Health And Safety Policy
The health and safety of every person on the premises is paramount and underpins every policy and procedure that I follow.
Challenge and risk taking
It is important that children are given opportunity to undertake challenges appropriate to their development. This is important to prepare children for the wider world and to master the skills needed to manage risk and danger for themselves. This may inevitably lead to accidents, but this is usually part of the learning curve. Children will be supported and encouraged to consider the risks involved in more challenging activities, however this must be balanced with preventing children from becoming over fearful, lacking confidence, or over protected. There is risk involved in everyday activities such as eating (risk of choking) or learning to walk (risk of falls), it is important to judge whether the benefits to the child outweighs the risk involved.
The health and safety of every person on the premises is paramount and underpins every policy and procedure that I follow.
- All toys will be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure they are safe for your child to use. Any broken or hazardous toys will be removed immediately. Children will be offered toys and resources that are suitable for their age/stage of development
- I do a quick risk assessment of my home every morning and also on going throughout the day to ensure that it is a safe environment for minded children
- All equipment will be checked and cleaned regularly. All equipment is fitted with the correct safety harnesses to prevent accidents, for example highchair and pushchairs.
- Car seats are checked regularly to ensure they are correctly fitted. Children will use a car seat appropriate for their height/ weight. I may weigh/measure children to determine the correct car seat for their weight/ height.
- My car is regularly serviced and MOT. I keep the safety locks on the back doors and windows working. My car insurance is for Business use.
- I use safety equipment as appropriate for the children in my care, ie stair gates, cupboard locks etc. These are checked regularly.
- I have procedures in place in the event of a fire (see separate policy)
- The kitchen is kept clean, following hygiene guidelines on the storing of food, keeping the fridge at the correct temperature etc.
- I ensure that the children do not have access to any waste, the bins are emptied daily and any used nappies are wrapped and placed in a separate rubbish bin out of reach to children.
- I do not permit smoking in my home or gardens(see separate policy)
- I follow guidelines from the public health agency regarding contagious illnesses and exclusion of children when necessary
- Children must stay with me when we are away from the home. Young children will be strapped in a push chair, other children will either be holding onto my hand/pushchair, or walking close by me when this is appropriate. Children may be allowed to venture further away in open places such as fields, woods or parks if it is safe to do so, depending on their age and sensibility. Children will always remain within easy eye and ear shot.
- I have emergency contact details with me at all times should I need to contact the parents.
- I will work with you to teach the children about safety issues like crossing the road and stranger danger.
- I will work with you to teach the children about making healthy food choices and physical exercise.
- Sleeping children will be regularly monitored
- I will restrain a child if they are putting themselves or others in danger, for example running into a road. This will be recorded and shared with you.
- I perform a full in-depth risk assessment of my indoor and outdoor premises and outings at least annually or sooner if required.
- I have full paediatric first aid training which will always be kept updated, and first aid treatment will be administered in accordance with my training.
- I ask parents to provide clothing suitable for outdoor play whatever the weather; I also keep some spares so that children are able to take part if theirs are missing or unsuitable.
Challenge and risk taking
It is important that children are given opportunity to undertake challenges appropriate to their development. This is important to prepare children for the wider world and to master the skills needed to manage risk and danger for themselves. This may inevitably lead to accidents, but this is usually part of the learning curve. Children will be supported and encouraged to consider the risks involved in more challenging activities, however this must be balanced with preventing children from becoming over fearful, lacking confidence, or over protected. There is risk involved in everyday activities such as eating (risk of choking) or learning to walk (risk of falls), it is important to judge whether the benefits to the child outweighs the risk involved.