The Health and Safety of your child is very important to me, I have therefore put the following procedures in place to support this.
- I do a quick risk assessment of my home every morning before children arrive to ensure that it is a safe and clean environment.
- Socket covers are used on all sockets that are not in use.
- All equipment is checked and cleaned regularly. I use a monthly cleaning schedule to ensure this.
- All equipment is fitted with the correct safety harnesses to prevent accidents, for example highchairs and pushchairs.
- Children will only be offered toys and resources that are suitable for their age/stage of development. 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.
- Car seats are checked regularly to ensure they are correctly fitted. When a new car seat is purchased I will get it fitted properly by the store’s installation service.
- My car is regularly serviced and has a valid MOT certificate. I have child locks on the back doors and always keep these in use. My car insurance is for business use.
- I use safety equipment appropriate for the children in my care, ie cupboard locks, stair gates, etc. These are checked regularly.
- I have procedures in place in the event of a fire (see separate fire Procedure)
- I carry out weekly fire safety checks to ensure my fire alarm system is in full working order and do fire drills with the children so that they learn of the importance of being able to escape from the house quickly and safely in an emergency.
- I follow strict hygiene guidelines to prevent contamination (see separate Hygiene Policy)
- I keep my kitchen very clean, following hygiene guidelines on the storing of food, keeping the fridge at the correct temperature, etc. I have received training on food preparation and hygiene.
- 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 (see separate No Smoking Policy)
- I have strict Child safeguarding guidelines in place (see separate Safeguarding Policy)
- When out walking 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.
- When on outings for example visits to the park, children will not be allowed to ‘wander off’ and will never be left unattended. Their play will be supervised at all times.
- When attending playgroups or other indoor group activities, your child will remain in my care at all times. I will not leave a minded child in a room alone with another person or allow another person to take my minded children to the toilet or change their nappies, unless I know they have been CRB checked, for example another Ofsted registered childminder.
- I keep emergency contact details with me at all times should I need to contact parents.
- I will work with you to teach the children about safety issues like crossing the road and talking to strangers.
- I encourage and teach the children about making healthy food choices and taking physical exercise.
- Sleeping children will be regularly monitored. I also use a baby monitor.
- I will restrain a child if they are putting themselves or others in danger, for example running into a road.
If you have any concerns regarding the health and safety of your child please discuss them with me.