Health and Safety Policy

1. Introduction

At Nest in the Woods Pre-school and Forest School, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our children, staff, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our commitment to comply with all relevant UK laws and regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years.

2. Legal Framework

We recognize our obligations under the aforementioned legislation and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years, which sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. In addition, we adhere to the following policies and procedures:

• Procedure for Responding to Illness: We have a clear procedure in place to respond promptly and appropriately to illness among children, including guidelines for identifying symptoms, notifying parents/guardians, and providing appropriate care and support.
• Administering Medicines Policy: We have a policy in place for administering medicines to children, ensuring that it is done safely and in accordance with relevant regulations. This policy includes obtaining necessary consent, proper storage and handling of medications, and training staff members on administering medications.
• Safeguarding Policy: We have a comprehensive safeguarding policy to ensure the well-being and protection of all children in our care. This policy includes procedures for recognizing and responding to signs of abuse or neglect, reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities, and providing ongoing training and support to staff members.
• Emergency Evacuation Procedure: We have established an emergency evacuation procedure that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or other immediate danger. This procedure includes clear evacuation routes, designated assembly points, and regular drills to familiarize staff and children with the process.
• Risk Benefit Analysis: We conduct risk benefit analyses to assess and manage potential risks associated with our activities. This involves identifying hazards, evaluating the benefits and learning opportunities of an activity, implementing control measures to mitigate risks, and regularly reviewing and updating risk assessments as needed.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Directors’ Responsibilities

• The Directors are responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy.
• They will ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to meet health and safety requirements.
• They will review and update this policy annually or as necessary.

3.2 Staff Responsibilities

• All staff members are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this policy, the relevant legislation, and the associated policies and procedures.
• Staff must report any health and safety concerns promptly to the Directors.
• They must also take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

3.3 Parents and Visitors

• Parents and visitors are expected to comply with all health and safety policies and procedures while on the premises.
• They should report any hazards or concerns to a staff member immediately.

4. Site Safety

• We will ensure that our premises and outdoor areas are maintained in a safe condition.
• Regular inspections will be conducted to identify hazards such as broken equipment, or dangerous substances.
• Adequate supervision will be provided to ensure the safety of children during activities and outings.
• All equipment will be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired or replaced as needed.

5. Fire Safety

• We will maintain appropriate fire safety measures as appropriate, including fire extinguishers, emergency exit routes, and evacuation procedures.
• Fire drills will be conducted regularly to familiarize staff and children with the evacuation process.
• Staff members will receive training in fire safety and the proper use of firefighting equipment.

6. First Aid

• We will maintain well-stocked and easily accessible first aid kits on the premises.
• Designated staff members will hold valid first aid qualifications.
• Accidents and incidents (and near misses) will be recorded in an accident book, and/or a webform on our website, and appropriate measures will be taken to prevent future occurrences.

7. Health and Hygiene

• We will promote good hygiene practices among staff, children, and visitors, including regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and adequate personal hygiene.
• We will ensure that sanitary facilities are clean, well-maintained, and stocked with appropriate supplies.
• Staff will receive training in infection control procedures.

8. Training and Information

• Staff members will receive appropriate health and safety training, including induction training for new employees.
• We will provide training and guidance specific to responding to illness, administering medicines, safeguarding, emergency evacuation, and conducting risk benefit analysis.
• All policies and procedures are available for staff and parents to view on our website.

9. Monitoring and Review

• We will regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of our health and safety arrangements.
• Feedback from staff, parents, and visitors will be actively sought and considered.
• This policy, along with the associated policies and procedures, will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure their continued suitability and effectiveness.