Policy statement

Balham Community Centre and all staff believe that the health and safety of children and our users is of paramount importance. We make our settings a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and volunteers.

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

Insurance cover

We have public liability insurance and an employer’s liability insurance. The certificate for public liability insurance is displayed on the notice boards at all our sites.

Procedures

Awareness raising

• Our induction training for staff and volunteers includes a clear explanation of health and safety issues, so that all adults are able to adhere to our policy and procedures as they understand their shared responsibility for health and safety

• We operate a no-smoking policy

• We make children aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.

Windows

• Low level windows are made from materials that prevent accidental breakage

• We ensure that windows are protected from accidental breakage or vandalism from people outside the building

• Our windows above the ground floor are secured so that children cannot climb through them

• We ensure that blind cords are secured and do not pose a strangulation risk for children.

Floor and walkways

• All or floors surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not wet or damages. Any spills are mopped up immediately.

• Walkways are stairs are left clear and uncluttered

Electrical/gas equipment

• We ensure that all electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly

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

• Fires, heaters, wires and leads are properly guarded and we teach children not to touch them

• There are sufficient sockets in our settings to prevent overloading

• We switch electrical devices off from the socket after use.

• We ensure that the temperature of the hot is controlled to prevent scalds

• Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas of our setting

Storage

• All our resources and materials, which are used by the children, are stored safely.

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

Outdoor area

• Our outdoor area is securely fenced. All gates and fences are childproof and safe

• Our outdoor area is checked for safety and cleared of rubbish, animal droppings and any other unsafe items before it is used

• We leave receptacles upturned to prevent collection of rainwater. Here. Where water can form a pool on equipment, it is emptied and cleaned before children start playing outside

• Our outside sand pit is covered when not in use and is cleaned regularly

• We check that children are suitably attired for the weather conditions and type of outdoor activities, ensuring that hats are worn during the summer months

• We supervise outdoor activities at all times.

Hygiene

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

• We have a daily cleaning routine for setting, which includes all areas. Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen

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

• The toilet have a high standard of hygiene, including hand washing and drying facilities

We implement good hygiene practices by:

• Cleaning tables between activities

• Cleaning and checking toilets regularly

• Wearing protective clothing-such as aprons and disposable gloves – as appropriate

• Providing tissues and wipes

Activities, resources and repairs

• The layout of our 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 our materials, including paint and glue is non-toxic

• We ensure that the sand is clean and suitable for children’s play

Safety of adults

• We ensure that staff do not remain in the building on their own

• We record the sickness of staff and their involvement in accidents. The records are reviewed regularly to identify any issues that need to be addressed

• We provide safe equipment for adults to use when they need to reach up to stored equipment or to change a light bulb

Control of substances hazardous to health

• Hazardous substances are stored away from the children

• We keep all cleaning materials in their original containers

• We keep the chemicals used in the settings to the minimum in order to ensure health and hygiene is maintained. We use anti-bacterial cleaning agents only in the toilet and food preparation areas

• All members of staff are vigilant and use chemicals safety

• Members of staff wear protective gloves when using cleaning chemicals.