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Health & Safety Policy

Policy Statement
At the Kids Village, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, staff, and visitors. We adhere to the highest standards of health and safety practices to ensure that all legal requirements and best practices are met. This policy outlines the measures in place to secure the building, ensure safe drop-off and pick-up procedures, and outline the protocols for first aid, fire safety, and managing medical conditions.

1. Secure Two-Point Entry System

To ensure the safety and security of the children in our care, The Kids Village operates a secure buzzer two-point entry system. The following procedures are in place:

  • Entry to the Building: Visitors collecting and dropping off children must ring the video operated buzzer at the entrance outside the premises to be granted access. Staff will identify the visitor via the video intercom system before opening the door. The buzzer system will go directly to the central piazza where staff will be available to quickly and effectively identify the adult picking up the child in question. 

  • Secure Building Access: Once inside, visitors will then be met with a gate, which can only be opened by a member of staff inside the nursery. 

  • Restricted Access: Access to the nursery is restricted to authorised personnel, with staff monitoring the entrance at all times. Visitors such as nappy waste disposal workers, cleaners, maintenance workers, must fill in a visitors form without exception and must be accompanied 100% of their visit. They must then sign out of the premises by filling in the sign out form. Visitors must wear a visitor badge to identify themselves. Only pre-arranged 3rd party visitors will be granted access into the Nursery, without exception. Staff will be trained at the point of induction in this matter.

The two-point entry system ensures that only individuals who have been authorised by the nursery can enter the building, thereby protecting the children in our care from potential security risks.

2. Password Protected Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures

To ensure that children are only handed over to authorised individuals, we have implemented password-protected drop-off and pick-up procedures:

  • Setting a Password: At the time of registration, parents and guardians will set a unique password for their child. This password must be used when picking up the child from the nursery.

  • Password Verification: During drop-off and pick-up, staff will ask the person collecting the child to provide the password. If the password is not provided or is incorrect, the child will not be released, and staff will contact the designated parent or guardian to verify the situation.

  • Emergency Collection: In the event that someone other than the authorised individuals is collecting a child, parents must inform the nursery in advance, and the person collecting the child must present a valid ID along with the password for verification. 

3. Risk Assessments and Ongoing Risk Assessments

Initial Risk Assessments:
Before the nursery opens, a comprehensive risk assessment is carried out for all areas of the building and activities. This includes:

  • Identifying potential hazards (e.g., broken equipment, wet floors, outdoor play areas).

  • Assessing the risk level (high, medium, low).

  • Implementing control measures to reduce or eliminate risks (e.g., repair of equipment, removal of hazards).

Ongoing Risk Assessments:
Risk assessments are a continuous process at The Kids Village. This includes:

  • Daily checks: Each morning, staff will conduct a risk assessment of the premises and activities.

  • Weekly and termly reviews: These will evaluate any changes in the environment, new equipment, or emerging risks.

  • Incident Reviews: Any incidents or accidents will trigger a review of the risk assessment and procedures to prevent recurrence.

4. Fire Safety

At The Kids Village, fire safety is of paramount importance. The following measures are in place:

  • Fire Alarms: The nursery is equipped with a fire alarm system, and regular checks are made to ensure it is functioning properly.

  • Evacuation Drills: Fire evacuation drills will be held at least once per term to ensure that staff and children are familiar with the procedures. All drills will be recorded, and any areas for improvement will be addressed immediately.

  • Escape Routes: All fire exits will be kept clear and clearly marked. Emergency exit routes are regularly checked to ensure they remain accessible at all times.

  • Staff Training: All staff are trained in fire safety, including how to evacuate children quickly and safely, the use of fire extinguishers, and how to assist children with special needs or mobility issues during an evacuation.

  • Fire Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting are regularly maintained and checked to ensure they are operational.

5. Safe Use of Equipment

We are committed to ensuring the safe use of equipment within the nursery:

  • Regular Inspections: All equipment, toys, and furniture are regularly inspected to ensure they are in good condition and meet safety standards.

  • Age-Appropriate Equipment: Equipment is age-appropriate, ensuring that it is suitable for the developmental stage of the children.

  • Safety Instructions: Equipment and play materials will be used in accordance with safety guidelines to prevent accidents or injuries.

  • Cleaning and Maintenance: All equipment is cleaned and disinfected regularly to ensure a hygienic environment.

6. First Aid Procedures

First Aiders:

  • There will always be 1 staff member on site with an up to date Paediatric First Aid certificate. 

  • There will always be a minimum of 2 First Aiders on site at all times (one of which will be the Paediatric First Aider)

  • Our First Aider’s training will be refreshed every 3 years as per the Health and Safety Executive HSE expectations. 

  • First Aid Certificates will be displayed at all times so that all staff are aware of who the First Aiders are on site. 

 

First Aid Kit:
A fully stocked first aid kit is available at all times, easily accessible to staff but out of reach of children. The first aid kit will be checked regularly to ensure it is properly stocked.

Accidents and Injuries:
In the event of an accident or injury:

  • The child will be assessed, and first aid will be administered as needed.

  • An accident report will be completed, and parents will be notified immediately or at the end of the day, depending on the severity.

  • For more serious injuries, the child will be taken to a hospital if necessary, and parents will be contacted as soon as possible.

Defibrillator: 

We do not have an AED on site, however, staff are made aware during induction training that the nearest De-Fib machine is at 51 DOCKHEAD STREET, SALTCOATS, KA21 5ED (Outside on the wall at Alex Bicket)

 

7. Evacuation Plans

Evacuation Procedures:
In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, the following procedures will be followed:

  • Evacuation: Children will be evacuated through the nearest exit under the supervision of staff.

  • Assembly Point: An assembly point, away from the building, has been designated for all children and staff to meet after evacuation (directly across the road on the pavement surrounding Nellany’s Solicitors)

  • Roll Call: A roll call will be conducted to ensure that all children and staff are accounted for 

  • Parent Notification: Parents will be contacted and asked to collect their children from the assembly point if necessary.

Emergency Contacts:
The nursery maintains up-to-date emergency contact information for all children and staff, which is readily available in case of evacuation.

8. Management of Medical Conditions

Child Medical Conditions:
Parents are required to inform the nursery of any medical conditions (e.g., allergies, asthma, diabetes) upon registration. The following steps are taken to manage these conditions:

  • Individual Care Plans: Each child with a medical condition will have an individual care plan that is reviewed regularly with parents.

  • Medication Administration: Staff are trained in the safe administration of medication, and any medication administered will be documented. Parents must sign consent forms for medication administration.

  • Emergency Procedures: In cases of serious medical conditions (e.g., anaphylaxis), staff are trained in the use of emergency medication (e.g., epinephrine injections) and follow the specific care plan.

Staff Medical Conditions:
Staff are also required to inform the nursery of any medical conditions that may affect their ability to perform their duties. The nursery will provide any necessary support or reasonable accommodations to ensure staff can work safely.

9. Monitoring and Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or nursery practices. Staff, parents, and any relevant external agencies (e.g., Care Inspectorate) will be consulted as part of the review process.

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