Health And Safety

Safety and risk assessment
I will be aware of the need for the children to be safe when in my house and garden or when out and about.
I will assess risks and reduce hazards, using safety equipment when necessary. I check the house every day and remain alert to hazards while the children are in my care. If we are out, I will assess risks and respond appropriately.
If children have particular needs, I will work with parents to ensure they have the aids or equipment they require. I will ensure that all equipment and items used are well maintained and clean.
I will encourage the children to develop an understanding of keeping themselves safe, as appropriate for their age and stage of development.
Its are responsible for making sure their child comes with appropriate clothing. Coats, hats etc for cold weather. Shoes suitable for outdoor play or walking.
In hot weather children will not be outside for long periods of time. With written permission I will use sun cream and make sure a hat is worn. I will also ensure they have sufficient to drink. Babies will be kept out of direct sunlight at all times.
When out with the children I will take appropriate supplies and equipment. I will maintain close supervision, check for hazards and respond to any hazards in an appropriate way. I will teach road safety and encourage the children to be aware of the need to keep themselves safe. If I take the children out in the car, I will ensure they have the proper seats and restraints. My car is serviced regularly, has an up-to-date MOT certificate and is insured for business use.

Health and Hygiene
The children will wash their hands before meals, before handling food, after using the toilet and after messy play.
I have completed a food hygiene course and will prepare food in accordance with good hygiene practice and ensure it is always cooked properly.
Nappies will be placed in sealed bags and placed in a bin with a lid.
Tissues are available and children are encouraged to bin tissues after use.
I will clean up any spillage of bodily fluids, thoroughly and appropriately.

Healthy eating
I will provide healthy, balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. Water is available all the time. Food and drink are offered regularly.Fruit is always available and children are encouraged to eat healthy foods while they are in my care.

Parents providing food for their children are asked to ensure they are nutritious and remember that the children eat together.
I can provide foods to fit particular dietary requirements. I am happy to provide vegetarian meals or cater for other dietary needs. Parents must tell me if their child has an allergy or if they need to avoid certain foods for any reason.
I will detail any allergens that are present in the food that I prepare for children in accordance with EU Information for Consumers Regulation 2014 and share this with parents. I will list any allergens in ingredients that are present in any food that I produce, as well as being aware when I take children out to eat at other settings.
I do sometimes offer the children a treat, or make cakes or other sweet foods with the children. If parents do not want me to do this, they should say so.
If two or more children in my care are affected by food poisoning, I will notify Ofsted and other authorities, and let parents know.

Smoking
Children will be cared for in a smoke-free environment.
I will ensure that no-one smokes in any room or outside area where the children in my care are present or about to be present, either in my home or in any other setting.
If, the children do come into contact with smokers (such as when we are out) or they are in an environment that has been used by smokers, then I will do all I can to reduce contact and take appropriate action to protect them, such as moving the children, or ensuring there is adequate ventilation.
Parents are asked not to smoke on the premises, inside or out.

Alcohol and other drugs
I will never be under the influence of alcohol whilst children are in my care. If I need to take medication, I will check how it will affect me and ensure that it will not affect my ability to care for children.
Alcohol and other drugs will be kept safely out of the reach of children.
I will not release a child into the care of anyone who I have reason to believe is unfit to care for the child because of alcohol or drugs. If an alternative person cannot be found to collect the child, I will inform Social Services and follow my safeguarding procedure.