1. Policy Statement
Sam Marland Tennis Ltd is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and secure environment for all children, staff,parents, and visitors. This combined policy outlines the systems, procedures, and responsibilities that ensure high standards of health, safety, and fire prevention across all areas of childcare provision.
We comply with all relevant legislation and follow best practice guidance for early years and school‑age childcare.
2. Aims
- To protect children and adults from harm, hazards, and unsafe practices.
- To maintain safe, clean, and well‑organised premises.
- To ensure effective fire prevention and safe evacuation procedures.
- To ensure staff understand and follow all safety responsibilities.
- To promote a culture of safety, awareness, and continuous improvement.
3.Responsibilities
3.1Provider / Manager / Childminder
- Ensures compliance with health, safety, and fire regulations.
- Conducts regular risk assessments and reviews.
- Ensures staff receive appropriate training (first aid, fire safety, safeguarding).
- Maintains records of accidents, incidents, drills, and safety checks.
- Ensures equipment and premises are safe and well maintained.
3.2 StaffMembers
- Follow all health and fire safety procedures.
- Supervise children appropriately at all times.
- Report hazards or defects immediately.
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation in all areas.
- Support children during drills and emergencies.
3.3 Parents& Visitors
- Follow safety instructions while on the premises.
- Ensure children arrive and leave safely.
- Report any concerns to staff.
4. RiskAssessment
4.1 GeneralRisk Assessments
- Conducted regularly and reviewed at least annually.
- Cover indoor areas, outdoor spaces, equipment, activities, and routines.
4.2 DailySafety Checks
- Visual inspection of rooms, toys, equipment, and outdoor areas.
- Identification and removal of hazards (e.g., spills, broken toys, obstructions).
4.3Activity‑Specific Assessments
- Required for outings, cooking, messy play, water play, and higher‑risk activities.
5.Supervision of Children
- Children are supervised at all times, including during toileting, outdoor play, and transitions.
- Staff maintain appropriate ratios according to regulations.
- Children are never left alone with unvetted adults.
6.Premises Safety
6.1 Indoors
- Floors kept clean and free from trip hazards.
- Furniture and equipment checked regularly for damage.
- Cleaning products stored securely and out of reach.
- Radiators and hot surfaces covered where necessary.
6.2Outdoors
- Gates and fences secure and checked regularly.
- Play equipment inspected before use.
- Outdoor areas checked for hazards (e.g., litter, animal waste).
7.Equipment & Resources
- Age‑appropriate,safe, and well‑maintained.
- Broken or unsafe items removed immediately.
- Toys and resources cleaned and sanitised regularly.
8.Hygiene & Infection Control
- Handwashing required before eating, after toileting, and after outdoor play.
- Toys, surfaces, and equipment cleaned frequently.
- Nappy changing follows strict hygiene procedures.
- Illness exclusion periods followed to prevent infection spread.
9. FoodSafety
- Staff handling food follow hygiene standards.
- Food stored, prepared, and served safely.
- Allergies and dietary needs recorded and strictly followed.
- Children supervised during mealtimes.
10.First Aid
- At least one paediatric first‑aider on site at all times.
- First aid kits fully stocked and checked regularly.
- All accidents recorded and shared with parents.
- Serious incidents reported to relevant authorities as required.
11. FireSafety
11.1 FirePrevention
- Exits and escape routes kept clear at all times.
- Fire doors never wedged open.
- Cooking areas supervised and kept free from clutter.
- Electrical equipment switched off when not in use.
- Flammable materials stored safely.
11.2 FireDetection & Equipment
- Smoke alarms tested weekly.
- Fire extinguishers serviced annually.
- Fire blankets available in kitchen areas.
- Staff only use extinguishers if trained and safe to do so.
12. FireEvacuation Procedure
If a fire is discovered or the alarm sounds:
- Stay calm and reassure children.
- Evacuate immediately — do not collect personal belongings.
- Staff gather children using appropriate methods (walking rope, hand‑holding, buggies).
- Check all areas (toilets, corners, sleep rooms).
- Close doors behind you.
- Leave via the nearest safe exit.
- Proceed to the designated assembly point.
- Conduct a headcount and check against the register.
- Call 999.
- Do not re‑enter the building until authorised by the fire service.
13. FireDrills
- Conducted at least once per term (or every 6–8 weeks for childminders).
- Practised at different times of day.
- Records kept of:
- Date and time
- Number of children and staff
- Evacuation time
- Issues identified and actions taken
14.Medication & Medical Needs
- Medication only administered with written parental consent.
- Medication stored securely and labelled clearly.
- Care plans in place for children with medical conditions.
15. Outings & Transport
- Written parental permission required.
- Risk assessments completed for all outings.
- Staff carry emergency contacts, first aid kit, and mobile phone.
- Children supervised closely and headcounts taken regularly.
16.Security
- Controlled entry to premises.
- Children released only to authorised adults.
- Visitors supervised at all times.
17.Accident & Incident Reporting
- All accidents recorded and shared with parents.
- Incidents involving behaviour, injury, or near‑misses documented.
- Patterns monitored to identify areas for improvement.
18.Staff Training
- Mandatory training includes:
- Paediatric first aid
- Safeguarding
- Health & safety awareness
- Fire safety
- Manual handling
- Food hygiene
- Training records maintained and updated.
19.Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed:
- Annually
- After any significant incident
- When regulations or guidance change
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