Included in this document are:
Policy and procedure for medical emergency
Policy and procedure for Diet
Policy and procedure for Fire Safety.
Phone Policy
The committee of St. Francis Pre-School Playgroup have a commitment towards the health and safety of our employees, the children in our care and to others visiting our group. However accidents do happen and the way they are dealt with is extremely important.
Overall responsibility for safety rests with the Committee Chair and/or the person on the committee who is responsible for safety checks and inspections.
Co-operation from employees is essential to the success of the policy, and they should advise the Committee of any health and safety matters as they arise, as well as having a responsibility to adhering to all that is set down by the policy.
See appendix for individual responsibilities.
St. Francis Pre-School Playgroup has a NO SMOKING policy.
Our pre-school promotes a healthy lifestyle and a high standard of hygiene in its day-to-day work with adults and children. This is achieved in the following ways;
Staff
1. The staff to child ratio should always be 1:6 or less at every session (1:4 with under 3’s), with at least two members of staff at every session, and a qualified first aider (list in appendix). Staff should be aware of their responsibilities.
2. All accidents should be treated by a staff member holding a current first aid certificate. All accidents should be treated in the appropriate manner, and recorded in the Accident Book (no matter how minor). The parent/carer should be informed and asked to sign the accident book when they collect the child. All staff should be aware of the procedure for reporting non-accidental injuries.
3. If the children of the pre-school staff are unwell, the children will not accompany their parents to work in the pre-school.
First Aid Box
The first aid box and any long term medication (e.g. inhalers) should be kept in a safe, but easily accessible place, and with the children at all times e.g. when out of the Revelstoke Room on an outing.
The pre-school will ensure that the first aid equipment is kept clean and sterile items will be kept sealed in their packages until needed.
The supervisor is responsible for replacing any items used from the first aid box during a session.
Prescribed medication
If a child is on “short term” prescribed medication, (e.g. antibiotics) a parent should administer it. A member of staff will be responsible for the safe keeping of any medicines, including staff medication, which will be stored in a secure cupboard.
When it is necessary to administer long term medication (e.g. asthma inhalers), or a life saving medication (e.g. adrenaline injection/epipens for anaphylactic shock reaction to nuts, eggs etc.), written permission should be obtained by the parent and any other details provided in accordance with directions issued by the Pre-School Learning Alliance (see appendix 2). The medication must be clearly labelled with the child’s name, dosage and any instructions and checked to ensure the correct name and date on the medication. Where local regulations require it, guidance will be sought from Ofsted before people other than parents agree to administer medicines.
All medicines will be kept out of reach of children. A medication form will be available to fill in (a separate form for each child to ensure confidentiality). This will include the name of the child receiving medication, date and time when medication is administered, together with the signature of the person who has administered each dose. This will also be logged in the Accident/Incident Book.
Spillage of body fluids
Any spills of blood, vomit or excrement should be wiped up and flushed down the toilet. Rubber gloves/disposable gloves should always be worn when cleaning up spills of body fluids. Floors and other affected surfaces should be disinfected using chlorine or iodine bleach diluted according to manufacturer’s instructions. Fabrics contaminated with body fluids should be thoroughly washed in hot water.
Spare clean pants and other clothing are available in case of accidents. Soiled clothing will be put in plastic bags.
Hygiene rules related to bodily fluids are followed with particular care and all staff and volunteers are aware of how infections, including HIV infection, can be transmitted.
Emergency Procedure
In the event of a serious medical emergency at pre-school, the following procedure should be followed;
Dial 999
Send for an ambulance
Write down the following details to accompany the child to hospital;
Name, age and telephone number of the child. Contact numbers for parents/carers.
Employer’s name, address and telephone number.
Names of child’s doctor.
When the child last had a tetanus jab (if at all).
Information about known allergies/medical conditions etc.
An accurate account of the accident (if applicable) and the child’s condition.
First Aid should be carried out wherever possible, and every effort made to contact the child’s parent/carer. If the parent/carer is not available, a member of staff should accompany the child to hospital.
Major injuries (e.g. fractures other than to fingers, thumbs or toes), dangerous occurrences and diseases, should be reported to the Health and Safety Executive, following the guidelines in RIDDOR 95 (copies of which are held at pre-school).
Adults
Adults in the group should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, e.g. no wellington boots.
Staff should be aware of the level of safety required at the group, and that all areas of the health and safety policy are adhered to, in order to ensure the children are safe and the equipment they are using is safe, e.g. safety mats with climbing frames etc.
Ensure floor areas are kept clean and safe and any spillages of water, sand etc are cleared up to prevent accidents.
All cleaning equipment will be kept in a locked cupboard.
All surfaces should be cleaned daily with an appropriate cleaner, and all tables cleaned before food and drinks are served.
All children should be supervised at all times.
Arrivals/departures should be entered in the visitor’s book.
An adult will be at the door at all times when people are arriving or departing to ensure that no child “escapes” or leaves with the wrong adult.
All staff and carers should familiarise themselves with the fire procedure, which is displayed on the notice board of the pre-school. A fire drill should take place at least once every half term.
Personal belongings should be kept away from the children.
Hot drinks should be kept out of reach of children. Adults will not walk around with hot drinks.
Any dangerous equipment will be kept away from children or used with close supervision - e.g. sharp scissors, saws, staples, knives etc.
Staff will stay home if ill or infectious (including conjunctivitis and impetigo) and advise the Supervisor.
Children of pre-school staff who are sick will not accompany their parents to pre-school.
To ensure a complete record of those present in the case of an emergency, the names of all adults and children attending the group, including any visitors, will be entered on the register as they arrive, and ticked off when they leave.
All staff should take care when lifting heavy objects - bending the knees and keeping back straight - and ask for assistance when necessary.
Children
If a child appears to be unwell during a pre-school session then the child’s parents will be contacted so the child can go home. It is the staff’s duty to identify and record any illness of the children in their care. Children with infectious diseases should be excluded, and any illness and treatment given must be recorded in the Accident Book.
In cases of an emergency illness or accident, the parent will be contacted first. If they are not available then the emergency contact will be reached. If the emergency contact cannot be reached then the staff will follow the procedure for a medical emergency. See attached procedure.
Ofsted will be notified of any diseases that are notifiable. (See Spotty Book).
Suitable footwear should be worn, e.g. no flip-flops or wellies.
No sweets.
Long hair to be tied back, or pulled off faces in order to prevent dipping in paint, glue etc or in the way of scissors.
Any open cuts/wounds to be covered by plasters/dressings from home to prevent infection.
Should remain at home if suffering from any infectious conditions - e.g. measles, chickenpox, conjunctivitis, tummy bugs, or if suffering from a heavy cold or generally unwell. Children should be kept at home for 48 hours after the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea. The pre-school should be informed as to the nature of the infection so that other parents/carers can be alerted and careful observations made of any child who seems unwell.
Any child who has impetigo should be kept at home until all lesions are crusted or healed.
Suitable clothing to be worn for play (use of climbing frame etc.).
Hands washed after using the toilet.
Paper towels are used and disposed of appropriately.
Children encouraged to shield their mouths when coughing.
A large box of tissues is available, and children are encouraged to blow and wipe their noses when necessary. Soiled tissues disposed of hygienically.
Children with pierced ears are not allowed to try on or share each other’s earrings.
Carers
Should be familiar with the role of “duty carer” when appropriate, and wear suitable clothing and footwear when on duty.
Should be familiar with the fire drill, as displayed on the parent’s notice board.
To be responsible for any children they bring who are under three years old, themselves (unless children are booked in for staff to supervise).
To be responsible for children they bring who are over three before and after the session times.
To drop off and collect children as quickly as possible to avoid congestion.
To ensure own equipment, e.g. pushchairs are left in places where they will not
endanger others.
To ensure any long-term medication, e.g. inhalers, are in good working order, not
empty or expired, and placed in a locked cupboard, clearly labelled with the child’s name.
To ensure any hot drinks are kept well away from children. e.g. at the back of the draining board.
Ensure children stay at home if ill/infectious. Parents are asked not to bring into pre-school any child who has been vomiting or had diarrhoea until at least 48 hours have passed since the last attack. The pre-school should be informed as to the nature of the infection so that other parents/carers can be alerted and careful observations made of any child who seems unwell.
Staff should be informed of any important medical history, allergies etc. of their children.
Staff should be informed if anyone different is collecting children from pre-school and the “collection book” filled in. New people collecting children should be advised (by the parent) of their “password” before any child is allowed to leave. This information is recorded on the Registration Form.
Information sources
Parents will have the opportunity to discuss health issues with pre-school staff and will have access to information available to the pre-school.
The pre-school will maintain links with health visitors and gather health information and advice fro the local health authority information services and/or other health agencies.
The Spotty Book.
Food Preparation
The pre-school will observe current legislation regarding food hygiene, registration and training.
Snacks provided will be nutritious and pay due attention to children’s particular dietary requirements.
When preparing snacks, each adult will;
Always wash their hands under running water before handling food and after using the toilet.
Not be involved with the preparation of food if suffering from any infectious/contagious illness or skin trouble.
No smoking.
Never sneeze or cough over food.
Use different coloured cleaning cloths for kitchen and toilet areas (all cloths in pre-school are colour-coded for different uses - green for kitchen area and blue for toilets.
Prepare raw and cooked foods in separate areas.
Keep food covered where necessary.
Ensure waste is disposed of properly and out of reach of children. Keep a lid on the dustbin, and wash hands after using it.
Wash fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly before use.
Any food or drink that requires heating will be heated immediately prior to serving and not left standing. No food or drink will be reheated.
Tea towels will be kept scrupulously clean and washed between each session.
All utensils will be kept clean and stored in a dust-free place, e.g. closed cupboard or drawer.
Cracked or chipped china will not be used.
All cakes/biscuits etc provided for sale at fundraising events should be covered with cling film or a plastic food bag.
A record of dietary requirements is kept on our Registration and Health form and all adults working in the pre-school are made aware of children who have special dietary requirements.
When cooking with children as an activity, the adults will provide wholesome food, promoting and extending the children’s understanding of a healthy diet.
Premises
Should conform to current safety inspection.
Any structural faults should be reported to the Village Hall Committee immediately.
Internal fixtures and fittings to be maintained in good order and any faults reported to the Village Hall Committee.
Doors should be kept closed and the gate locked at the top and bottom as soon as the children have arrived to avoid children “wandering” out of pre-school. If any member of staff or a parent/carer leaves the room, another member of staff should be advised and the gate locked behind them.
Fire exits must be kept clear of obstructions at all times.
There should be adequate light and ventilation.
Safety equipment should be available, e.g. fire blanket (kept on the wall by the sink).
There should be adequate heating to maintain the temperature at around 16 C.
Heaters should be thermostatically controlled and child safe.
All plug sockets should have child guards in situ.
Children are not allowed in the cupboard under the sink or the cleaning cupboard.
Adequate hand-washing facilities should always be available and at child height. Individual paper towels should be used and disposed of appropriately.
Children should not play by the gate or the back fire escape (near the stage).
Children will have the opportunity to play in the fresh air throughout the year.
Equipment
All equipment should be safe and suitable for the age/stage of the children. Any broken equipment should be removed immediately.
All surfaces should be cleaned daily with an appropriate cleaner.
All equipment should be stored safely when not in use.
Safety mats should be used when necessary, e.g. with the climbing frame.
Staff should be alert to any child using equipment in a dangerous manner.
All food and drink should be fresh and kept in hygienic conditions, e.g. milk kept in the fridge and fruit washed etc.
All utensils should be washed thoroughly in detergent after use.
All equipment purchased should conform to current British Safety Standards.
Play dough should be changed regularly, at least half termly, or earlier if required.
Sand should be changed termly, or more often if required.
LIFTING AND MANUAL HANDLING
The Provision has a moral and legal responsibility to its employees, paid or voluntary, to reduce the risk of work associated back problems and other lifting and carrying injuries.
It is important to note that the handling of loads applies to lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, holding or moving by bodily force any discreet moveable object including a person.
For general guidance, all employees may from time to time have to lift or handle some objects. Firstly consider whether it is necessary to lift the object, consider if there are any alternatives and if you are at all unsure do not attempt to lift. You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those you work with.
If you decide to proceed with the lifting activity the correct way to lift is as follows:
Keep the back straight;
Place the feet slightly apart;
Bend the knees;
Grip firmly (with palms not fingertips), then lift slowly holding the object as close to your body as possible;
Do not twist the body during the lifting procedure.
VISITORS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF ALL THE CLAUSES IN THIS POLICY.
FIRE PROCEDURES, INSURANCE, REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE ETC ARE DISPLAYED ON THE NOTICEBOARD.
Health and Hygiene Policy and Practice
Included in this document is our Policy and procedure for medical emergency.
Our playgroup promotes a healthy lifestyle and a high standard of hygiene in its day-to-day work with children and adults. This is achieved in the following ways:
Health
Food
All snacks provided will be nutritious and pay due attention to children’s particular dietary requirements.
When cooking with children as an activity, the adults will provide wholesome food, promoting and extending the children’s understanding of a healthy diet.
A record of dietary requirements is kept on our Health forms and all adults working in the pre-school are made aware of children who have special dietary requirements.
Outdoor Play
Children will have the opportunity to play in the fresh air throughout the year (either in the playgroup’s own outside play area or on outings to parks or other community play spaces).
Illness
Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they have any infection, and to inform the playgroup as to the nature of the infection so that playgroup can alert other parents, and make careful observations of any child who seems unwell.
Parents are asked not to bring into playgroup any child who has been vomiting or had diarrhoea until at least 48 hours has elapsed since the last attack.
Parents are asked not to bring into playgroup any child who has impetigo until all lesions are crusted or healed.
If a child appears to be unwell during a pre-school session then the child’s parents will be contacted so the child can go home.
In cases of an emergency illness or accident, the parent will be contacted first. If they are not available then the emergency contacted will be reached. If the emergency contact cannot be reached then the staff will follow the procedure for a medical emergency. This procedure is attached.
Cuts or open sores, whether on adults or children, will be covered with sticking plaster or other dressing.
If a child is on prescribed medicine the following procedures will be followed:
If possible, the child’s parents will administer medicine. If not, the medication must be clearly labelled with child’s name, dosage and any instructions. Where local regulations require it, guidance will be sought from OFSTED before people other than parents agree to administer medicines.
Written information will be obtained from the parent, giving clear instructions about dosage, administration of the medication and permission for a member of staff to follow their instructions.
(See Medicine Form)
All medications will be kept in a lockable cupboard. (Records cupboard).
A medication book will be available to log in: name of child receiving medication; date and time when medication is administered; together with the signature of the person who has administered each dose.
With regard to the administration of life saving medication such as insulin/adrenalin injections or the use of nebulisers, the position will be clarified by reference to the playgroup’s insurance company. Each case will be treated individually and fairly.
The playgroup will ensure that the first aid equipment is kept clean, replenished and replaced as necessary. Sterile items will be kept sealed in their packages until needed.
All staff will be provided with regular first aid training to ensure there is always a qualified first aider during any playgroup session.
The playgroup has a No Smoking policy and no one is allowed to smoke either in the playgroup room or in the play ground at any time.
Parents will be informed when there is an outbreak of headlice with advice in how to deal with it.
Information Sources
Parents will have the opportunity to discuss health issues with the Supervisor and will have access to information available to the playgroup.
The playgroup will maintain links with health visitors and gather health information and advise from the local health authority information services and/or other health agencies.
The Spotty Book
Hygiene
To prevent the spread of all infection, adults in the group will ensure that he following good practices are observed:
Personal Hygiene
Hands are washed after using the toilet.
Children with pierced ears are not allowed to try on or share each other’s earrings.
Tissues are available and children encouraged to blow and wipe their noses when necessary. Soiled tissues are disposed of hygienically.
Children are encouraged to shield their mouths when coughing.
Individual towels are available, or paper towels used and disposed of appropriately.
Hygiene rules relating to bodily fluid are followed with care and all staff and volunteers aware of how infections, including HIV infection, can be transmitted.
Cleaning and clearing
Any spills of blood, vomit or excrement wiped up and flushed away down the toilet. Rubber gloves always used when cleaning up spills of bodily fluids. Floors and other affected surfaces disinfected using chlorine or iodine bleach diluted according to manufacturer’s instructions. Fabrics contaminated with bodily fluids thoroughly washed in hot water.
Spare laundered pants, and other clothing, available in case of accidents and polythene bags available to wrap soiled garments.
All surfaces cleaned daily with an appropriate cleaner.
Food
The playgroup will observe current legislation regarding food hygiene, registration and training.
In particular, each adult will:
Always wash their hands under running water before handling food and after using the toilet.
Not be involved with the preparation of food if suffering from any infectious/contagious illness or skin trouble.
Never smoke in the kitchen or any room storing food.
Never cough or sneeze over food.
Use different cleaning cloths for kitchen and toilet areas. Blue for kitchen and Green for toilets.
Prepare raw and cooked food in separate areas.
Keep food either covered and refrigerated or piping hot.
Ensure waste is disposed of properly and out of reach of the children. Keep a lid on the dustbin and wash hands after using it.
Wash fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly before use.
Any food or drink that requires heating will be heated immediately prior to serving and not left standing. No food or drink will be reheated.
Tea towels will be kept scrupulously clean and washed between sessions.
All utensils will be kept clean and stored in a dust-free place, eg closed drawer or cupboard.
Cracked or chipped china will not be used.
DIET - POLICY AND PRACTICE
The sharing of refreshments
can play an important part in the life of the playgroup as well as
reinforcing children’s understanding of the importance of healthy
eating. The playgroup will ensure that:
Children’s medical and personal dietary requirements are respected.
The dietary rules of religious groups and also vegetarians/vegans are known and met in appropriate ways.
Only milk and water are provided. Milk provided for the children is whole and pasteurised and in a sealed bottle/container.
Fresh drinking water is available at all times for the children to drink.
No fizzy drinks or sweets are accepted, except in packed lunches.
Parents are asked to supply one piece of fruit a week, in order to provide a healthy snack.
One biscuit will be provided per child in addition to fruit.
We
will take into consideration meals and snacks when planning our
routines, taking arrival and departure times into consideration.
Policy and Procedure for medical emergency
The procedure in the case of a medical emergency is outlined on our Registration Form
In the event of an accident where a child is seriously injured or ill then a qualified member of staff will oversee the procedure.
A qualified first aid attender will be alerted.
The child will be cared for appropriately until medical help is sought.
The parents will be informed.
If a parent were unavailable then the emergency contact name will be informed.
The child’s doctor will be contacted.
Depending upon nature of emergency an ambulance will be called.
If a parent were unavailable then either the Supervisor or another member of staff would accompany the child to hospital. The child’s file will be taken to the hospital.
The playgroup will help the parent to make arrangements to reach the hospital at the first opportunity.
Ofsted will be informed
The Chair of the playgroup committee will be informed.
· In the case of an outbreak of a contagious disease guidelines from the local health authority will be followed. (See the Spotty Book).
Procedures in case of an emergency
Lost Children
The safety procedures that are in place should help prevent a child being lost.
However in the event of child being lost the following procedure is to be followed:
The person in charge gathers all the staff, adults and children together and marks those children present against the register.
Alert all staff members so that all areas of the pre-school can be searched. All areas must still be supervised and the ratio within the pre-school will be maintained.
If the child cannot be found then other areas of the Village Hall will the searched by a member of staff.
If the child is not within the Hall area then the immediate surrounding area, including the "beach" will be searched.
If the child is not found within these areas then 999 must be called and the parents informed that their child is missing.
A member of staff will then be allocated to search in the area towards the child’s home.
A member of staff will explain to the parents what procedure is taking place and wait with the parent until the police arrive.
Once the police arrive they will be given responsibility for the subsequent procedure.
At the first opportunity the Chair of the Committee will be informed.
The incident will be recorded in the Accident/Incident Book.
A report should be written up as soon as possible after the event and a copy sent to Ofsted with an action plan.
A report and review of practice and policy will take place to ensure that this will not happen again.
Late/Uncollected Children
In the event that a child is not collected the following procedure will take place:
The person in charge will be informed.
The parent will be contacted to see if they have just forgotten the time or are running late. (A late collection charge will be made in line with our policy).
The emergency contact name will be informed and asked to come and take the child home with them. If this happens then a note will be left on the pre-school door informing the parent of the whereabouts of their child. The Supervisor will contact the parent at intervals to find out if the child has been collected. The staff will never take the child to their own home or allow anyone else other than someone authorised by the parents/carers to collect the child.
If there is no one available at the emergency contact then the Supervisor will stay with the child with at least one other member of staff for a period of up to an hour in the Revelstoke Room.
If the child is not collected by an authorised person after an hour, the Police (08705 777444 and ask for Ivybridge Police Station), Social Services (Parkers Barn, Totnes, 01803 869300) and Ofsted (0845 6014772) will be contacted.
A report should be written up as soon as possible after the event and a copy sent to Ofsted with an action plan. The Incident will be recorded in the Accident/Incident Book.
Phone Policy
All phones must be placed in the container which is placed on the Supervisor’s work station. If you need to use your phone, please ask the Supervisor for permission. Phones should only be used in the main playgroup room or the garden.
