Health and Safety

The Health and Safety of your child is very important to me and I have therefore documented the following procedures that I have in place to support this.

• All toys will be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure they are safe for your child to use
• Any broken or hazardous toys will be removed immediately. Children will only be offered toys and resources that are suitable for their age/stage of development
• I do a risk assessment of my home every morning before the children arrive to ensure that it is a safe environment for minded children.
• Children will not be allowed in the kitchen area at any time. (except for helping cook or similar activities)
• All equipment will be checked and cleaned regularly. All equipment is fitted with the correct safety harnesses to prevent accidents, for example highchair and pushchairs.
• I use safety equipment appropriate for the children in my care, ie cupboard locks, TV straps etc. These are checked regularly.
• I will keep my front door locked to prevent the children opening the door to strangers.
• I have procedures in place in the event of a fire (see policies tab)
• I keep my kitchen very clean, following hygiene guidelines on the storing of food, keeping the fridge at the correct temperature etc
• I ensure that the children do not have access to any waste. I do not permit smoking in my home.
• I follow strict hygiene guidelines to prevent cross contamination.
• The bathroom will be kept clean and all hazardous materials kept out of reach of the children. Children will wash their hands before all snacks and meals.
• I have strict Child protection guidelines in place (see policies tab)
• Children must stay with me when we are away from home. Younger children will be strapped in a pushchair; older children will either be on a harness or wrist strap, or holding onto my hand/pushchair.
• I have emergency contact details with me at all times should I need to contact the parents / guardian.
• I will work with parents to teach the children about safety issues like crossing the road and stranger danger.
• I will work with parents to teach the children about making healthy food choices and physical exercise.
• Sleeping children will be regularly observed and a baby monitor will be used where required.
• I will restrain a child if they are putting themselves or others in danger, for example running into a road.