Pyrford Preschool

Health and safety policy

Please see “Infection Control Policy” further on and hygiene practice during Covid 19

The health and safety of children at Pyrford Preschool is of paramount importance and we will continually strive to minimise potential hazards and risks. Children, parents/carers and staff are made aware of health and safety issues so that the children can thrive in a healthy and secure environment.  

Staff

The member of staff responsible for health and safety is Jen Don Carolis. Staff and volunteers have access to the Preschool’s policies and clear instruction on health and safety issues.  All adults understand the importance of adhering to our policies and understand their shared responsibility for health and safety.  Staff are aware of matters relating to employee well-being, including safe lifting and the storage of potentially dangerous substances.  As necessary, health and safety training will be included in the annual training plans of staff and will be discussed regularly at staff meetings.

Criminal record checks and staff ratios

Only adults who have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau have unsupervised access to the children, including helping them with toileting.  Children are supervised by adults at all times and we follow strict child/staff ratios as determined by Ofsted.

Risk assessments

Our risk assessment process includes checking for hazards both indoors and outdoors and for any risks in our activities and procedures.

  • Daily before the session begins.  These cover the hall, kitchen, toilet area and the outside play area attached to the hall. A risk assessment is also carried out on the cricket field before the children get there.
  • Our risk assessment process is ongoing as we introduce new activities/equipment to the setting and reasonable adjustments are made to meet the needs of the children.

If appropriate and as necessary, we decide which areas need attention and develop an action plan specifying the action(s) required, the timescales for action(s) and the person responsible for the action(s).

Windows, doors and floors at the Village Hall

All floor surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven or damaged. Windows are high up and secured so children cannot climb through them. We take precautions to prevent

children’s fingers from being trapped in doors.  The outside doors to the play area are secured to the building by latches, so they cannot blow closed when the area is open.  This is the case on the play house as well.

Storage

The resources, materials and activities which children select and are involved in, are stored safely. All equipment and resources are stored or stacked securely.

Security during Preschool sessions

Systems are in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. Please refer to our “Arrival and collection of children policy”.  Children’s arrivals and departures (if earlier than the normal session end time) are recorded and headcount checks made regularly. The arrival and departure times of visitors are recorded in our Visitors Book.  Our systems prevent unauthorised access to our premises and prevent children from leaving our premises unnoticed.  Please refer to our “Missing child policy”.

The kitchen

Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen. Cleaning materials and other dangerous materials are stored out of children’s reach. All surfaces are clean and non-porous and there are separate facilities for hand-washing and for washing up. Children taking part in cooking activities are supervised at all times and are kept away from hot surfaces and water and do not have access to any electrical equipment in the kitchen area.

Electrical/gas equipment

Electric sockets, heaters, wires and leads are properly guarded and the children are taught not to touch them. The temperature of hot water in the children’s toilet area is controlled to prevent scalds. All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly by the Village Hall Commitee. Our boiler/electrical switchgear/meter cupboard is not accessible to the children. Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas.

Fire safety

Fire doors are clearly marked and easily opened from inside. Our emergency evacuation procedures are clearly displayed in the premises and are explained to new members of staff, volunteers and parents.  Please see our policy entitled “Procedure in the event of a fire or other emergency”.  Emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly with the children and staff (at least once every term). A record of each fire drill is logged in the Preschool’s “Emergency Evacuation File” and provides details of the drill and any action required afterwards.

Outdoor play area

Our outdoor play area is fenced securely and both this area and the cricket field are checked daily for safety and cleared of rubbish before it is used (see section on risk assessments).  All outdoor activities are supervised at all times.

Hygiene

The Preschool ensures that all resources and equipment are kept clean and in good order. The toilet area has a high standard of hygiene including hand washing facilities and paper towels to dry hands. Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene and we implement good hygiene practices by:

  • checking the toilets regularly.
  • making sure children wash their hands after toileting, before snack time and cooking activities, blowing their noses and so on.
  • cleaning tables between activities
  • staff wear protective clothing (eg disposable gloves) as appropriate
  • providing tissues and encouraging children to blow their noses and wash their hands afterwards.

Activities

Children learn about health, safety and personal hygiene through the activities we provide and the routines we follow. The layout of the hall and the 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 (for example paint and glue) are non-toxic. Sand is clean and suitable for children’s play. Physical play and water play is constantly supervised. Children are taught to handle and store tools safely.

Food and drink

Staff who prepare the food for snack time/cooking activities understand food safety and hygiene regulations. All food and drink is stored appropriately. Snack times are appropriately supervised and children do not walk about with food and 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/drinks to which they are allergic. Adults do not carry hot drinks through the hall and do not place hot drinks within reach of children. The Preschool will notify Ofsted (within 14 days) of any food poisoning, affecting two or more children looked after on the premises.

First aid and emergency treatment or advice

At least one member of staff with a current paediatric first aid training certificate is on the premises at any one time.  Our first aid kit complies with Ofsted’s requirements and is regularly checked by a designated member of the team (the Deputy) and re-stocked as necessary.  It is easily accessible to adults but is kept out of the reach of children.  At the time of admission to the Preschool, parents’ permission for emergency medical advice/treatment is sought on the Famly app.

Accident/Incident File

Our “Accident/Incident” file has now been replaced by the Famly app. All staff know how the forms should be completed within the app. The entry on the app will be sent directly to the parent/carer who should acknowledge that they have seen the report.  We review this termly to identify any potential/actual hazards that may need addressing within the Preschool.

Any serious accident or injury, serious illness or death of a child at Preschool will be reported to Ofsted and the Surrey Safeguarding Children’s Board.  If the incident or injury requires any medical treatment by a doctor or a hospital, Ofsted will be notified.

Medicines

Children’s prescribed medicines for a long term condition are stored in their original containers, are clearly labelled and are inaccessible to the children. Parents give prior written permission for the administration of medication. The administration is recorded accurately and parents acknowledge the administration of a medicine. If the administration of prescribed medication requires medical knowledge, individual training must be provided for the relevant member of staff by a health professional. See “Administration of Medications policy”.

Sickness

The Preschool’s “Infection control policy” (HPA guidelines) for the exclusion of ill or infectious children is discussed with parents. This includes procedures for contacting parents or other authorised adults if a child becomes ill at Preschool. Ofsted is notified of any infectious diseases which a qualified medical person considers notifiable.  

Insurance Cover

We have public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. The certificate is displayed on the Preschool’s notice board.

Date policy written:         Aug 2011Last review November 2022