It is very important to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. The following procedures are in place and strictly adhered to
- Children are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet, touching animals and going outside. They must wash their hands before eating any food
- I will assist children to wash and dry their hands correctly, teaching them the correct hand washing technique as follows
- Wet hands and apply soap
- Wash hands front and back
- Between the fingers, and the back of the fingers
- The thumbs, nails and wrists
- Rinse and dry
- Wet hands and apply soap
- I will assist children in wiping their noses when they have colds, and try to teach them how to blow their nose. I shall explain the importance of throwing away dirty tissues to prevent germs spreading. They shall also be encouraged to cover their mouths when they cough
- I will not mind a child who has had diarrhoea or vomited in the last 48 hours
- Plastic (Latex-free) gloves shall be worn during nappy changes, if it is particularly messy I shall wear a plastic apron. The changing mat shall be disinfected and cleaned after each nappy change
- Strict hygiene routines are in place in my kitchen. Tea-towels, aprons, oven gloves etc. are changed daily, and washed at high temperature to kill germs. All surfaces are disinfected and washed before and after each use
- I ask all visitors to remove footwear upon arrival, and all floors are cleaned daily
Pet Policy
Children can learn so much from having contact with animals, however procedures must be in place to ensure the safety of the children;
- Children shall be encouraged to treat all animals with respect, learning how to handle them correctly
- Hands must be washed after any contact with animals, the reasoning behind this shall also be explained
- Children are taught that not all animals are safe and to check with the animals owner before attempting to stroke them
- All food for pets is stored safely away from children, with the food/water bowls and litter tray being kept in the locked kitchen. Cat litter is cleaned daily and kept covered.
Sun Protection Policy
The damaging effects of the sun on young skin is well documented. Suitable sun cream and clothing shall need to be provided by you, and I shall ensure their use. I will avoid spending prolonged time outside during the hottest part of the day, and encourage the children to drink water and stay hydrated.
Head Lice Policy
Head lice can effect people from any background, and do not imply lack of hygiene or cleanliness of the infected person. My policy for head lice is simple. No child shall be excluded from my care if they have head lice. I ask that all parents and children are understanding towards the child. It is not their fault they if have head lice.
- Please make sure you inform me immediately if you discover head lice on your child
- I shall inform all parents using my service if there are head lice on children in my care, but shall not say who to respect confidentiality
- Please make sure that if your child has long hair it is tied back
To help ensure the safety of your child my home must be risk assessed. I also risk assess any environment I take the children into, such as walking to the school, going to the library or toddler groups. These risk assessments shall be regularly checked and maintained. I also risk assess my home each morning before any child arrives to ensure it is a safe environment.
All risk assessments are available for you to view if you wish.
Safety on Outings Procedure
Proper planning is done to ensure the safety and welfare of all children when on an outing.
- Parental permission for all routine and special outings is obtained, parents will be informed of any planned special trips.
- I ensure that I take everything with me that we may need when on an outing, including a First Aid Kit and emergency contact details
- I have developed plans on what to do in the unlikely case of a lost child (See separate policy and procedure)
Socket Cover Policy
Having read the website www.fatallyflawed.org.uk and information from the Royal Society for the Prevention of accidents (RoSPA) I have decided not to use socket covers in my setting. Research has proven that the risk from the use of socket covers is far greater than the risk of not using them and I put the safety of children above everything else.
RoSPA state, “RoSPA does not consider it necessary to recommend the use of socket covers.”
British sockets are made in such a way that even if something was pushed into one of the socket shutters there is no danger of electric shock. BS 1363 sockets are designed to be child-safe.
As well as using British standard sockets I will also give added protection by:
- Where possible using furniture to block access to sockets
- Ensuring sockets show no sign of damage, and regularly check the shutters are working correctly
- Ensure no items or toys are within reach that could be poked into the shutters
- Teach children, in age appropriate ways, the dangers of electricity when it is misused
- No responsible national body recommends using socket covers. This includes the UK government, OFSTED, RoSPA, Child Accident Prevention Trust and Electrical Safety Council
- Sockets are made to accept plugs which meet very exact requirements. Anything which is not a standard plug MUST be made to the same dimensions as required for plugs. No socket covers which meet those dimensions are available!
- Socket covers introduce a variety of dangers; They make sockets less safe, not more.
No Smoking Policy
In following with the National Standards produced by the Department for Education and Skills, there is a no smoking policy in my home and on the entire property.
Nobody is permitted to smoke on these premises. I shall also not take children into smoky environments, and will also attempt to avoid places that permit smoking wherever possible
Drugs and Alcohol Policy
Working as a childminder means I shall have sole responsibility for your child whilst they are in my care. It is important I am alert to any dangers and able to protect them. To do this effectively I shall not be under the influence of alcohol or any form of drugs (Including some prescription medication) at any time. If I am prescribed medication, other than routine antibiotics, I must inform OFSTED who shall make the decision as to whether I can continue to mind whilst taking them. I will not drink any alcohol during minded hours or immediately before.
If you yourself have been drinking, perhaps a work leaving do or party, I would prefer you to arrange for another responsible adult to collect your child. Alternatively you may call me and I can delay the pick up time if possible.
Emergency Evacuation Procedure
To keep the children and myself safe I have written the following procedure to evacuate my home in the event of an emergency. This may be as a result of a fire, gas leak etc.
The children shall regularly practice the evacuation procedure with me so they will not be alarmed in the event of the situation being real. Practices will be carried out on different days of the week to ensure all children practice. Details shall be recorded in the evacuation log.
- Sound the alarm (During practice this shall be a whistle)
- Evacuate the children using the safest and nearest exit available
- Take:
- Attendance record for the day
- Mobile phone with contact numbers on
- Attendance record for the day
- Assemble on the pavement outside the property
- Contact the Emergency Services
- Comfort and reassure the children
- Contact children’s parents and arrange for collection
- Follow the instructions of the Emergency Services
- Do not return to the building until the Emergency Services have declared it safe to do so
If you have any questions regarding any of these policies and procedures, please discuss them with me.