HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY 

 

We believe that the health and safety of those in our care is of utmost importance.  We endeavour to ensure that Gorseway Nursery is a safe and healthy place for all children, staff, parents/carers and visitors. 

 

The nursery aims to make children, parents/carers, staff and other visitors 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.

 

This document is made available to all parents during their child’s first sessions at nursery.  Parents are asked to comply with the policies and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone at the nursery.  In particular, parents are requested to enter and depart the building with care and attention. 

 

A Health and Safety poster is displayed inside the door to the storeroom.  Gorseway Nursery School holds a Public and Employer’s Liability Insurance and this is on display in the entrance hall. 

 

The Health and Safety Officer is Mrs Paula Hensby and is responsible for recording any concerns regarding health and safety in the nursery. 

 

RAISING AWARENESS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY 

 

Health and safety issues are explained to the parents of new children so that they understand the part they play in the daily life of the nursery.  Children are made aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines. 

 

All staff are made aware of health and safety, fire and safeguarding procedures at their induction training and have attended or are in the process of the appropriate training. 

 

SECURITY 

 

Both outside areas are secure and are supervised by staff at all times when the children are present. 

 

All windows have locks and all doors are designed that they cannot be opened from the outside.  There is one entrance into the nursery, which is manned at the beginning and the end of the nursery sessions. 

 

The personal possessions of staff and volunteers are securely stored during the nursery sessions. 

 

Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of the children.  Only staff will open the door to admit/let out the adults or children.  We will only release children into the care of individuals who have been notified to the nursery by the parent and we will ensure that children no not leave the premises unsupervised.  We have measures in place to prevent unauthorised persons entering the premises and have an agreed procedure of checking the identity of visitors.

 

 

SMOKING, VAPING AND E-CIGARETTES

 

We have a strict no smoking policy.  There is to be no smoking, vaping or use of e-cigarettes on the premises, by any person, at any time.  The garden and playground are also strictly no smoking areas. 

                                                                                                                        

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES OF CHILDREN

 

It is the policy of the nursery to give a warm welcome to each adult and child on their arrival. Parents/carers are requested to pass the care of their child on to a member of staff in the entrance hall.  Any specific information provided by the parents/carers e.g. who is picking up etc, should be recorded in the messages book in the entrance hall and passed on to the relevant member/s of staff.  No child should be handed over to anyone other than the known parent/carer unless prior permission and identification has been recorded.  If in doubt, the person’s identity will be checked by telephoning the child’s parent or other contact number. 

 

If a parent/carer requests their child is to be given medicine during the day, the staff member must ensure that the medication procedure is followed (see Medication page 13). 

Parents are also required to report to the nursery any accident that their child may have had outside of the nursery, either at home or outside of the home.  The parents are asked to give a brief written report, fill in a body map to show where injury is, to date and sign in the Incident at Home Book, situated in the cupboard in the entrance hall. 

 

The child then proceeds to the specified arrival room (Quiet Room/Craft Room or Big Playroom); the staff member receiving the child will record his/her arrival in the register.  On departure from the nursery the register must be immediately marked to show that the child has left the premises. 

 

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES OF VISITORS 

 

For arrivals and departures of visitors, the appropriate entries of arrival and departure must be made in the Visitor’s Book.  All staff are aware that a Visitor’s Book is kept and all visitors are required to sign in and out.   

 

ADULTS ARRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS 

 

The nursery’s prime focus is the care and safety of the children it cares for.  If an adult arrives to collect, whether this is the parent/carer or designated adult and they are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a senior member of staff on duty will assess whether the child’s safety and welfare will be compromised if released into the person’s care. 

 

The decision will be discussed with the adult and where required an additional named adult from the contact’s list will be contacted to collect the child or this will be referred to the duty social care worker if this is not possible.  During this time another member of staff will care for the child so they are able to remain calm and engaged in play.

 

CHILDREN MISSING FROM THE PREMISES 

 

Children are not permitted to leave the premises unless accompanied by their parent/carer or a specified adult.

 

Our safety systems prevent children leaving the nursery unnoticed; in the event of a missing child the following procedure will be followed. 

 

If a child were to be seen leaving the premises unaccompanied, a member of staff would instantly fetch them back and explain why it is important to wait for an adult before going out.  The parent/carer would be informed of the incident. 

 

If a child was discovered to be missing from the group and no member of staff was aware of them leaving, a search would instantly be instigated.  The building would be searched to ensure the child was not still on the premises.  All exits would be checked to ascertain where the child may have left the building and to ensure the safety of the remaining children. 

 

A quick search would be made of the area surrounding the premises.  If a child still could not be found, the Police and the parent/carer would be informed whilst continuing the search. 

 

UNCOLLECTED CHILDREN 

 

All children must be collected by the parent/carer within 10 minutes of the agreed finishing time.  In the case of an unexpected and unavoidable delay, a telephone call must be made to the nursery school so that alternative arrangements can be made.

 

If a child has not been collected and there has been no telephone message, the child’s emergency contacts will be telephoned and the child will be sent home with one of these nominated carers.  A message, either by telephone or written, will be left for the parent notifying them of the whereabouts of their child. 

 

Until satisfactory arrangements for the safety of the child have been made, a member of staff on the nursery premises will care for the child. 

 

In the event that no nominated carer can be contacted, Social Services will be called for them to collect and care for the child. 

 

SLEEPING CHILDREN

 

Sleeping children will be checked every 10 minutes to ensure that they are safe. The member of staff that is getting the child to sleep will also be checked by another member of staff periodically. Being safe includes ensuring cots and bedding are in good condition and suited to the age of the child and that infants are placed down to sleep safely in line with the latest government safety guidance.  There is a separate baby room for children under the age of 2 years old.

 

 

 

 

TOILETS/HAND BASINS

 

Nurseries must ensure that there is an adequate number of toilets and hand basins available.  There is a separate adult toilet.  There are suitable hygienic changing facilities for changing any children who are in nappies and an adequate supply of clean bedding, towels, spare clothes and any other necessary items is always available.  Please refer to the separate Nappy Changing Policy.

 

RECORD KEEPING 

 

Providers must maintain records; they should be easily accessible (these may be kept securely off the premises).  Confidential information and records about staff and children must be held securely and only accessible and available to those who have a right or professional need to see them.  Providers must be aware of their responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR 2018).  Please see this in the Safeguarding Policy page 13.

 

All information is treated with the utmost confidentiality and records are kept where only the staff can access them.  Staff must ensure that they understand the need to protect the privacy of the children in their care as well as the legal requirements that exist to ensure that information relating to the child is handled in a way that ensures confidentiality.  Parents and carers must be given access to all records about their child, providing that no relevant exemptions apply to their disclosure under the Data Protection Act 2018.  For help with what information to disclose please see the Seven Golden Rules for Information Sharing Appendix 13 page 31 of the Safeguarding Policy.

 

A key worker keeps a record of progress of each individual child.  These records are confidential and are only shared with the parent/carer. 

 

All other records are kept in the Supervisor’s office or private cupboard and are not accessed by unauthorised persons. 

 

When outside agencies or professionals need to be involved with the child, full written consent will be obtained from the parent/carer.

 

STAFFING

 

All members of staff either have been, or are currently undergoing checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

 

Volunteers and students will not be left alone with the children nor will they be asked to assist the children with their toileting needs.

 

The group is registered for up to 30 children per session.  The statutory staffing ratio is always maintained and when possible more staff than required are available. Should a member or staff be sick or absent for any reason the statutory adult to child ratio is always maintained.  Should more than one person be absent current or former members of staff can be called upon.

 

The majority of staff are qualified.  All are willing to attend workshops or training sessions. 

 

BABYSITTING 

 

If requested, staff are permitted to baby sit for parents/carers on the understanding that it is on a professional standing and that parents are aware that our safeguarding policy applies both in and out of the nursery. 

 

ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT 

 

Children are encouraged to access toys and equipment on open shelves below head height (approximately 3 foot).  These items are all selected for suitability and checked regularly for safety.  Any broken toys will be withdrawn.  Children are not permitted to throw toys, sand other unsuitable items. 

 

Adults only may access equipment stored on higher shelves.  Equipment will be stored safely and tidily. The adult must use suitable steps if the height of the shelf is beyond comfortable reach. 

 

Children are not permitted to open drawers or close cupboard doors.  Floors will be kept as clear as children’s activities permit.

 

Children are supervised when using physical play equipment. 

 

Children will be encouraged to walk between rooms and in the Craft and Quiet Room areas. 

 

ACCESS TO THE KITCHEN 

 

Children do not have access to the kitchen it is protected by a safety gate that is closed at all times when the children are on the premises. 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND GAS BOILER

 

All electrical equipment is checked annually (PAT) and recorded in the Fire Drill Book.  Any faults will be reported to the Manager.  A full electrical wire test of the whole building to be checked every five years by a qualified electrician.

 

The fire escape lights situated above the doors in the quiet room, dining room and entrance to be tested monthly by using a key (attached to keys for fuse box cupboard) and left on for 1 hour.  The switch is put up and down and a red or green led should come on.  Every three months the whole unit should be shut down for at least 3 hours.

 

The gas boiler, located in the Manager’s office will be checked annually by a qualified gas engineer and recorded in the fire drill book.

 

Radio/CD players and computers will be unplugged when not in use.  Electrical leads will be placed so they do not trail in such a way as to be dangerous.  All electric socket points will have covers in place when not in use. 

 

COMPUTERS

 

The children may use a computer/tablet but there is no Internet access, only preloaded educational games are used.  Only an adult using a password for the purpose of looking for and showing the children specific information may access the Internet. The children will not be left on their own at any time whilst using the computer/tablet. 

 

The time on the computer is monitored to minimise eyestrain.  The computer will be in a position to prevent glare on the screen and at a comfortable height for the children to use.  The area under the table should be free of clutter for leg room.   

Adults using the computer in the office are to take frequent breaks to prevent eyestrain, if using it for long periods. 

 

MANUAL HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT

 

The manual handling of objects and equipment of all shapes and sizes is essential to the running of the setting. 

 

Before lifting an item the risk must be assessed and if it is deemed necessary a second person must be summoned to assist. 

 

When lifting it is important to stand correctly with feet shoulder width apart and back straight.  The weight of the object to be moved must be tested before lifting or moving to ascertain that this can be done safely.  Twisting and bending as you lift should be avoided.  When placing objects on high shelves, appropriate steps designed for the purpose must be used. 

 

Should an injury occur due to a manual handling incident this must be recorded in the Accident Book and the Manager informed.   The cause will be examined and any change deemed necessary will be made. 

 

RISK ASSESSMENTS 

 

Risk assessments should identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, when and by whom, those aspects will be checked and how the risk will be removed or minimised.

 

Risk assessments for the whole of the nursery and the outside areas are carried out yearly or when there are any changes, to assess the environment is safe and suitable for the children, staff, parents and visitors, this is the responsibility of Mrs Paula Hensby (see Risk Assessment Folder). 

 

A daily risk assessment is carried out before the children arrive; this is the responsibility of the first member of staff in at the beginning of the session. A tick list sheet on the wall in the entrance hall is filled in daily and initiated by that member of staff. 

ANIMALS

 

Dogs are to be tied up outside when bringing children to or collecting from nursery school.   The nursery has fish in a tank in the entrance hall.

 

CAR PARKING 

 

Car parking is available at the front of the premises.  Please exercise great care when moving cars. 

 

CLOTHING 

 

Children and staff are expected to wear appropriate clothing that will not easily get caught on equipment or cause a child to trip. 

 

Soft-soled shoes must be worn.  Children will not be allowed on the climbing frame when wearing shoes with open toes or ‘croc style shoes’ as these can cause tripping/slipping accidents. 

 

On hot days children will be encouraged to wear sun hats when playing outdoors, we hold a large supply if the child has not got one.  Children will be taken outdoors to play everyday throughout the year whatever the weather. Adequate clothing i.e warm, water resistant coats, hats and gloves will be needed on cold winter days. 

 

Please name any item of clothing that a child might remove during the sessions at nursery.

 

Jewellry should be kept to a minimum and a long or loose item that may catch, scratch or be easily broken must not be worn.  Children with pierced ears should only wear studs. 

 

Children will be encouraged to wear aprons when taking part in messy activities.  However it is recommended that you dress you child in older easily washed clothing.  We cannot guarantee that children will remain clean when painting, playing outdoors etc. 

 

SKIN CARE

 

The children play outdoors frequently, on sunny days parents/carers must apply suitable all day sun block to their child before bringing to nursery school.  The staff are not permitted to apply sun creams or lotions to children. 

 

Children are expected to wash hands with soap and water when appropriate.  If a child has very sensitive skin, a suitable product may be provided, for their use only, by the parent/carer.  This must be clearly named.  Likewise, if a child needs moisturising lotion to be applied during the day, the product must be supplied by the parent/carer with instructions for their use. 

 

Written permission must be supplied to apply any product bought into the nursery for specific children; a record is kept in the Medication Book of to whom, the products name, date and time put on. When the product has been applied to the child, it will be witnessed by another member of staff and both will sign the Medication book.  On collection of the children, the parent/carer will countersign the book.

 

Occasionally bubbles are added to the water play.  These will be baby or child friendly product to minimise any potential adverse effects. 

 

OUTINGS

 

There are agreed procedures for the safe conduct of children and adults on outings.  As part of our curriculum, the children are taken for local walks off the premises and permission will be sought for your child to be included in such outings.

 

We will risk assess the risks and hazards which may arise for the children and will identify the steps taken to remove, minimize and manage those risks and hazards.  The assessment must include consideration of adult to child ratios.

 

GENERAL OUTINGS 

 

For local outings (where children and staff walk to the destination), parent/carers are requested to sign the relevant consent on the Contacts Form when their child starts nursery, these are held in the entrance hall.  Where possible staff will let parents/carers know in advance that their child is going on a local walk. 

 

A written risk assessment will be carried out and recorded prior to the outing (filed in the Risk Assessment Folder).  Should this be a destination that is frequently visited e.g. the nearby field, staff will complete a risk assessment once a year but be mindful of any safety concerns on every visit and update the risk assessment as appropriate.

 

We operate a strict staff to child ratio; each adult will assume responsibility for the same children throughout the trip.  All the children hold hands with an adult whilst walking and the group will stay together as one unit at all times.  One adult should be designated as the lead person in charge. 

 

A first aid kit, mobile phone and contact numbers for the children will be taken on each outing, as will a member of staff holding a current paediatric first aid certificate. Anything else deemed necessary for the comfort of the trip e.g. change of clothing, will also be taken. 

 

Head counts will be conducted frequently throughout the trip. 

 

Any incident or accident that occurs will be recorded (on return to the nursery) in writing in the appropriate record book held in the nursery and the parent/carer informed. 

 

A safe walking route to the destination will be agreed prior to the outing. 

 

 

 

 

 

OUTINGS REQUIRING THE USE OF VEHICLES 

 

Prior to an outing using vehicles, records of vehicles and drivers including licenses, MOT certificates and business use insurance will be checked by the Health and Safety Officer.  A written risk assessment will be carried out and recorded. 

 

Written consent will be obtained from all parents/carers. 

 

It will be ensured that any vehicles are fitted with seat belts; child seats, booster seats (if appropriate) and airbags if fitted are used correctly. 

 

Maximum seating will not be exceeded and staff members will accompany all the children.  No child will be left in a vehicle unattended and care will be taken when getting in and out of vehicles.

 

On occasions the children will use the local bus service for outings out of the nursery.  Written permission will be sought prior to the trip and staff members will accompany the children to the correct staff/child ratios.

 

FIRST AID 

 

All staff are trained as first aiders or are in the process of training, there is a member of staff with First Aid training on duty at all times. 

 

All staff know where the first aid box is situated (on shelf in kitchen) and will record all accidents in the Accident Book (see Accidents page 10).  The first aid box is always stocked according to official requirements and is the responsibility of Miss Rachel Carolan.  A first aid bag is also taken on nursery outings along with any emergency medication and action plans. 

 

FIRE SAFETY 

 

There are safe fire evacuation procedures in place and a written Fire Drill is on display at all times in all the rooms. 

 

Fire exit doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from the inside. 

 

Smoke detectors conform to current fire safety standards, are fitted in all areas (Craft Room, Quiet Room, Corridor, Big Playroom and Flat above Nursery) and are checked regularly by Mis Stephanie Burman – Fire Officer, who is also responsible for yearly maintenance checks of changing the batteries, maintaining the fire doors, the lights to the escape signs and the escape gate in the garden.  This should be recorded in the Fire Drill Book when completed. 

 

The smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector are tested every Tuesday morning before the children arrive, this is the responsibility of Mrs Caroline Wrixton – Manager or Miss Stephanie Burman and should be recorded in the Fire Drill Book.  The fire exit door lights are to be tested by turning them on for 1 hour every month and once every 3 months for 3 hours.

 

Fire drills are carried out monthly; times/days will be varied, recorded in the Fire Drill Book and regularly reviewed by Miss Stephanie Burman.  It is the duty of the person setting the fire drill practice to collect the numbers 1-13 attached to the walls in every room/area whilst checking and leaving the nursery.

 

New staff and students will take part in a Fire Drill as part of their induction within the first week of the appointment. Anyone with a disability/learning difficulty will be risk assessed and allocated a member of staff to aid their exit to the nominated assembly point. 

 

In accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire risk assessments for the setting should be carried out to identify the general fire precautions needed to comply with the Order.  This is reviewed yearly or when a change occurs in the setting by the Fire Officer, and filed in the Fire Risk Assessment Folder. 

 

FIRE DRILL

 

in case of fire:- 

FIRE ALARMS WILL SOUND AUTOMATICALLY (high pitched beeps). 

FIRE OFFICER (adult leading Fire Drill) WILL: 

 

- STIPULATE ASSEMBLY POINT (PLAYGROUND or GARDEN if the majority of the

  children are already outside playing). 

- DELEGATE AN ADULT TO TAKE UP POSITION TO RECEIVE CHILDREN. 

- DELEGATE ANOTHER ADULT TO SUPERVISE THE EXIT DOOR. 

- FOLLOW PROCEDURE FOR LETTING PERSON IN FLAT KNOW OF THE FIRE. 

         (Using the integrated alarm system) 

 

STAFF MEMBERS WILL ESCORT ALL CHILDEN AND VISITORS TO THE NEAREST FIRE EXIT AWAY FROM THE FIRE AND TO THE NOMINATED ASSEMBLY POINT (permission has been given to assemble in the neighbour’s driveway if necessary). 

 

THE NOMINATED ADULT RESPONSIBLE TO ASSIST ANY DISABLED CHILD OR ADULT WILL AID THEM TO THE NEAREST FIRE EXIT. 

 

ALL AREAS OF EACH ROOM THAT THE CHILDREN ARE IN WILL BE SEARCHED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF STAFF (under tables, behind chairs/furniture etc) AND COLLECT REGISTER (by blue door in big playroom).

 

THE ADULT SETTING THE FIRE DRILL WILL: - 

CHECK ALL ROOMS COLLECTING THE NUMBERS (1-13) THAT ARE ON THE WALLS.

STARTING AT THE MANAGER’S OFFICE (Number 1) COLLECT THE MOBILE PHONE, CONTACTS FILE AND PROCEED TO EACH ROOM/AREA.  ON WAY COLLECT THE VISITORS BOOK (on desk by entrance hall door) and CONTACTS FOLDER (on desk by entrance hall door).

  

THE REGISTERS WILL BE CALLED PLUS A HEAD COUNT WILL BE COMPLETED TO ENSURE EVERYONE IS ACCOUNTED FOR. 

 

THE EMERGENCY SERVICES WILL BE SENT FOR IF NECESSARY AND THE FIRE OFFICER WILL LIAISE WITH THE FIRE SERVICE ON THEIR ARRIVAL. 

 

PARENTS/CARERS WILL BE CONTACTED. 

 

Note:- All staff members and regular visitors will familiarise themselves with the position of the fire exits which are denoted above the exits in green with a running person symbol. 

 

ACCIDENTS 

 

In the case of a minor bump, the child will be sat quietly with a member of staff and a cold-water compress applied.  The child will be spoken to reassuringly until happy to return to their chosen activity. 

 

In the case of a minor cut or graze, the child will be comforted and the injury cleaned with cold water.  A plaster will be applied when necessary after checking the child’s records for details of any possible allergies.

  

Incidents will be recorded in the Accident Book by the member of staff that has witnessed the accident, countersigned by another member of staff.  A body map has been added to show where the injury is.  A sign will be put by the child’s peg stating, “Please sign the Accident Book” which the parent/carer is required to countersign when they pick their child up from the nursery.  The Accident Book is reviewed regularly and any repeated hazards that may cause an accident will be removed.  

 

Written permission is obtained on the Contact’s Form for permission to seek medical care in an emergency.  The contact’s form is checked each term. 

 

In the case of a serious accident, or a severe allergic reaction, a telephone call will be made to the child’s parent/carer or other emergency contact whilst a trained First Aider deals appropriately with the child and an ambulance called if deemed necessary.

 

If further treatment is necessary and the parent/carer is not contactable, the child will be taken to the local doctor or hospital for treatment.  A member of staff will accompany the child and the record of allergies, immunisations etc will be taken and shared with the medical staff.  The parent/carer will be notified as soon as possible.  The member of staff dealing with the incident will record the accident in the Accident Book, witnessed by another member of staff and all parties including parent/carer will sign the statement. 

 

After discussion with the parent/carer, any bruising or marks seen on a child on arrival at nursery school will be recorded in the Incidents at Home Book and a body map completed of where the mark is.  This will be reviewed regularly.

 

A child with a fractured bone or similar injury will be allowed to attend nursery school at the discretion of the management, providing the limb has been adequately protected and a risk assessment will be carried out for that child.

  

If a child is sent to nursery school with an apparent untreated injury, the management reserves the right to take the child to the health centre or hospital for medical advice and treatment.  Parents/carers will be notified of any action taken. 

 

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (2013) (RIDDOR) requires records to be kept and any serious accidents that result in injuries needing treatment from a doctor are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (South East area, including Hampshire) it can be reported online at https//hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm or an emergency out of hours number

 0845 300 9923.  Any outbreak of a serious disease or the death of a child or adult is also to be reported.  

 

Ofsted and child protection agencies will also be notified of any serious accident, illness or injury to, or death of, any child while in our care, and of the action taken within 14 days of the incident occurring.  The setting will act on any advice from these agencies.   A registered provider, who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence.

 

CRITICAL INCIDENTS

 

In the event of a critical incident within the setting, the senior members of staff will be responsible for dealing with the incident, contacting the emergency services and the child’s parents.

 

The other members of staff will relocate the children not involved in the incident to another area in the building away from the sight of the incident if possible.

 

In the event of a critical incident occurring whilst on an outing from the setting, the senior member of staff would take control of the situation, whilst other members of staff would be directed to call 112 from a mobile and ensure the safety of any other children by either taking them back to the setting or to a secure location i.e. the holiday park or nearby garden.

 

Once the incident is under control, the critical incident response timeline will be followed see Appendix 1 page 20.

 

Before any of the children leave the setting, they will be told as simply as possible what has happened.

 

Senior members of staff will prepare a script, detailing factual information about the incident to inform the parents, and a senior member of staff will speak to each parent as they collect their child.

 

At the end of the session, staff will be debriefed about the incident and made sure that they are ok.  They will be reminded about confidentiality and advised of the script and of what they are to say if asked.  They will also be reminded about the use of social media sites.

 

A factual letter detailing the events of the incident will be written to all the parents, included in it will be a reminder about confidentiality and the use of social media sites and how they may affect the parents and children involved.

 

A clear, detailed, factual report will be written by a senior member of staff and all members of staff involved will read through the report and sign it to ensure it accuracy.

 

HYGIENE

 

Good hygiene methods are in place when preparing fruit, vegetables and drinks.

 

Staff will cover cuts and abrasions with protective dressings when handling food.

  

The left hand sink in the kitchen and the large sink in the craft room are to be used for cleaning non-food items.  The right hand sink in the kitchen is to be used for washing up food and drink utensils.  White cloths will be used for dishwashing and yellow cloths for cleaning paint, glue or other messes.  Cloths will be changed frequently throughout the day and machine-washed. 

 

Snack and cookery tables will be cleaned with anti-bacterial spray before and after use and all tables will be cleaned at the beginning or end of each session.  When using the craft tables for snack or lunch, the tables will be cleaned twice with a white cloth and anti-bacterial spray.

 

Hands will be washed before cooking, snack and lunch times.

 

Children will wear clean cookery tabards during food preparations sessions and paint aprons are available to protect clothing, both are frequently cleaned with anti-bacterial spray and machine washed half termly.  The member of staff on snack duty will also wear an apron and these are changed daily and machine-washed.

 

Long hair must be tied back during cookery sessions. 

 

Equipment and resources will be checked and cleaned at regular intervals; a monthly cleaning rota of the premises and equipment is displayed on the wall in the entrance hall. 

 

Toilets and wash areas are checked regularly, cleaned with anti-bacterial spray periodically throughout the day and the date and time recorded on a sheet on the walls of both children’s toilet areas.  At the end of each session toilets will be cleaned using 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. 

 

Rubber gloves and blue cloths are kept in the adult toilet and will be used for cleaning the toilets and bodily spills only.  Toilet seats, handles and washbasins will also be cleaned with bleach solution.  Floors will be mopped with disinfectant solution.  Bleach and disinfectant is stored in a locked cupboard out of reach of children and kept in its original packaging

 

Rubbish will be disposed of daily and bins kept clean by using bin liners and washed weekly.  

 

Hand towels will be changed frequently when used.  Paper towels will generally be used.

 

The Care of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) requires cleaning chemicals be risk assessed, see Risk Assessment folder.

  

Adults are required to wear disposable vinyl gloves at all times when attending to a child’s toilet needs.  Clean items of clothing are kept in each toilet area to be used in case of a wetting accident.  If preferred the child’s own clothes can be brought in from home in a suitable named bag.  Wet clothing will be put in a plastic bag and given to the parent/carer at the end of the session. 

 

If a child is still in nappies or pull ups and needs changing during the session, the parent/carer will be asked to provide an adequate supply of nappies, wipes and nappy sacks for the staff to deal with the nappy changing.  If nappy rash cream is required to be put on the child we will require written permission from the parent/carer and record it in the Medicine Book (see Medication page 14).  Pulls ups and nappies will be put in a nappy sack and sent home with the parent/carer for disposal.  

 

MEDICATION 

 

If a child requires Calpol for any reason, that child will be deemed too ill to attend the nursery and we politely ask you to keep your child off nursery until they are well. If a child requires medicine (prescribed or non-prescribed) during the day at nursery, a member of staff, on the child’s arrival, must ensure that the Medication Book is filled in with written permission, child’s name, time to administer, the dosage to give and the name of the medicine, and that it is signed and dated by the parent/carer. 

 

The medicine will be stored in a sealed container in the fridge in the kitchen or on a high shelf in the kitchen.  A sign will be put up in the Craft Room as a reminder to give the medicine, to whom and what time.

 

Prior to giving the medicine the staff member will check the Medication Book to double check the details.  Before administering the medicine a witness (another member of staff) must be sought to watch and confirm correct dosage.  Once administered, the time and details will be recorded, signed and dated by both members of staff.   A ‘See a Member of Staff’ sign is put up on the child’s coat peg to remind the parent/carer to sign the Medicine Book and collect the medicine. 

 

After administering the medicine it will be returned to the fridge and retrieved only when the parent/carer has arrived and will be handed to them personally.  

All staff have attended training where administration of medicine requires medical or technical knowledge e.g. epipen and blood sugar checking.

  

Practitioners must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance, which may affect their ability to care for the children. If a member of staff is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or any other substance they will be asked to leave the premises and will forfeit that days pay.

 

If practitioners are taking medication they should seek medical advice from their GP.  The Proprietor/Manager must ensure the medical advice confirms that the medication is unlikely to impair the staff member’s ability to look after the children properly.  Any staff medication on the premises must be securely stored out of the reach of the children.

 

PROMOTING GOOD HEALTH

Nurseries are required to promote good health, including oral health, of children attending the setting.  Procedures for responding to children who are ill or infectious are necessary.  Steps to prevent the spread of infection and take appropriate action if children are ill, see COVID-19 Policy.  If a child is taken ill during their session at nursery, the parent/carer will be contacted for them to come and collect their child.

 

ORAL HEALTH

 

Oral health has been added to the EYFS framework because good oral health habits need to be formed from the earliest age.  Tooth decay is a serious problem among young children.

 

We will promote oral health, linking to other areas that we promote such as self-care, healthy eating and physical development.  We will talk about healthy food and drinks that help grow strong teeth, and those that do not.   Read stories about teeth and smiles, get the children to look at their own and each other’s teeth, using mirrors.

 

We will not be brushing the children’s teeth at the nursery.

 

 

SICKNESS 

 

Children are not permitted to attend Nursery School when suffering from notifiable illnesses such as Chickenpox, German Measles, Measles, Mumps, Scarlet Fever, Whooping Cough, Impetigo, Scabies or Hand, Foot and Mouth viral infection.  The children must be kept away from Nursery for the times as recommended by the Health Protection Unit on their poster Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and Other Childcare Settings displayed on the door to the storeroom in the craft area. 

 

Any child or staff member suffering from diarrhoea and sickness must remain at home.  They must be clear of sickness for 48 hours before returning to Nursery School.  

 

Provided they are otherwise well enough, children with minor coughs and colds may attend their normal sessions.  Parent/carer must inform us if their child has had any medicine prior to starting their session, for example, an inhaler or antibiotics.  If a child has had Calpol or any other painkiller, they are deemed too unwell to attend the nursery and we politely ask you not to send your child to nursery until they are well.

 

If on arrival, in the opinion of the management, a child looks unwell or unfit to attend nursery school, the parent/carer will be asked to take the child home.  

 

When a child is sent to Nursery School and symptoms become apparent that the child is unwell during the session, the parent/carer will be telephoned and asked to collect the child straight away.  If the parent/carer refuses to seek medical help, the management reserves the right to take the child to the Doctor or Hospital if they deem it necessary.  

 

FOOD AND DRINK

 

When a child is admitted to the setting, the nursery will obtain and record information about any dietary requirements or preferences, food and drink allergies that the child has and any special health requirements.  Our records are checked each term to update dietary, allergies and contact details.  

 

Snack and meal times are appropriately supervised and we ensure that children do not have access to food/drinks to which they are allergic to by looking at the allergies lists that are on show in the dining room and entrance hall before snack/lunch times and whilst cooking with the children.  The children are reminded not to touch each other’s food and drink. 

 

Fresh drinking water is available and assessible to the children at all times. 

 

Milk or water, fruit or vegetables and plain biscuits are provided at snack times.

 

The kitchen is equipped with suitable hygienic areas to prepare the food.  All food and drink is stored appropriately. 

 

Adults do not place hot drinks within reach of the children; only cups with a safety lid are used.  

 

Staff involved with the preparation and handling of food must receive training in food hygiene, this to be updated every 2 years. 

 

Children’s packed lunches are provided by the parents/carers.  Lunch boxes will be stored in the fridge until needed.  

children cared for on the premises.  Notification must be made as soon as possible, but within 3 days of an incident.  A registered provider, who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence.

 

The Nursery politely requests that no peanut butter sandwiches or food products containing nuts are supplied to any child in case a child has a severe allergy to it. To avoid any unnecessary risk of choking it is requested that foods such as grapes, tomatoes and cocktail sausages are cut in half lengthways. 

 

FOOD SAFETY ADVICE FOR CHILDREN AGE 5 AND UNDER

 

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CHOKING

 

 FOOD PREPARATION

 

• Remove any stones and pips from fruit before serving

• Cut small round foods, like grapes, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes, lengthways and into quarters

• Cut large fruits like melon, and hard fruit or vegetables like raw apples and carrot into slices instead of small chunks

• Do not offer raisins as a snack to children under 12 months – although these can be chopped up as a part of a meal

• Soften hard fruit and vegetable (such as carrot and apple) and remove the skins when first given to babies from 6 months

• Sausages should be avoided due to their high salt content, but if offered to children these should be cut into thin strips rather than chunks and remove the skin

• Remove bones from meat and fish

• Do not give whole nuts to children under five years old

• Do not give whole seeds to children under five years old

• Cut cheese into strips rather than chunks

• Do not give popcorn as a snack

• Do not give children marshmallows or jelly cubes from a packet either to eat or as part of messy play activities as they can get stuck in the throat

• Do not give children hard sweets

 

SUPERVISION

 

Infants and young children should be seated safely in a highchair or appropriately sized low chair while eating.  Infants and young children should never be left alone while they are eating, and staff should be familiar with paediatric first aid advice for children who are choking.

Registered providers must notify Ofsted of any food poisoning affecting two or more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOOD AND DRINKS TO AVOID

 

DRINKS

 

Provide only fresh tap water and plain milk for children to drink.  Fruit juice, smoothies, squash, fizzy drinks and flavoured milk, even when diluted, contains lots of sugar and can cause tooth decay.  Diet or reduced sugar drinks are not recommended for babies and toddlers either.  For older children, these drinks fill children up so they’re not hungry for healthier food.

 

When offering dairy alternatives to cow’s milk:

 

• Unsweetend calcium-fortified, plant-based drinks (such as soya, oat and almond drinks) should be avoided before 12 months, however small amounts can be used in cooking.  These drinks can be given from 12 months as part of a healthy balanced diet.

• Do not give children under 5 rice drinks, because of the level of arsenic they contain.

 

FOODS TO AVOID BEFORE AROUND 6 MONTHS OF AGE

 

Ideally, babies should be introduced to solid foods from around 6 months of age.  If parents or carers have decided to introduce solid foods to their children before 6 months of age, you will need to work closely with them to ensure a consistent and safe approach.

 

It is important to remember that there are some foods which should not be given before 6 months of age:

 

• Cow’s milk

• Eggs

• Foods containing wheat or gluten, including wheat, barley and rye (for example bread, pasta)

• Nuts, peanuts and peanut products

• Seeds

• Fish and shellfish

• Honey - avoid honey until 12 months old

• If a baby is less than 6 months old, sterilise water by boiling it first and then letting it cool right down – once a baby is 6 months old, this is no longer necessary

 

FOODS TO AVOID UP TO 12 MONTHS OF AGE

 

• Honey for infants under 1 year, as it occasionally contains bacteria which can make them ill

 

 

 

FOODS TO AVOID UP TO 5 YEARS OF AGE

 

• Nuts, especially peanuts, can cause severe allergic reactions in some children and all settings should have an allergy plan in place.  Whole nuts, peanuts and seeds should not be given to children under 5 years old as they pose a choking risk

• Raw eggs, or food containing partially cooked eggs, for example, uncooked cake mixture and runny boiled eggs (unless they have the red lion stamp or you see the words ‘British Lion Quality’

• Foods high in salt such as: sausages, bacon, crackers, crisps, ready meals and takeaways

• Sugar – both in sugary snacks and by not adding sugar to food

• Foods high in saturated fat such as biscuits, crisps and cakes

• Fresh pate (meat, fish or vegetable-based) to reduce the risk of food poisoning

• Unpasteurised milk, milk drinks and cheese, mould-ripened cheeses and soft blue-veined cheese, to reduce the risk of food poisoning.  However, these cheeses can be used as part of a cooked recipe as listeria is killed by cooking

• Shark, swordfish and marlin as the levels of mercury in these fish can affect a child’s developing nervous system

• Raw shellfish to reduce the risk of food poisoning, and make sure any shellfish you use is thoroughly cooked

• Raw jelly cubes – these are a choking hazard

 

FOOD TO SERVE OCCASIONALLY FROM 6 MONTHS TO 4 YEARS OF AGE

 

Although it is recommended to provide oily fish in early years settings at least once every 3 weeks, do not provide it more than twice a week, as it can contain low levels of pollutants.

 

FURTHER GUIDANCE  

 

The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) 

The Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002) (COSHH) 

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (2013) (RIDDOR) 

Medicine Act (2012) 

Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations (2018) 

Manual Handling Operations Regulations (2015) 

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)  

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005)  

Critical Incident Pack Hampshire County Council 2018

 

Updated 16/05/2022

Updated January 2023

Review date; September 2023

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