Safety Policy

Statement of Intent

The Committee of Stoke Gabriel Pre-School recognises that as an employer the committee has a responsibility to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of the employees, whether paid or voluntary and the children. The committee also recognises that it has a responsibility to any other people who may be affected by its activities. In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, the committee maintains safe working conditions and ensures that all employees, paid or voluntary, are sufficiently aware of and practise safe systems of working.

This Policy and Stoke Gabriel Pre-School practices will be reviewed periodically and kept up-to-date in accordance with any changes in legislation.

Responsibilities

The overall and ultimate responsibility for Health and Safety within the Provision rests with the members of the Management Committee. Therefore the committee will:

  • ensure the Safety policy is implemented by means of a termly audit to be conducted by the Health and Safety officer, the Chairperson and the supervisor
  • ensure that all new employees, whether paid or voluntary, are aware of and observe the Safety Policy as part of their induction
  • Conduct a full investigation of any accidents or incidents that result in injury
  • Check and keep stocked the First Aid Box ½termly or sooner if requested by staff. For up-to-date details on the content of a First Aid Box contact the British Red Cross on 0845 60 61 112 / 0870 170 91 10 or St John Ambulance on 01392 20 15 63.

Risk Assessments

The following risk assessments have been carried out to minimise identifies risks to staff and children:

Electrical Safety - Appliances

The committee will:

  • Check ½ termly that all electrical appliances belonging to Stoke Gabriel Pre-school are usable and act on any problems found by alerting staff, clearly marking the appliance that should not be used, and taking the appropriate action to make safe the appliance
  • Check ½ termly that all electrical appliances used by Stoke Gabriel Pre-school but owned by the Parochial Church Council are usable and alert staff and the P.C.C to any problems, clearly marking the appliance that should not be used in the interim period
  • Ensure all electrical appliances are checked on an annual basis by a competent person

It is the responsibility of all users to inspect appliances for loose wiring, faulty plugs etc, BEFORE using them. Electrical faults must be reported immediately. No-one should attempt to repair the equipment themselves.

The following list shows examples of electrical faults:

  • Equipment not working
  • Loose wiring
  • Broken casing around wires or applications
  • Electrical arcing (sparks)
  • Plugs becoming warm

All employees, whether paid or voluntary, have a responsibility to observe basic principles of electrical safety as well as inspecting appliances before use, i.e.:

  • Ensure that hands are dry before using an electrical appliance
  • Ensure that adequate instructions are obtained before using unfamiliar electrical equipment and comply with the manufacturer's instructions
  • Leads should never be pulled to remove a plug or to lift or move an appliance
  • Switch off at the mains, unplug and put away all electrical equipment (where appropriate) when not in use
  • Sockets must not be overloaded by the use of adaptors (when in doubt err on the side of safety/seek qualified advice)
  • If extension cables are used then these must be placed in such a way so not to cause a hazard to anybody else

Premises security and safety

In order to ensure the premises of Stoke Gabriel Pre-School named as The Old School Rooms, Church Walk, and Stoke Gabriel are safe for children and staff the following checks and procedures will be made before each session commences, morning and afternoon:

  • Put in place doorbell and visitor sign
  • Check stairs are stacked no more than 8 high in accordance with the premises risk assessment
  • Ensure all electrical sockets within reach of children have safety covers fitted and are switched off
  • Shut and lock equipment cupboard doors
  • Lock the stair gate at the bottom of the steps to the mezzaninev
  • Checking the toilets and sink areas are clean, hand towels, soap and toilet rolls are in place
  • Fire doors are clear of obstructions

The following checks and procedures will be made on commencement of each session, 9am and 1pm to ensure the safety of those inside the building

  • Ensure front stair gate is shut and the sonic alarm turned on
  • Shut and bolt the front door (do not lock using the key in case of fire)

Outside

  • The area immediately outside the Old School Room will be checked daily by staff for any hazards that may affect the safety of users
  • The Orchard area will be checked by a member of staff for hazards before each use
  • The Pre-school will seek confirmation from the Parish Council that the play equipment has undergone the required safety checks

Kitchen Safety

  • Children are not allowed access to the kitchen at any time-the gate must be shut during session time
  • Saucepan handles should not overhang stove or worktop edges
  • Any food or liquid spillage must be cleaned up immediately
  • Signs of any type of pest infection must be reported immediately to the P.C.C
  • All equipment and working surfaces must be kept in a clean and hygienic condition

Environment and the Workplace

The Provision is legally obliged to maintain a safe and acceptable working environment in as far as is reasonable and practicable. Employees, paid or voluntary, have a responsibility to co-operate to maintain this environment.

Lighting

Must be suitable and sufficient in every part of the Provision through which people either pass or work. Doorways and potential hazards like steps must be well lit. Artificial lighting apparatus must be properly maintained and fluorescent lights must be flicker free.

Space

Around equipment must be adequate to ensure that safe working practices are achievable.

Heating

The Provision must ensure that a reasonable temperature (not less than 16 centigrade) can be maintained in every room in which people are employed to work.

Ventilation

Must be effective and suitable to ensure circulation of adequate supplies of either fresh or artificially purified air

Fire Precautions - link with Fire Evacuation Procedure

  • Pre-school premises are non-smoking at all times
  • All electrical faults must be reported immediately
  • Staff check the smoke alarm weekly and replace the battery immediately when necessary
  • Fire extinguishers are checked during an audit termly
  • Fire doors must be closed at all times
  • Escape routes must be kept clear at all times
  • Fire drills must be carried out on the 2nd week of every half term every day for a week to ensure all children attending are familiar with the routine
  • All staff are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedure

Equipment and Toys

  • Large equipment is erected with care and checked regularly for defects
  • Appropriate safety matting should be used around large equipment
  • Large equipment should be placed away from other hazards e.g. furniture, walls
  • Equipment offered to children should be developmentally appropriate, recognising that materials suitable for an older child may pose a risk to younger children

Supervision of Children

  • While in the building children are supervised by staff at all times and are always within sight or hearing distance
  • When using outside space, children are always within sight of staff
  • A member of staff with an appropriate qualification e.g. NVQ3 is always on duty
  • Two members of staff should always be in attendance and the appropriate staff/child ration should always be met
  • In the event that a member of staff with a relevant qualification is not in attendance, parents will be asked to stay until the situation is resolved.
  • In the unlikely event that no qualified staff can supervise the session parents will be asked to take their children home
  • All visitors will be asked to sign in the visitors book entry and exit times
  • When using the outside play area staff follow the procedures set out in the risk assessment

Departing

  • At the end of a session, children will be released from staff care only when the parent/carer is present
  • Children will only be released to another adult when permission has been given in writing or verbally to staff from the parent/carer
  • In the event of a child not be picked up, staff will attempt to contact the parent/carer in the first instance, followed by the named alternative contact, and after 30mins, social services will be contacted

Outings

  • A risk assessment should be carried out before any outing
  • Supervisory ratios of 1:2 must be met
  • Consent forms should be obtained from all parents/carers before any outing
  • Contact records should be carried for children and staff
  • The supervisor must have access to a mobile phone in case of emergency
  • A first aid kit and emergency medication for children who need it i.e. asthma sufferers

Water

  • When using the water tray children will always be in sight of a member of staff
  • Water trays should be emptied immediately after use
  • Children will learn about the dangers of water through discussion to take account of the local environment where water presents a serious danger

Hazardous Plants

  • The Orchard is regularly checked for poisonous plants and staff made aware of any potential dangers
  • The Parish Council is made aware of any poisonous plants that need to be removed from the Orchard

Insurance

  • Pre-school insurance through the PLA must be renewed annually to ensure adequate cover and the type of policy reviewed
  • Insurance cover should be checked before undertaking any specialist activities

Accidents - Prevention and Reporting

Maintenance of property and equipment to ensure personal safety is the overall responsibility of the Pre-school Committee. All employees, whether paid or voluntary, are responsible for the correct and safe use of all property and equipment in the Provision and for the reporting of any faults or hazards to the supervisor or the Committee.

The following risk assessments have been carried out in order to minimise identified risks and therefore prevent accidents.

Staff should also be aware of the following:

  • Beware of wet floors, put a yellow hazard sign up after mopping the toilet areas
  • Equipment should not be left turned on when unattended and in such a position as to cause others to trip over it
  • Doors and drawers should be closed when not in use
  • Equipment should be stored in a safe manner in cupboards
  • Filing cabinets should not be overloaded
  • Climbing onto chairs or desks is not permitted. Appropriate equipment should be used to reach high levels
  • Step-ladders must be properly adjusted and secured. If more than the three lower steps are to be used it needs to be supported by a second person
  • Correct methods must be employed when lifting or moving heavy objects
  • Working areas must be kept tidy and clear of obstruction
  • Fire doors must not be wedged open
  • Hot drinks must remain in the kitchen area

In the event of an accident, employees, paid or voluntary, have a duty to report to their immediate supervisor any such incidents; to assist in determining the cause and to help in any subsequent investigation with the aim of preventing a recurrence. A report of all accidents should be brought to the attention of the Committee.

Accident Record Book

All accidents resulting in personal injury must be recorded in the relevant accident book. There are two accident books:

  • For accidents within the Provision to children - kept with the First Aid Box
  • For accidents to employees, paid or voluntary

Accident records will be monitored by the Health and Safety officer termly.

Treatment of children

Treatment administered to children following minor accidents must be by a member of staff with a current valid first aid certificate. For training call zero14plus on 0800 056 36 66.

Injuries to children, and treatment given, should be reported to the person collecting the child at the end of the session.

In the case of any more serious injury, i.e. suspected broken bone, parents must be contacted immediately and an ambulance called if deemed necessary by the person in charge.

If it is necessary for a member of staff to accompany a child in an ambulance, the Chairperson should be contacted and cover arranged immediately.

Reporting accidents

Serious accidents must be reported to Ofsted (0845 601 4772) and the insurance company.

Responsibilities Under RIDDOR

(The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995)

Incident Contact Centre - telephone 0845 300 9923.

The Health and Safety Executive must be informed if any of the following work-related incidents occur during Pre-school hours to a member of the public, including a parent or child, or an employee on the premises:

  • A death or major injury, which includes a fracture (but not of fingers, thumbs or toes), an amputation, dislocation, permanent or temporary loss of sight, and an injury from an electric shock
  • A reportable disease
  • A dangerous occurrence, which didn't but could have resulted in a reportable injury
  • An injury resulting in hospital admission

The committee and supervisor must also file an incident report to OFSTED.

Driving Safety

Staffs are not permitted to transport children in their own cars at any time. In the case of an accident, if a parent cannot be contacted and an injury is judged to need hospital treatment, an ambulance should be called.

Lifting and Manual Handling

All employees are made aware of the safe handling of loads information at induction. If it is deemed necessary to lift a large or heavy object staff should follow the safe procedure to do so. If a member of staff is unsure about whether to attempt to lift an object they should not do so. Staff should not put themselves or others at risk.