SCOUT HALL PRE-SCHOOL LIMITED

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN - SAFETY POLICY

The safety of young children is of paramount importance. We aim to ensure the safety of both children
and adults in our Pre-School, by making them aware of safety issues and minimizing any hazards and
risks.
The member of staff with overall responsibility for both Health and Safety is Estelle Dolling who has
undertaken Health and Safety training. She is supported by the Deputy Managers, Anne Mardon and Jo
Purssey.

Risk
 We make a safety check of the premises before each session.
 We erect large equipment with care, checking that it is safe.
 Equipment is checked regularly. All staff are aware that checks are daily and ongoing, and any
dangerous items are taken away for repair or discarded.
 The outdoor area is checked for hazards before children go outside for activities.
 All accidents/incidents are recorded in our Accident/Incident book and our safety monitoring will
include checking this record book.
 We use the risk assessment supplied by our insurers, Royal and Sun Alliance, to make a complete
annual review of safety.

Awareness
 Our staff receive a clear explanation of safety procedures upon induction and this is further
discussed regularly at staff meetings. They are made aware that this is a shared responsibility.
Training also covers employees’ wellbeing, including safe lifting.
 Parents can access our safety policy on line or on request and are reminded of any important
issues of safety through our regular newsletters.
 There is a strict No Smoking policy throughout the building.
 Children are made aware of safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.

Children’s Safety
 Only persons who have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the
Disclosure & Barring Service and are registered with OFSTED as child carers have unsupervised
access to the children, including helping them with toileting.
 All children are supervised by adults at all times.
 Adults do not normally supervise children on their own.
 Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults are present.
 Mobile phones should not be used when staff are working with children. They will be kept with
staff members personal possessions. Exceptions to this will be when staff are working outside with
children and mobile phones are required in the event of an emergency.
 Visitors to the Pre-school are asked not to use their mobile phones, mobile cameras etc. Cameras
MUST NOT be used by visitors to avoid any inappropriate use. Exceptions to this will firstly be
agreed with the Pre-school Manager.

Security
 All staff are aware of the system in operation for children’s arrival and departure at the Pre-School
and a staff member will be at the door during these periods.
 A register of staff and children attending the session is completed as they arrive to ensure that in
the event of any emergency a record of those present is available.
Scout Hall Preschool Ltd Policy & Procedures – reviewed 21/07/2022
  A Visitors book is kept as record of any other persons present on the premises.
 Children will leave the group only with authorised adults.
 The main entrance door is kept electronically locked with a push button to open at adult level to
allow for an emergency evacuation.
 Personal possessions of staff/volunteers are kept out of children’s reach in the main hall or
kitchen and within view of all.

Intruders

We make every effort to keep our setting safe from intruders. However, in the event that an individual
has entered the premises without having legitimate reason (i.e. to drop off/collect a child or a visitor
who has “signed in” and explained the purpose of their visit) a member of staff will:
 Approach the individual (if safe to do so) to ask their name and purpose of visit.
 Escort the individual to the Supervisor and have them sign in as a visitor (ensure they are aware of
the visitor policy for future reference).
Should the individual appear agitated, aggressive or refuse to leave the building the staff member will:
 Try to alert the Supervisor or other member of staff (who will make every effort to call the Police
to report the incident)
 Alternatively make a colleague aware so that they can observe and assess whether further action
is needed.
 Endeavour to calm the person by speaking in a low, calm, reassuring voice (in this situation there
should be 2 members of staff) whilst awaiting the arrival of the Police.
Should the Police be required, the member of staff making the call will remain on the line to the
operator until Police arrive, monitoring the situation.
Other staff members should move children away for a story or to keep them purposefully engaged and
calm.
OFSTED and the Preschool parents will be informed of the incident and the subsequent investigations,
with due regard for both data protection and confidentiality policies.

Activities
 Equipment offered to children is developmentally appropriate, recognising that materials suitable
for an older child may pose a risk to younger/less mature children.
 The lay out and space ratios allow children and adults to move safely and freely between
activities.
 All materials – including paint and glue – are non-toxic.
 Activities such as cooking, woodwork and energetic play receive close supervision.
 Children are taught to handle and store tools safely.

Fire Safety
 Fire extinguishers are checked annually.
 Fire drills are held at least termly and our emergency evacuation procedure is displayed inside the
main door to the building.
 Fire doors are clearly marked and never obstructed.

General Risks
 Electric points and leads are adequately guarded. A visual check, for signs of wear and tear, is
made each time electrical items are unpacked for use.
 All dangerous materials, including medicines and cleaning materials are stored out of reach of
children.

Scout Hall Preschool Ltd Policy & Procedures – reviewed 21/07/2022

 Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen or any cupboards storing hazardous
materials including matches.
 Adults do not walk about with hot drinks or place hot drinks within reach of children.
 A correctly stocked First Aid box is available at all times.
 The premises are checked before locking up at the end of the day.

Scout Hall Preschool Ltd Policy & Procedures – reviewed 21/07/2022