Health & Safety Policy

1. Statement of Intent

[Setting Name] is committed to providing a safe, healthy environment for all children, staff, and visitors. We take our health and safety responsibilities seriously and will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure risks are identified, assessed, and managed.

This policy applies to our premises at [Address] and any off-site visits or outings undertaken as part of our setting's activities.

2. Legal Responsibilities

This policy is written in accordance with:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• EYFS Statutory Framework 2024 (Section 3: Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements)
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

The person responsible for health and safety at [Setting Name] is: [Your Name]

3. Risk Assessment

We carry out written risk assessments for all areas of the setting and all activities, including:

• Indoor play spaces and equipment
• Outdoor areas and garden
• Outings and trips
• Cooking and food preparation activities
• Water and sand play
• New activities or changes to the environment

Risk assessments are reviewed at least annually, or immediately following any incident or significant change. Risk assessments are available for Ofsted inspection and are shared with parents where relevant (e.g. for outings).

3.1 Daily Safety Checks

Each day before children arrive, the following checks are completed and recorded:

• All indoor areas are clear of hazards
• Garden/outdoor space is checked for hazards (broken glass, animal waste, damaged equipment)
• All gates and access points are secure
• Fire exits are unobstructed
• Equipment is in good working order — damaged items are removed from use immediately
• Cleaning products and medicines are locked away, out of children's reach

4. First Aid

At least one person holding a current Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate is present at all times when children are in the setting. Our first aiders are:

• [Name] — Certificate expiry: [Date]
• [Name — if applicable] — Certificate expiry: [Date]

Our first aid kit is located at: [Location, e.g. kitchen cupboard] and is checked and restocked [monthly / termly]. The kit contains all items specified in the approved list for childcare settings.

5. Accidents, Injuries and Incidents

5.1 When an accident occurs

1. Administer first aid as appropriate
2. Call 999 if the child requires emergency medical treatment
3. Inform parents as soon as possible — immediately for serious injuries
4. Complete an Accident Report Form on the same day
5. Have the parent sign the form at next collection, or send digitally for signature
6. Keep signed copies securely for a minimum of three years (or until the child turns 21 if injured before age 18)

5.2 RIDDOR Reporting

Certain incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR within specified timeframes. These include: death, major injuries, injuries requiring hospitalisation, and dangerous occurrences (near-misses). Reports are made at: hse.gov.uk/riddor

5.3 Ofsted Notification

We notify Ofsted of any incident, accident, or injury to a child in our care that results in hospital attendance. Notification is made as soon as reasonably practicable and within 14 days using the Ofsted online portal.

6. Fire Safety

• A fire risk assessment is carried out annually and reviewed following any changes to premises
• Smoke alarms are installed on each floor of the setting and tested [weekly / monthly]
• Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in rooms with gas appliances or open fires
• A fire evacuation procedure is displayed prominently at: [location]
• Fire drills are practised [termly / twice per year] and recorded with date, time, and number of children present
• The fire assembly point is: [e.g. front gate / neighbour's driveway]
• The register is taken to the assembly point at every fire drill

7. Medicines and Medical Needs

We follow our separate Medication Policy for the administration of medicines. In summary:

• We only administer medicines with written parental consent
• Prescription medicines are administered exactly as instructed on the label
• All medicines are stored securely, out of children's reach
• Administration is recorded and parents are informed at collection
• We carry children's prescribed emergency medication (e.g. EpiPens) on outings

8. Hygiene and Infection Control

• Children and adults wash hands before eating, after toileting, after outdoor play, and after handling animals
• Food preparation surfaces are cleaned before and after use with food-safe antibacterial spray
• Nappy changing areas are cleaned and sanitised after each use
• Disposable gloves are worn when handling bodily fluids
• Any child showing signs of infectious illness is excluded in line with UKHSA exclusion guidance
• We follow our Illness and Sick Child Policy for managing unwell children

9. Sleep and Rest

• Sleeping babies are placed on their backs, feet to foot of cot, on a firm flat surface
• Sleeping children are checked every [10 minutes] and a log is kept
• We follow the Lullaby Trust safe sleep guidance at all times
• Sleeping spaces are free from duvets, pillows, and loose items for children under 12 months
• Parents' preferences for sleep routines are discussed at settling-in and respected where safe to do so

10. Visitors and Premises Security

• All visitors to the setting are expected and their identity is verified before entry
• Unexpected visitors are not admitted without a check of identity and purpose
• Children are never left unsupervised with any adult who does not hold a current DBS check
• External doors are kept locked during the day
• All gates and fencing are secure and checked as part of the daily safety check

11. COSHH — Chemicals and Substances

• A COSHH inventory is maintained for all cleaning and chemical products used in the setting
• All chemical products are stored in locked cupboards, away from children
• Products are used only as directed and in well-ventilated areas
• Child-friendly cleaning products are used where possible in areas children access

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or following any significant incident or change to legislation. Next review date: [Date]