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Health and Safety

Policy statement

The Wonder Years 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 and staff 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.
• Our member of staff responsible for health and safety in the Boddlers setting is: Helen Feetenby
• Our member of staff responsible for health and safety in the Preschool and Out of School Club is: Brydie Fox (Manager)/Michelle French (Acting Manager) or named Grace Marshall (Acting Deputy Manager).
• They have undertaken health and safety training and regularly update their knowledge and understanding.
• We display the necessary health and safety posters in the Boddlers store room and Bungalow office.

Insurance cover

We have public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance.  The certificate for public liability insurance is displayed on the main board in the main entrance of the bungalow.

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. 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.

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.
• Where adults have to remain in the building on their own or leave on their own after dark all possible measures are taken to reduce the level of risk. The building and site is checked at the end of each day as a safety measure.
• 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 a record of all substances that may be hazardous to health – such as cleaning chemicals, or gardening chemicals if used. This states what the risks are and what to do if they have contact with eyes or skin or are ingested. It also states where they are stored.
• We keep all cleaning chemicals in their original containers, or clearly labelled bottles if using refills.

Windows

• Low level windows are made from materials that prevent accidental breakage or are made safe.
• Windows are protected from accidental breakage or vandalism from people outside the building.
• There are no windows above the ground floor.

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.
• 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.

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.
• Our outdoor sand pit is covered when not in use and is cleaned regularly.
• All outdoor activities are supervised at all times.

Hygiene

• We regularly seek information from the Environmental Health Department and the Health Authority 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 play rooms, kitchen, rest area, 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 the disposal of nappies.
• We implement good hygiene practices by:
• cleaning tables between activities;
• cleaning toilets regularly;
• wearing protective clothing – such as aprons and disposable gloves – as appropriate;
• providing sets of clean clothes;
• providing tissues and wipes;
• providing individual paper towels

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 who are sleeping are checked regularly.
• 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 chairperson.

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)
• Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
• The Food Hygiene Regulations 2006
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations 1995 RIDDOR
• Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, Department for Education, 2012, (revised 2014)

www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/a0068102/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs

Further guidance 

• Health and Safety Law: What you Should Know (HSE 1999)
  hse.gov.uk/pubns/law.pdf
• Health and Safety Regulation…a Short Guide (HSE 2003)
  hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsc13.pdf
• Electrical Safety and You (HSE 1998)
  hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg231.pdf
• COSHH: A Brief Guide to the Regulations (HSE 2005)
  hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdf
• Manual Handling – Frequently Asked Questions (HSE)
  hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/manualhandling.htm