Health & Safety Policy

Everyone in my household over the age of 16 has been checked for their suitability to work with and/or be around children and have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure.  

My house, garden and play equipment have been inspected by OFSTED and have all passed the safety standards that are required to allow me to become a registered Childminder. I am inspected regularly and have to adhere to these high standards and ensure a safe and secure environment for the children in my care.  This applies within the house, the garden and also on outings. Signed written parental permission for each child to take part in outings will be required and ID wrists tags will be worn by the children, contact details for all children (including photo ID cards) will be taken by myself as well as a mobile phone on outings. My home has also undergone a “home fire safety visit” by the local Fire Brigade.

I regularly check that all kitchen equipment, toys and furniture are clean, safe and in good working condition and record checklists and risk assessments in my home.  Toys that are designed for older children are stored safely away from babies/younger children in boxes with fitted lids to eliminate the risk of these being swallowed etc and locked in a cupboard.  In relation to hygiene all toys are regularly cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes/washed in hot soapy water/ machine washed. Safety gates, fire guard and locks/socket covers are in place within my home.

Each child will be provided with meals, snacks and drinks, all healthy, balanced and nutritious. I will be responsible for the preparation and handling of foods and have obtained a Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene and registered with the Local Authority Environmental Health Department. In order to practise good hygiene, the children will be asked to wash their hands regularly throughout the day, particularly after using the toilet, before and after eating and after outside play and messy play activities such as Playdoh, painting and sand.

I hold a current Early Years first aid certificate and keep a fully equipped first aid kit (and also in my car). I am happy to administer medicines provided by the parent (medicines such as Calpol, Calprufen and Piriton I do keep on the premises) whether over a long or short period of time.  I am required to obtain and keep on file signed written parental consent of all medicines administered. Please advise me if your child has any skin allergies or sensitivities so that appropriate steps can be taken to protect them from inflammations caused by substances such as plasters, washing powder and fabric conditioner, soaps etc.

All children in my care are in a smoke-free environment.

All insurance and other documentation including certificates are available to view on request.

I hold a clean driving licence and have the appropriate business motor insurance for my car.  By law, all children have to use appropriate safety restraints when they travel by car. I will provide these for each child in compliance to regulations.