Health and Safety Policy
Statement
Candice’s Childminding is committed to achieving the highest standards of health and safety provided to all persons affected by the business. Proper attention to all aspects of health and safety is an indispensable part of this commitment. Accidents, injuries and illness can be prevented by the application of sound management practices.
Introduction
Candice’s Childminding will establish and maintain safe working practices for all of its activities and services that seek to eliminate or minimise risks to all affected parties. Health and safety is no less important than any other aspect of the services provided and as such will be actively managed and measured.
Policy Procedures
- All toys will be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure they are safe for a 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 carry out a visual risk assessment of my home every morning before the children arrive to ensure that it is a safe environment for minded children
- All plug sockets not in use have socket covers.
- 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.
- Car seats are checked regularly to ensure they are correctly fitted. This is according guidelines set out by the governments car seat regulations
- My car is regularly serviced, MOT’d, insured and taxed for use on the public roads. The insurance on the vehicle covers business use.
- I keep the safety locks on the back doors working.
- I use safety equipment appropriate for the children in my care, i.e. stair gates, cupboard locks etc. These are checked regularly.
- I will keep my front door locked with the keys on a hook up high to prevent the children opening the door to strangers.
- I have procedures in place in the event of a fire. Fire evacuation is practiced quarterly with all that are within my care at the time.
- Smoke Alarms are checked as part of my regular risks assessments, and at least on a weekly basis.
- I ensure that the children do not have access to any waste, the bins are emptied daily and any used nappies are double wrapped and placed in the outdoor rubbish bin.
- I do not permit smoking in my home.
- I have strict Child protection guidelines in place (Child Protection Policy)
- Children must stay with me when we are away from the home. Younger child will be strapped in a pushchair; older children will either be on a harness or wrist strap, or holding onto my hand/pushchair.
- All outings are risk assessed and I seek permission from parents for regular excursions and specific permission for occasional ones.
- I have emergency contact details with me at all times should I need to contact the parents.
- I will teach the children about safety issues like crossing the road and stranger danger.
- I will work with you to teach the children about making healthy food choices and physical exercise.
- I encourage indoor and outdoor play throughout the day.
- Sleeping children will be regularly monitored and I use a baby monitor.
- I will restrain a child if they are putting themselves or others in danger, for example running into a road.
- All pets in my care are regularly vaccinated.
- Medicines are only administered with parental permission with instruction given by their GP on their medication. This is done at my discretion
- If you have any concerns regarding the health and safety of your child please discuss them with me.
Candice Geddes is responsible for ensuring that this policy is effectively implemented within Candice’s Childminding.
This policy shall be reviewed at least annually by the Candice Geddes, and shall be subjected to audit on a regular basis.
Download the Health and Safety Policy: Health-and-Safety-Policy.doc