2.1 Health and Safety Policy

First Aid

The first box is situated throughout the room. First Aid must only be administrated by a qualified first aider. Preschool staff must use protective gloves/clothing and all items must be placed in a nappy sack and then placed on the nappy disposal bin. The deputy manager is responsible to carry out regular checks on the First Aid box and re-stock when necessary. There is always a first aider on the premises during opening hours. The first aiders hold first aid certificates that meet the Ofsted requirements. 

Medication

Parents are requested to hand any medication to a member of staff who must ensure that this is kept in a locked box in the fridge. A consent form to administer medication must be signed daily. Only senior members of staff should administer medication and the information must immediately be recorded and counter signed on a medical log sheet.

Fire Safety

In the event of a fire a continuous bell will be heard. Staff must check their designated areas and all children evacuated as quickly and calmly as possible. A practice fire drill will be held every three months. 

The meeting place in the event of a fire: Preschool Carpark

If the building can’t be re-entered then the children must be taken to the family centre, failing that, the church

Accidents

All accidents must be reported to the manager or deputy manager and recorded on the accident forms or book, however minor, to both children and adults. All parents must sign the accident forms to confirm notification of the incident.

If any child arrives at the preschool with injuries these must be recorded on an incident sheet and must be signed by the parent/guardian. 

Some accidents, injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences must be notified to the appropriate authority i.e., the local authority environmental health division, RIDDOR or Ofsted

Food/Kitchen

Good hand washing technique is essential and must be carried out before any food preparation. Regular checks must be made to ensure all food is fresh and any food past the ‘use by’ date must be disposed of.

Refuse must be disposed of daily, and the bin cleaned. All spillages must be cleared up immediately and all surfaces cleaned using a suitable sterilant. The temperature in the fridge must be below 5 degrees centigrade

Mealtimes

All tables must be cleaned with a suitable sterilant. All children and staff must ensure hands are washed correctly before sitting at the table. Food must be served using the correct utensils and not handled. Any utensils falling on the floor must be washed before using.

Toilet Hygiene

Children must be instructed about good hygiene practice through play. Good hand-washing technique is essential. Separate face washing tissues and paper towels must be used for each child.

All potties must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use. All fluids must be disposed of in the toilet, not in the sink. Disposable gloves should be worn when handling bodily fluids and toilets must be inspected regularly

Nappy Changing

Suitable protective clothing should be worn. Nappies and all items must be placed in the nappy disposal bins. Changing mats should be sterilized after each use. Good hand washing technique is essential to prevent the spread of infection.

Nose Wiping

Tissues are available around the preschool for nose wiping. Staff must be vigilant in helping children keep their noses clean. Clean pieces of tissue must be used on each occasion; this must be disposed of immediately in the covered bin in the room. Staff must ensure high standards of hygiene at all times.

General Hygiene

To avoid any cross infection between children, toys must be washed and sterilised. 

Specific Hygiene

Following a report of diarrhoea or vomiting, all contact surfaces – toilet seats, taps, door handles, toys, chairs, and tables should be wiped down with sterilant solution. Soft toys should be laundered and play with water, sand, and play dough should be suspended. Anyone exhibiting intestinal symptoms should be excluded from the premises until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours

Risk Assessments 

Joint inspections of the building are jointly undertaken by the managers, Lianne Maltman & Peace Okyere every morning before the arrival of the children. Any hazards or risks are swiftly dealt with or removed before the children arrive. Accident forms are evaluated every month, if there is a particular resource or piece of equipment that is causing injury, this item is removed. 

 Reviewed: 05/10/2021