Local Qualified Nursery Staff in Peterborough

Policy statement

This setting believes that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We make our setting a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and volunteers.

• We aim to make children, parents and staff aware of health and safety issues and to minimise risks and hazards to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

• Our member of staff responsible for health and safety is: Christine Kurys

• S/he is competent to carry out these responsibilities. S/he has undertaken health and safety training and regularly updates his/her knowledge and understanding.

• We display the necessary health and safety poster in the Kitchen area of the Nursery

• We will ensure that all practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons using the premises.

• We will establish and maintain safe working procedures amongst staff and children.

• We will provide sufficient information, instruction and supervision to enable all people working in or using the Nursery to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own safety and health at work.

• The Nursery Manager will ensure that all staff members regularly update qualifications and training.  

• Ofsted must be notified immediately of any significant changes in the facilities and premises that may affect the space and level of care available to the children. This will include structural alterations or an extension, something which affects the smooth running of the setting over a "period" of time or changes to the outside area of the premises, for example adding a pond or taking down a fence. This must be done verbally, followed by written notification.

• The setting must carry and display public liability insurance for the provision. ( Displayed in the entrance at the front of the Nursery)

Security

• When recruiting staff members, the Nursery Committee must make their decisions to whether a person is suitable to care for children by using evidence from references, full employment history, qualifications, interviews, identity checks and any other checks undertaken, for example medical suitability. 

• Candidates must declare to the Nursery Committee of any convictions and/or cautions they may have which would affect their suitability to work with children. 

• All members of staff must have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure, which includes a Protection of Children Act List/List 99 Check.

• The Nursery Manager & Deputy Manager must hold a full and relevant Level 3 (as defined by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC)) and half of all other staff must hold a full and relevant Level 2 (as defined by CWDC).  

• The Nursery Manager must have at least two years experience of working in an early years setting, or have at least two years’ other suitable experience.  

• When the Nursery Manager is absent from the setting the Assistant Manager takes charge during this time.    

• As our setting is an open plan room, no member of staff will be left alone with any child.  

• Staff who are not police checked will not be permitted to enter the toilet area of the nursery.

• The code for the Nursery main entrance door will be changed when staff leave our employment. 

• The code for the door must not be given out to anyone apart from Nursery staff.

• Staff will not allow children to go home with an adult unknown to the staff. Parents must inform the Nursery staff who will be collecting their child if routines have to be changed.

• Staff and Visitors must wear identification badges at all times whilst on the premises.

• No staff member should be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance when entering the nursery. If a member of staff is taking medication which they believe may affect their ability when working directly alongside children should seek medical advice immediately. They can only work directly with children if the medical advice given is that the medication is unlikely to impair their ability to look after children. 

• All visitors must produce identification before entering the setting.

• Staff and Visitors must use the “sign in” book providing the date, time of arrival/departure and reason for visit. 

• Staff must complete a register of children’s names at the beginning of every session. This will be altered every occasion a child arrives or leaves the setting. The total number of children present will be displayed for staff and regular checks must be made throughout the sessions.    

• Staff must be aware of the whereabouts of other people in the building and ensure they are in supervised capacity at all times. 

Safety

Inside the Nursery

• There must be a ratio one adult to every four children aged 2 and over, one adult to every eight for children age 3 and over in the setting at all times.

• Children will be supervised at all times. Staff will be arranged to meet the individual needs of all children in our care.

• The setting will be maintained at a temperature which ensures the comfort of the children, especially non-mobile children and staff. 

• In the event of staff absences the Nursery Manager will arrange for a relief member of bank staff to ensure the adult to child ratio is up held. All relief members of staff must hold a DBS check/list 99 check.  

• Whenever there are less than eight children in the Nursery, for example at the end of a session. There must be at least two members of staff present at all times.

• There will always be at least one member of staff present in the Nursery to administer first aid.

• Only qualified ‘First Aiders’ will care for children during first aid incidents and they must comply with the training they were given.

• Any child suffering from a doubtful rash, sore throat, discharge from eyes /ears or diarrhoea or sickness should be kept at home until a doctor has certified that the symptoms have disappeared.

• Staff reserves the right to remove a child to hospital in the event of an emergency and every effort will be made to contact the parent/carer. A section on our Nursery Application Form is designated for Parents to give their consent for the removal to hospital and for their child to receive medical treatment if required. Reasons must be recorded on the child’s Admission form if consent has not been given by a parent/carer.   

• All Accidents, Incidents and Medical occurrences must be recorded in the appropriate books. 

• Staff will carry out a risk assessment each day and must constantly reappraise the environment and the activities provided throughout the sessions to ensure every individual child’s safety.

• All staff must take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum. (Both indoors and outdoors)  

• Damaged toys will be thrown away where repairs are not possible.

• Toys will be washed regularly.

• Only the highest windows will be open for adequate ventilation when necessary. Staff should check these are closed at the end of the day. 

• We take precautions to prevent children's fingers from being trapped in doors.

• Hands will be washed using soap and dried after visiting the toilet and before handling edible items.

• Adult’s and Children’s hands must be washed after blowing noses. If the tissue comes in contact with surface areas anti-bacterial spray must be used to restrict cross contamination of germs. Tissues must be disposed of appropriately. 

• Hand dryers are used for drying children’s hands. Staff will encourage children to dry hands completely. Paper towels are also available. All resources and materials from which children select are stored safely.

• All equipment and resources are stored or stacked safely to prevent them accidentally falling or collapsing.

• All resources and materials from which children select are stored safely.

• Anti bacterial spray will be used for wiping tables before and after snack time or before a cooking activity.

• Disposable gloves will be worn when a child has had an accident. (vomit).

• Vomit must be cleared straight away, and the children removed to another area. This will be done using gloves, pouring a small amount of sand onto it and mopping it up with paper towels. Disinfectant must be used and the area cleaned and left to dry.

• Hands must be washed after messy play.

• When changing a child: ( After a toileting accident)

• Only policed checked members of staff will assist the children. 

• Before entering the toilet area staff must notify others. 

• Sensitivity and reassurance must be used at all times to ensure the child is at ease.

• Dirty clothes must be place in a plastic bag to be taken home.  

•  The child will then be cleaned and dressed in new clothes.

•  Furniture/floor area must be disinfected.                                                                                                                    

• Toilets are checked on a regular basis, and cleaned if necessary.

• Children, who wish to relax, play quietly or sleep can do so in the quiet area. Equipment such as blankets/bedding are provided for their comfort and must be washed after every individual use.

• Sleeping children must be checked regularly.

• Water play must be observed by an adult, and children’s feet must be kept on the floor. Staff must ensure floor is kept free from water by using the designated mop. If floor becomes wet a warning sign must be displayed to ensure the safety of staff, children and visitors.  

• Socket covers must be used when socket not in use.

• Electrical equipment used must be supervised by an adult.

• Care will be taken when opening and closing doors, to avoid trapped fingers. Door guards are in place. 

• Smoking is not allowed on the Nursery premises. Please see Smoking Policy.

If there are animals on any occasion in the setting staff members will ensure that they are safe to be in the proximity of the children and do not pose a health or safety risk. 

Electrical/gas equipment

• All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly.

• Our boiler/electrical switch meter cupboard is not accessible to the children.

• Fires, heaters, electric sockets, wires and leads are properly guarded and the children are taught not to touch them.

• Storage heaters are checked daily to make sure they are not covered.

• There are sufficient sockets to prevent overloading.

• The temperature of hot water is controlled to prevent scalds.

• Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas including storage areas.

Activities and resources

• Before purchase or loan, equipment and resources are checked to ensure that they are safe for the ages and stages of the children currently attending the setting.

• The layout of 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, including paint and glue, are non-toxic.

• Sand is clean and suitable for children's play.

• Physical play is constantly supervised.

• Children are taught to handle and store tools safely.

• Children learn about health, safety and personal hygiene through the activities we provide and the routines we follow. 

• Any faulty equipment is removed from use and is repaired. If it cannot be repaired it is discarded.

• Large pieces of equipment are discarded only with the consent of the manager and the chairperson or owner

Food and drink

• Staff must be aware of their responsibilities under the Food Legislation. At least one member of staff will hold a Food Hygiene Certificate and feed back to all members of staff.

• All staff are responsible for food hygiene.

• The importance of Food Hygiene matters are discussed in Staff/Volunteer/Student Inductions. 

• All Parents/Carers must label their child’s lunch box, this is to ensure no confusion and all allergy/dietary requirements adhered to.

• Snacks provided will be healthy, balanced and nutritious.

• Staff responsible for preparing snack and cooking activities must be competent to do so.  

• All snacks will be provided with attention to the children’s particular dietary needs. A Dietary Information Sheet is completed when a child begins nursery and is given to all staff members. It can also be located inside the first aid cupboard for easy, but secure access. 

• Parents must provide written notification (Admission Form) if their child is allergic to anything. All staff must be aware of this, especially during cooking activities.

• Drinking water can be located at our “Water Station” as is available throughout the sessions for the children to help themselves. The children are introduced to the importance of hygiene and are shown that they use a cup it is placed into the sink to be cleaned by a member of staff. 

• Washing of children’s cups and plates will be done with hot, soapy water.

• Children should not handle food that others may eat unless they are assisting in the preparation with an adult. The Importance of this will be explained to the children. 

• When preparing fruit for snack time children will be provided with Child friendly, safety knives.  

• If food falls on the floor it will be disposed of immediately and not consumed.

• Cooking activities will be adequately supervised.

• Individual plates and cups must be given to each individual child for their snack time and must be cleaned immediately after use.

• Different cloths are used for washing/wiping paint to those used in preparation to snack and lunch times.

• Ofsted must be informed if a case of food poisoning arises in the setting concerning two or more children.                          

Ofsted

The National Business Unit

Piccadilly Gate

Store St

Manchester

M1 2WD 

Tel: - 03001 231231

Hygiene

• We regularly seek information from the Environmental Health Department and the Health Authority to ensure that we keep up-to-date with the latest recommendations.

• Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene.

• We have a daily cleaning routine for the setting which includes play room(s), kitchen, rest area, toilets and nappy changing areas.

• We have a schedule for cleaning resources and equipment, dressing-up clothes and furnishings.

• The toilet area has a high standard of hygiene including hand washing and drying facilities and the disposal of nappies.

• We implement good hygiene practices by:

       Cleaning tables between activities;

       Cleaning toilets regularly;

       Wearing protective clothing - such as aprons and disposable gloves - as appropriate;

       Providing sets of clean clothes;

Medication

• Staff must obtain written permission for each and every medicine from parents/carers before any medication is given.

• Written records must be kept of all prescribed medicines administered to children.   

• Medicines will only be accepted when it is essential and the setting will only accept medication prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist and only if medicine needs to be taken 4 x a day. All medication must have the child’s name on and be in date. 

• Medication will be kept either in the refrigerator (fridge lock in use) or in the staff locked cupboard up high depending on storage instructions. Only named First Aid trained staff members will have access.   

• Only First Aid trained staff will administer medication. A record of staff members who administer medicine will be recorded on the individual children’s medical information form.   

• If a child requires a medication that needs technical/medical knowledge Staff will seek training from a qualified health professional. Training will be specific to individual children’s needs. For example EpiPen training.

• Staff will liaise with parents/carers of a child with a long term medical need prior to attending setting. To ensure all information is shared and recorded and an effective support system/care plan is put in place. Staff and parents/carers must continue to liaise throughout the time the child attends the setting to ensure all parties are aware of any changes in the child’s condition, prescribed medicine or support required. The care plan will be altered in accordance with any changes.          

Outside the Nursery

• Staff will carry out a risk assessment each day and must constantly reappraise the environment and the activities provided throughout the sessions to ensure every individual child’s safety. 

• Our outdoor area is securely fenced.

• Our outdoor area is checked for safety and cleared of rubbish before it is used.

• Adults and children are alerted to the dangers of poisonous plants, herbicides and pesticides.

• Where water can form a pool on equipment, it is emptied before children start playing outside.

• All outdoor activities are supervised at all times.

• Children must always be closely supervised when playing outside.

• All children will have the opportunity to play outside throughout the year.

• The outdoor sandpit must be covered when not in use.

• Staff will not go out alone with children on walks/trips. The ratio is 1 adult to 8 children – more adults if possible. Permission will always be obtained from parents/carers. Risk Assessments must be completed prior to trips taken place.

Registration of Staff and Children

• As the children enter the Nursery Setting at the beginning of every session they are encouraged along with their parents to locate their names on their coat pegs, Self-Registration takes place at group time to encourage name recognition. 

• A register is completed by a member of staff at the beginning of each session. This included the time individual children arrive and leave our premises. 

• If a child has not attended the Nursery and informed by parent/carer, a member of staff will call the parent/carer for an explanation why. Parents/carers are encouraged to call the Nursery on every occasion their child is absent. This will be recorded in the nursery daily information book. 

• In the case of long term absences without any explanation Social Services will be notified.        

Referral and Assessment (Children): 01733 864180

In the event that the Police need to be contacted: 

01733 563232