K2P25 – Familiarity with adult/child ratio requirements, according to regulatory and setting requirements.

Child ratio:-

Within my setting in the school’s nursery and reception class the following ratios apply:-

• One adult to eight children.

Taking children outside setting:-

K2H16 – The laws governing safety in your home country, including the general responsibility for health and safety that applies to all colleagues and to employers.

Health & safety laws:-

A) Securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work;

(B) Protecting persons other than persons at work against risks to health or safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work;

(C) Controlling the keeping and use of explosive or highly flammable or otherwise dangerous substances, and generally preventing the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of such substances; and

(D) Controlling the emission into the atmosphere of noxious or offensive substances from premises.

It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.

Health and safety within the school environment:-

Management of medication, every school must development a policy on the roles and responsibilities of the employers, parents, carers, governing bodies, head teachers and teachers.  The policy must include drawing up a health-plan for a pupil, confidentiality, record keeping, the storage, access and disposal of medication.  The plan should contain common conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and anaphylactic shock.

First aid, the school must ensure that there are adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities for providing first aid.  There should be minimum provisions in place:-

• Suitable first-aid container.
• Appointed member of staff to take charge of equipment.
• Adequate number of First-aiders and adequate number of containers.

First-aid provision should be available at all times including out of school activities.  The school must also develop a first-aid policy.

Safe practice in physical education must be monitored at all times.

School’s security and safety the person who is responsible for the health and safety within the environment should ensure that all security measures are draw up within their policy.  The Head teacher or caretaker is responsible for securing the building and maintaining the security of the children. (K2S31 and K2S32 child protection policy).

Fire emergencies, regular drills to evacuate the building are held and timed including imposing different situations on children and staff.  An appointed member of staff will ensure that the building is clear, services i.e. water, electricity and gas are isolated, all doors are closed, call the emergency services. All fire equipment should be regularly checked and record sheets kept.

Accidents, all accidents must be recorded in a report book. If the accident is caused by faulty equipment the Head teacher must be informed, all faulty equipment should be either removed or isolated.

Once a term health and safety inspections of the premises should take place.

www.teachernet.gov.uk

K2H30 – The emergency procedures within settings and the types of possible emergency.

Procedures for fire and or security incidents:-

• All documents must be kept on correct health and safety procedure for fire and other emergencies in the Head teacher’s office.
• All staff will be made familiar with the fire and security procedures on inset days; ensuring new members of staff are updated and proficient in all procedures.
• All children will be made familiar with the correct procedures at the beginning of the school year.
• Regular fire drills to evacuate the building are held and timed, with different situations imposed on staff and children.
• All children will assemble in the schools top playground, where the children will line up in their groups.  All teachers will take the register within their group.
• All fire drills and or incidents will be logged in the fire report book in conjunction with the local fire services.
• Appointed members of staff will clear the school’s buildings of people and take appropriate actions to close doors, isolate services and to summon the Head teacher or Deputy Head teacher to arrange follow-up actions.
• Once all emergency procedures are put in place the Head teacher or Deputy Head teacher will report the incident by telephone to the fire or other emergency services.
• All details of the positions of isolation points for: water, electricity and gas should be kept by the caretaker.
• The Head teacher and members of the Health and safety committee are responsible for regularly checking all fire fighting equipment.
• An annual test of all fire fighting equipment must be conducted by the fire services in accordance with the Council contract.

Drop off and collection of children:-

• Working with Governor’s, parents and members of staff have a clear routine for drop off and collection of the children.
• Ensure all parents are aware of the correct procedures: if your child is late, absent, attending appointments and the correct times for drop off / collection.
• Ensure the school has up-to-date records of contact numbers of parents, grandparents or carers and any custody issues.
• All outside access points are gated and locked once the school bell has been rung and all parents/ carers have left the vicinity.
• All children are supervised at collection time and no child is allowed to leave without the member of staff’s permission and the acknowledgment of the parent/carer by that staff member.

Missing Child:-

• Recheck head count and or recheck registration.
• Search immediate area.
• Do thorough search of the building.
• Contact parents to ensure that child has not left with them i.e. feeling sick or had an accident / injury.
• Contact police.

K2H27 – Policies and procedures of setting for, responding to and recording accidents and emergencies.  Basic first aid required in an emergency and how to apply it, recognition of and response to choking, unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, bleeding, anaphylactic shock, burns.  Awareness of location and contents of first aid box.  How to treat common minor injuries that may be dealt with on site, as minor skin abrasions, cuts, bumps.

Responding to and recording accidents / emergencies:-

1. Assess the situation (how bad the accident is).
2. Reassure and comfort child.
3. Treat injury if necessary in the medical room and or with the first aid kit.
4. Record accident in ‘Accident record Book’ including the time and date, location of injury on the body, child’s name, how it happened and nature of injury / accident.  Treatment given. Ensuring that member of staff signs record and a copy of it given to the parent or carer and that the parent is also verbally told of incident.
5. All old records are kept in the Head teacher’s office.

Serious Accident / emergencies:-

1. Asses the situation (how bad the accident is – is it life threatening).
   1. Put child into recovery position if necessary and administer general first aid.
   2. Reassure and comfort child.
      1. Head teacher or Deputy Head teacher must telephone the emergency services.
      2. Head teacher or Deputy Head teacher will contact the parents and arrange to meet them at the hospital.
      3. Head teacher, Deputy Head teacher or appointed first aider will escort the child along with the emergency services.
      4. Record accident in ‘Accident record Book’ including the time and date, location of injury on the body, child’s name, how it happened and nature of injury / accident.  Treatment given. Ensuring that member of staff signs record and a copy it given to the parent or carer and that the parent is also verbally told of incident.
      5. All old records are kept in the Head teacher’s office.

Illness:-

1. Assess the situation (has the child been recently off sick or is there a bug going around the school).
2. Check temperature of the child, take clothing off if necessary.
3. See how the child feels after 15 minutes or so.
4. Inform child’s teacher.
5. Contact parents or carers to collect child.
6. Ensure parent sign the child out of school in the relevant book in the reception area.

All staff are encouraged to undertake basic first aid training and two members of staff have ‘first aid at work’ certificates.  A list of all qualified First Aiders is located in the medical room’s cupboard.

First aid boxes are kept in the following locations within the school’s building:

• Nursery
• Medical Room
• Reception area

And all travelling first aid boxes are also located in the medical room.  Every term the contents of the boxes are checked and restocked.

Basic First Aid:-

Choking procedure:-

Child

1. Check child’s mouth for any obvious obstructions, NOT DO blind sweep fingers as these may impact further on an object and cause tissue damage.
2. If child is breathing encourage to keep coughing to release obstruction.
3. If the child shows signs of weakening, stops coughing or stops breathing, bend child forward and perform five back slaps.
4. Ensure the five back blows are between the shoulder blades and with the heel of your hand.
5. Again re check child’s mouth for any obvious obstructions.  If the choking continues perform five chest trusts.
6. Stand or kneel behind child.
7. Make a fist and place it against the lower half of the breastbone.
8. Grasp the fist with your other hand.
9. Pull sharply inwards and upwards.
10. Perform thrusts at the rate of 1 every 3 seconds.
11. Again re check child’s mouth for any obvious obstructions.  If the choking continues perform five abdominal thrusts.
12. Stand or kneel behind child.
13. Put both arms around the upper abdominal area.
14. Bend child forward.
15. Clench your fist and place it between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone.
16. Grasp it with your other hand.
17. Pull sharply inwards and upwards five times.

Call emergency services.

Baby:

1. Check baby’s mouth for any obvious obstructions.  DO NOT blind sweep fingers as this may cause impact on the object or tissue damage.
2. If baby shows signs of weakening, stops coughing or stops breathing perform five back slaps, ensuring that the baby’s head is lower than it’s chest.
3. Re check baby’s mouth for obstruction, if choking continues turn baby onto their back and perform five chest thrusts but only using TWO FINGERS.
4. If obstruction does not clear after three back slaps or chest thrusts.

Call emergency services.

DO NOT PERFORM ABDOMINAL THRUST ON BABIES.

Seek medical advice for any baby who has received chest thrusts.

Resuscitation Procedure:-

1. Open child’s airway by placing one hand on the forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin.  Remove any visible obstructions from the child’s mouth and nose.
2. Pinch the child’s nose and place your mouth over the child’s mouth and attempt five initial breaths.
3. Place your hands on the centre of the child’s chest and, with the heel of your hand, press down one third of the depth of the chest either using one or two hands.  After every 30 chest compressions perform 2 breaths.

If the child remains not breathing after one minute of CPR call the emergency services.  Or if another adult is present get them to call straight away while you start CPR.

Ensure you continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until the emergency services arrive.

Babies Resuscitation:-

1. Open baby’s airway by placing one hand on the forehead and gently tilting the baby’s head back and lifting the chin.  Remove all visible obstructions from the baby’s nose and mouth.
2. Place your mouth over the baby’s mouth and nose and by steadily blowing attempt 5 initial breaths.
3. Place 2 fingers in the middle of the chest and press down one third of the depth of the chest.  After every 30 chest compressions perform 2 breaths.

If the baby remains not breathing after one minute of CPR call the emergency services.  Or if another adult is present get them to call straight away while you start CPR.

Ensure you continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until the emergency services arrive.

Unconsciousness:-

Causes include:-

• Fainting.
• Inhalation of smoke
• Infantile convulsions.
• Shock.
• Head injuries.
• Heart attack.
• Asphyxia.
• Poisoning.
• Epilepsy.
• Diabetes.

Check responses:-

• Alert
• Responds to voice.
• Responds to pain.
• Unresponsive.

Open and clear airways and place child in recovery position.  Keep head tilted back and monitor breathing and pulse at least every 10 minutes.

Recovery Position:-

1. Place child’s arm nearest to you at a right angle.
2. Move the child’s other arm and with the back of their hand on their cheek.  Then get hold of the child’s knee furthest away from you and pull up until the foot is flat on the floor.
3. Pull the child’s knee towards you, keeping the child’s hand pressed against their cheek.  Position their leg at a right angle.
4. Make sure that you keep the child’s airway open until emergency services arrive.

Severe Bleeding procedure:-

Your main aim in treating is to stem the blood flow.  If you have gloves available please ensure you use them as it is important to reduce the risk of cross infection.

1. Check whether there is an object embedded in the wound.
2. If there is nothing embedded in the wound, press on wound with your hand, ideally with a clean pad, and secure with a bandage.
3. If the wound is on the arm or leg raise the injured limb above the level of the heart.
4. If the wound is embedded with an object, ensure that you do not press directly onto the object.  Press firmly either side of the object and build up padding around it before bandaging.

www.redcross.org.uk

Minor Burns:-

1. Hold affected area under cold running water for at least ten minutes or until the pain subsides.
2. Remove any jewellery that the child may be wearing.
3. Cover the burn with a clean non-fluffy cloth, a clean plastic bag or kitchen film to protect from infection.

Severe Burns:-

1. Start cooling main immediately under cold running water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.
2. Telephone emergency services.
3. Remove any jewellery or clothing to stop items sticking to the skin.
4. Cover the burn with a clean non-fluffy cloth, a clean plastic bag or kitchen film to protect from infection.

On all burns DO NOT use lotions, creams or adhesive dressings.

www.travelsafe.co.uk

Anaphylactic Shock:-

Anaphylactic shock is a sudden catastrophic allergic reaction involving the whole body.  Without immediate medical treatment the heart or circulation may fail and the child could die.

Common causes are:-

• Food (peanuts, almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, fish, eggs and cows milk.
• Venom from bee and wasp stings.
• Latex rubber.
• Antibiotics.

An adrenaline injection must be administered immediately to prevent respiratory complications.  Sometimes administering antihistamines may calm the symptoms down until the emergency services arrive.

If the child is conscious sit them up or if they are unconscious put them into the recovery position.

Call emergency services.

www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/allergies/allergicconditions.

Minor Cuts and bumps procedures:-

1. Wash your hands before administering first aid.
2. Clean wound and administer antiseptic cream and cover with appropriate dressing.
3. Bump: hold cold compress against area affected.
4. For Head bump, ensure that the child does not feel sick or is sick, check eyes are focusing correctly.

www.childhealth.co.uk

K2S17 – The duty of all within the sector to safeguard children, including the general responsibility for health and safety that applies to all colleagues and to employers.

What would I do if a member of staff was not following the correct procedures?

Firstly I would ensure that my own knowledge of my job description and relevant policies was up to date before confidently dealing with a potentially difficult situation.

Is the member of staff just questionable or using poor practices or are they putting the children into dangerous situations.

It can be a difficult situation if the member of staff involved has been in the position longer or has a higher position than you; however, I would seek the advice of the Head teacher or Deputy Head teacher.

My priority would always be to ensure that the children are receiving a secure and safe environment with no threats to their well being.

Depending on the severity of the situation I would speak to the member of staff privately and discuss the problem in a positive manner, taking into account any personal problems they may be dealing with. I would also offer my assistance if they required extra training or advice.

If the issue is more serious or I felt that the children’s safety is at risk, I would go directly to the Head teacher, Deputy Head teacher or Governors if situation involved senior member of staff.  It is the responsibility of the Governors to lay down correct procedures and ensure they are workable and comply with the current laws.  Or alternatively you could approach an outside agency such as social services.

K2H23 – When and how to use safety equipment such as safety gates, socket covers, window and drawer catches, cooker guards, safety harness. Safety in respect of animals, plants, sand pits and outdoor spaces.

Within my settings Nursery and Reception classes we use appropriate safety equipment within the children’s age range i.e.

• Electric Plug covers. (To prevent children putting their fingers or objects into sockets).
• Cupboard door locks. (To prevent children from opening cupboards which may contain hazardous items).
• Wall mounted boiling hot water dispenser. (Adult reach only prevent children from burns).
• Foam and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. (Located in different areas within the setting – Adult use only).
• Fire blanket. (To prevent child from further burns to be used in emergencies only).

All equipment and toys will be safety checked with the relevant kite mark:

• Product will not catch light easily from cigarettes and matches.
• Product is not fire proof.
• Manufacturer’s self declaration that product meets basic EU legal requirements.
• This is not a safety symbol.
• The Kite mark confirms that British Standards Institution has tested the product and that it meets a particular standard.
• Unsuitable for Children under the age of three, may contain small parts.
• The lion mark shows that a toy meets British safety standards.
• British Standard Institute safety mark which ensure product meets a particular standard.

All inappropriate equipment such as medication, first aid equipment, cleaning products, paints, glues and cutlery are stored in adult reach only cupboards or child locked cupboards. (Please reference K2H21 and K2S15).

Within the Nursery setting they have one animal, XXX the guinea pig in which the children have contact.  This contact is closely supervised at all times and is limited to small group of children at a time so not to distress XXX.  All children are supervised washing their hands thoroughly after handling or feeding XXX.  The hutch is stored in the Nursery’s outside area and is regularly cleaned by a member of staff.  Children and parents are encouraged to take turns in looking after XXX outside term times and a rota is available if any nursery children would like a turn.  The Early years Co-ordinator has the overall responsibility of the care of the guinea pig including any vaccinations, worming and health problems.  (Please reference K2H21).

The Nursery also has a large outside sand pit which is covered at the end of the day to ensure it remains free of contamination from animal faeces. (Please reference K2H21).

The nursery’s outside area has a high fence and is securely gated at all times.  The play area has a designated space for boisterous play which has a soft adsorb impact material and a separate shelter for protection from different weather conditions.  All climbing frame’s, play houses and larger equipment is regularly safety checked by the Caretaker.  All bikes etc also undergo similar checks on a regular basis. (Please reference K2H21).

All categories of Health and Safety are set down within the School Health and Safety policy in line with relevant laws and legislations.  This document and procedures are the responsibility of the School’s Governing body and Head teacher.  (Please reference K2S15).

K2S15 – Setting’s safety, safeguarding and protection and emergency procedures, what these are and why they must be followed, including controls on substances harmful to health and other key aspects of health and safety.

Building Safety:

The Head teacher is responsible for securing the building and maintaining the security and safety of the children (Please reference K2H16).  The caretaker under the direction of the Head teacher is responsible for opening and securing the building.

During periods of severe weather conditions, arrangements for maintaining safe access to and from the premises are determined by the Head teacher.

Building complies with UK building legislation (Please reference K2H21) which includes disabled access.

The main entrance of the school has an inner entrance in which you must ‘buzz’ to speak to the receptionist.  The door cannot be opened from the outside; someone has to physically open it from inside.  All visitors must arrange visits via the telephone and make an appointment.  All visitors’ identification will be verified and they will be asked to sign in and out of the visitors’ book.

All gates and outside access is locked (Please reference K2H30).

Maintenance of the premises and housekeeping will be undertaken by the Caretaker.  The Caretaker will ensure daily that all corridors, passageways and gangways are kept clear of rubbish and obstructions.

All members of staff should report immediately to the Caretaker any defective furniture, damage, wear and tear of the premises.

The Head teacher is responsible for any maintenance work on the premises.  The Governors will also determine the programme of any structural maintenance.

The Head teacher will be responsible for submitting proposals of any adaptation and improvements to the premises to the Director of Education.

Health and safety inspections will be carried out once every term.  These will be initiated by the Head teacher and the Health and Safety representative.  Inspection and report forms will be completed and a copy forwarded to the local authorities Health and Safety Officer.

All provisions of Health and safety information are the responsibility of the Head teacher (Please reference K2H16).

Safety Equipment:

All equipment compliant with Safety regulations (Please reference K2H21, K2H16, K2H27 and  K2H30).

All electrical equipment is compliant and safety checked (Please reference K2H21).

All fire equipment compliant and safety checked (Please reference K2H30 and K2H27).

All medication checked and locked securely. (Please reference K2H27).

Within the Nursery area they have extra safety equipment installed for the younger age range these include:

• Electric plug covers.
• Cupboard door locks.
• All children’s paints and glue are kept out of reach or in child locked cupboards within the messy area.

(Please reference K2H21).

All relevant members of staff have access to up to date records which are kept on every child (Please reference K2H21) which include any dietary requirements and food allergies.

Control of Hazardous substances:

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances can put people’s health at risk, so the law requires all employers to control exposure to prevent ill health.

All employers must follow the eight steps laid down in the COSHH legislation:

1. Assess the risks.
2. Decide what precautions are needed.
3. Prevent or adequately control exposure.
4. Ensure that control measures are used and maintained.
5. Monitor the exposure.
6. Carry out appropriate health surveillance.
7. Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies.
8. Ensure employees are properly informed, trained and supervised.

www.coshh-essentials.org.uk

For the vast majority of chemicals used within the school i.e. commercial cleaning products the presence of the warning label will indicate whether COSHH is relevant.

All hazardous substances used in the school are maintained by the Caretaker and an inventory of all these substances is kept.

• Very toxic or toxic
• Harmful or irritant
• Corrosive

An inventory list should include the names of all the substances used in the school with a risk assessment which includes exposure as per the school’s Health and Safety policy.

All members of staff are responsible for the correct disposal of hazardous substances following the relevant risk assessment sheet.

The caretaker is also responsible for ensuring that report forms are available for reference for the local exhaust ventilation council contractor.

All waste is collected daily by the Caretaker and Cleaners, who arrange its safe storage in secure containers.  Any items of waste that are not covered by the general waste agreement with the council must under the direction of the Head teacher and Caretaker have special arrangements made with the local authorities for their disposal.

The guidelines to the correct adult to children supervision (Please reference K2P25) are exercised to ensure children’s well being.  All teachers are responsible for effective supervision which includes emergency procedures, safe working practices within their teaching area, that adequate risk assessments have been made in practical lessons and that careful control of products are made during practical lessons.

It is the responsibility of the school’s Governors and the Head teacher to ensure all members of staff have been CRB (complete background screening LTD also Umbrella Company of the Criminal Records Bureau) checked. This check will eliminate and provide clarity on all applicants, providing an in depth criminal history.

Children’s overall well being set within the school (please reference K2S31 and K2S32). Children’s expected behaviour management (please reference K2D35, K2D36 and K2D37).

For effective infection control and hygiene (please reference K2H24).

All categories of Health and Safety are set down within the School Health and Safety policy in line with relevant laws and legislations.  This document and procedures are the responsibility of the School’s Governing body and Head teacher.

K2H20 – Routine Safety checking and maintenance of equipment and outdoor spaces.

As per the guidelines set within the Health and safety policy the Caretaker is responsible for the maintenance of the school grounds and outside equipment.  The Caretaker must ensure that all safety equipment is checked.

The outside area must be free of broken glass, animal faeces and other hazards.

The Caretaker must also ensure that all toilet facilities are maintained and are in a clean and hygienic condition, are adequately ventilated and supplied with adequate washing facilities i.e. soap, paper towels etc.

All members of staff are responsible for checking that their classroom / work area is safe before use and to ensure handling and storage of equipment and substances are adhered to according to the Health and Safety policy. All members of staff must not neglect or misuse equipment.

The maintenance of the premises and housekeeping is the responsibility of the School’s Governing committee and the Head teacher.

Smoking is prohibited within the School’s premises including the outside area as per current laws and legislations.

All categories of Health and Safety are set down within the School Health and Safety policy in line with relevant laws and legislations.  This document and procedures are the responsibility of the School’s Governing body and Head teacher.

K2H26 – How to supervise children safety, modifying your approach according to age, needs and abilities.  The balances between safety and risk, and challenge and protection for children.

How do I supervise a child without overprotecting them?

Firstly, I would assess the risk and make a safety judgement in the activity they are performing according to their age.  I would ensure that the activity or equipment is appropriate for their age or set age related tasks.

I would ensure all equipment or games are age related and that all equipment has been regularly checked for any safety issues i.e. general wear and tear.

I would ensure that all children have a safe environment, which will at the same time encourage them to become more independent e.g. storing equipment pens, scissors etc in cupboards which are assessable to children.

I would plan ahead thinking of any obstacles which may cause harm ensuring that the children have appropriate supervision e.g. ensuring that area is clear of any obstruction.

I would ensure that the children also have a clear understanding of the school’s appropriate behaviour and boundaries and what effect these will have if they are not adhered to i.e. consequences of their own actions.  Also they must be encouraged to follow the daily routines of the setting.

I would ensure that all children are encouraged to problem solve on their own before intervening, letting them ask for help and coming down to their level.

I would make sure that there is correct adult to children supervision and that appropriate supervision is in place in case of any unseen circumstances.

I would ensure that all members of staff are located in appropriate areas within the setting and that they have a good visibility of all the children especially if they are working closely with an individual child or a small group.

K2S1118 – The legislation, guidelines and policies which form the basis for action to safeguard children.

Health and Safety Policy:-

I have read and understood the Health and Safety policy, to mean that the overall health and safety of all children attending the school and all members of staff is the responsibility of the Governing Body and the Head Teacher.

The policy must comply with the council health and safety policy statement; the Education Service’s organisation and arrangements and Codes of practices and Codes of Safe Working Practice.  The Head teacher and Governing Body must ensure they are implementing the current Health and Safety at work Act and other safety legislations, including any amendments ensuring that all members of staff are fully trained and up to date.

It is the duty of all members of staff to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their actions at work.

The children must observe all the health and safety rules of the school, listen and follow instructions of any member of staff in an emergency situation.

The caretaker under the direction of the Head teacher must ensure the maintenance and housekeeping of the premises is in line with the Health and Safety policy.  The Head teacher must also arrange and implement inspections including annual inspections with the local authorities.