WF6 1.1 2.1 3.1

• Early years
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

WF6 1.1 2.1 3.1

Today we will......

1.1 Summarise legal requirements and statutory guidance as well as other non-statutory guidance on health and safety to include control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) and reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations RIDDOR

2.1 Give reasons for ensuring equipment, furniture and materials are used safely and the dangers of not doing so

3.1 Describe policy and procedure in relation to health and safety in an early years setting to include:

• risk and risk management

• security

• confidentiality of information

• personal hygiene including oral health 

• meals and snacks

• accidents and emergencies

• illness

• routine safety checks

• fire drills

Recap
what did we cover last lessons

1.1 Summarise legal requirements and statutory guidance as well as other non-statutory guidance on health and safety to include control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) and reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations RIDDOR

How does health well-being and safety link to the EYFS?

How does health well-being and safety link to the EYFS?

What policies are linked to health well being and safety?

What policies are linked to health well being and safety?

https://www.trulyscrumptiousnursery.co.uk/policies-procedures/

What legislation informs the policies?

What policies are linked to health well being and safety?

what is the role of the EYE?

What is the role of the EYE?

Legislation

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Application to Early Years:

Employers (nursery managers, childminders) must create a safe and secure environment for children, staff, and visitors.

Regular risk assessments are conducted to identify hazards, such as unsafe toys, sharp edges, or slippery floors.

Staff training includes safeguarding, manual handling, and emergency response.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Application to Early Years:

Risk assessments must account for the specific needs of children, such as choking hazards or access to cleaning products.

Staff must be informed of potential hazards and trained in responding to risks (e.g., dealing with allergic reactions or administering first aid).

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

Application to Early Years:

Hazardous Substances: Cleaning products, paints, glue, or certain art materials can pose risks.

Key Actions:

Store hazardous substances securely out of children’s reach.

Label products with clear COSHH symbols and provide appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves for staff handling disinfectants).

Train staff to use chemicals safely and handle accidental exposure (e.g., a child ingesting cleaning fluid).

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

Application to Early Years:

Reportable Incidents:

Accidents involving children or staff that result in serious injury (e.g., a child breaking an arm during play).

Dangerous occurrences, such as a gas leak in the kitchen or the collapse of playground equipment.

Occupational diseases affecting staff (e.g., dermatitis from cleaning products).

Reporting Procedure:

Record incidents in an accident book for internal tracking.

Report serious incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) within required timeframes.

Scenario 1: COSHH Compliance

A nursery uses bleach-based cleaners for sanitation. Staff conduct a COSHH risk assessment, ensuring:

• Products are stored in a locked cupboard.
• Cleaning occurs when children are not in the area.
• Staff wear gloves and are trained in handling spills.

Scenario 2: RIDDOR Reporting

A child falls and suffers a fractured arm during outdoor play. The nursery:

• Records the incident in the accident book.
• Informs the child's parents immediately.
• Reports the injury to the HSE as it meets RIDDOR criteria for a reportable incident

Scenario 3: Risk Assessments

Staff identify that an art station includes small beads that could pose a choking hazard. They replace the beads with safer materials and document the change in the risk assessment

In Early Years settings, legislation like COSHH and RIDDOR underpins the safety of children and staff, ensuring environments are free from preventable hazards. By conducting risk assessments, training staff, and adhering to reporting protocols, Early Years practitioners create a space that supports children’s growth and well-being while meeting legal and ethical responsibilities.

Statutory Guidance and Non-Statutory Guidance

Statutory Guidance:

Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981: Early Years settings must have first-aid-trained staff and suitable equipment to handle minor injuries or emergencies.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Ensures the physical environment (e.g., ventilation, heating, hygiene) is suitable for young children.

Non-Statutory Guidance:

HSE Early Years Safety Resources: Practical tips for nursery managers and childminders on managing risks.

Local Authority Policies: Provide tailored guidance for specific community needs, such as managing outdoor play areas.

EYFS Framework: Emphasises the welfare and safety of children, requiring providers to have robust health and safety policies.

Public Health England (PHE) Guidance

Health Matters: Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life:

Highlights the importance of physical and mental health in early childhood. Suggests practical ways to promote wellbeing, such as healthy eating initiatives and outdoor play.

Professional Association Guidance

PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years):

Offers tools and resources to support health and safety policies. Encourages practitioners to balance safety with opportunities for learning and development.

Early Years Alliance

Publishes guidance on safeguarding, risk assessment, and wellbeing in early years.

Emphasises inclusive practices and offers templates for health and safety procedures.

Food Standards Agency (FSA) Guidance

Provides advice on food safety and hygiene in early years settings. Includes allergen management and recommendations for healthy meal planning.

2.1 Give reasons for ensuring equipment, furniture and materials are used safely and the dangers of not doing so

Give reasons for ensuring equipment, furniture and materials are used safely and the dangers of not doing so

What is a risk assessment? and the purpose of it

Risk assessment Form - inside & outside

Activity 

Areas to consider 

1.Understand the importance of using equipment, furniture, and materials safely.

2.Recognise the potential dangers of not ensuring safe use.

3. Explore the role of legislation, policies, and procedures in maintaining safety including the EYFS

Give reasons for completing the risk assessment

3.1 Describe policy and procedure in relation to health and safety in an early years setting to include:

• risk and risk management

• security

• confidentiality of information

• personal hygiene including oral health

• meals and snacks

• accidents and emergencies

• illness

• routine safety checks

• fire drills

Activity- padlet sandbox 

In your groups research and feedback the following:

•risk and risk management

• security

• confidentiality of information

• personal hygiene including oral health

• meals and snacks

• accidents and emergencies

• illness

• routine safety checks

• fire drills

Risk and Risk Management

• Conduct regular and thorough risk assessments to identify hazards.
• Take proactive measures to eliminate or minimise risks.
• Identify Hazards: Walk through the setting to note potential dangers, such as sharp corners, loose wires, or slippery floors.
• Evaluate Risks: Assess the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards.
• Control Measures: Implement strategies to reduce or remove risks, e.g., securing furniture, ensuring appropriate adult-to-child ratios.
• Record Findings: Document the risk assessment process and update as needed.
• Review Regularly: Reassess risks periodically or after significant changes in the environment.

Importance of risk management

• Protects Children: Safeguards their physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.
• Builds Trust: Ensures parents feel confident leaving children in the setting.
• Compliance with Legislation: Prevents legal repercussions and supports high-quality care.

Monitoring and Review

• Regular audits and reviews ensure policies remain effective.
• Feedback from staff, parents, and inspections informs improvements.

case history

https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news/york-college-nursery-accidents-on-slide-before-nursery-tragedy/

Environment and Equipment Safety

Policy:

• Maintain a clean, hygienic, and well-organised environment.
• Ensure all equipment is age-appropriate and in good working condition.

Procedure:

• Conduct daily checks of play areas, toys, and furniture.
• Store hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning products) securely out of children's reach.
• Provide appropriate supervision during activities.

ROSPA

https://www.rospa.com/

Emergency Procedures

Policy:

• Prepare for emergencies, such as fire, medical incidents, or accidents.

Procedure:

• Conduct regular fire drills and ensure clear evacuation routes.
• Have first aid kits available and ensure staff are trained in first aid.
• Record and report accidents in an accident book and inform parents/carers promptly.

Staff Training and Responsibilities

Policy:

• Ensure all staff are trained and aware of health and safety procedures.

Procedure:

• Induct new staff on safety protocols.
• Assign specific health and safety responsibilities, e.g., first aid officer, fire marshal.
• Provide ongoing training to keep staff updated on best practices.

Example of forms used in settings

• Pre existing injuries form
• Accident form
• Incident form
• Notification of allergies form

Importance of Security in Early Years Settings

• Protects Children: Prevents unauthorised access and ensures children remain safe within the setting.
• Reassures Parents: Builds trust and confidence in the nursery’s ability to protect their children.
• Prevents Data Breaches: Safeguards personal information of children, families, and staff.

Staff Training and Responsibilities
Policy:

• Train staff on health, safety, and security measures regularly.
• Assign specific roles, such as a designated safeguarding officer (DSO) or health and safety officer.

Procedure:

• Induct new staff on policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular refresher training on safeguarding, first aid, and security protocols.
• Require staff to wear visible identification for easy recognition.

Emergency and Security Procedures

Policy:

• Prepare for emergencies such as fire, intruders, or medical incidents.
• Safeguard against potential security breaches, including unauthorised individuals entering the premises.

Procedure:

• Conduct fire drills regularly and ensure all staff know evacuation routes.
• Implement a "lockdown" procedure in the event of an intruder or security threat.
• Ensure secure access control systems (e.g., buzzer systems, keypads) for entry.
• Create clear protocols for identifying and handling custody or access disputes.

Confidentiality of information

Policy

Personal and sensitive information about children, families, and staff must be protected.

Information should only be shared with authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis.

Confidentiality must balance with safeguarding responsibilities—if a child is at risk, information must be shared with the appropriate authorities.

Procedure

Collection of Information: Only collect necessary information, such as emergency contact details, medical history, and developmental records. Inform parents and carers why the information is needed and how it will be used.

Storage of Information: Store records securely, either in locked cabinets for physical files or in password-protected digital systems. Limit access to authorised staff only.

Sharing of Information: Obtain written consent from parents/carers before sharing information, except in safeguarding situations. Use secure methods to share information, such as encrypted emails or confidential meetings.

Handling Requests: Handle requests for access to information, such as parents wanting to review their child’s records, promptly and securely. Maintain a record of who accesses information and why.

Importance of Confidentiality

Protects Privacy: Ensures sensitive details about children and families remain secure.

Builds Trust: Strengthens relationships with parents and staff through reliable practices.

Safeguards Children: Maintains a balance between privacy and the need to share information for a child’s safety.

Compliance: Prevents breaches of laws and avoids legal or reputational risks.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Safeguarding Concerns: If a child is at risk of harm, confidentiality may be breached to protect the child.

Share information only with relevant authorities (e.g., safeguarding teams, police).

Legal Obligations: Comply with court orders or legal requirements to provide information.

Staff Training and Responsibilities

Train staff on confidentiality policies and legal requirements, such as GDPR.

The importance of not discussing sensitive information in public areas or with unauthorised individuals.

Ensure all staff understand the procedure for reporting breaches of confidentiality.

Monitoring and Review

Regularly audit information handling and storage practices.

Update confidentiality policies to reflect changes in legislation or best practices.

Address breaches of confidentiality promptly and review procedures to prevent recurrence.

Illness

• Managing illness in an early years setting is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for children, staff, and visitors.
• Policies and procedures related to illness help to minimise the spread of infections, ensure appropriate care, and comply with legal requirements.

Protects Health: Reduces the spread of illnesses and maintains a healthy environment.
Promotes Well-being: Ensures children receive appropriate care when unwell.
Builds Trust: Reassures parents that the setting prioritizes their child’s health and safety.
Legal Compliance: Ensures the setting adheres to health and safety laws and guidelines.

Regularly review and update illness policies to reflect new health guidelines or emerging infectious diseases.

Seek feedback from parents and staff on the effectiveness of procedures.

Illness Policy

• The setting has a clear policy for managing illness to protect the health and well-being of children and staff.
• Parents are informed of the procedures for dealing with illness and the importance of keeping unwell children at home.
•  Procedures for Managing Illness

Illness

Before Admission: Require up-to-date health records for all children, including immunization details.

Ensure parents provide emergency contact information and details of any chronic health conditions.

During Illness: Isolation: If a child shows symptoms of illness, move them to a designated area where they can be supervised until collected by a parent/carer.

Notification: Contact parents immediately if their child becomes unwell.

First Aid: Administer first aid if necessary, ensuring that staff follow appropriate training and guidelines.

Infectious Diseases:

• Follow Public Health England's guidelines on exclusion periods for infectious diseases (e.g., 48 hours for vomiting and diarrhea).
• Inform parents of outbreaks and measures being taken to prevent further spread.
• Notify the local health authority if required by law (e.g., in cases of notifiable diseases).

Illness

Administration of Medication:

• Only administer medication with written parental consent and according to the prescribed dosage.
• Maintain records of all medications given, including the date, time, dosage, and name of the staff member administering it.
• Store medication securely and in appropriate conditions (e.g., refrigeration if required).

Hygiene Practices:

• Ensure staff and children wash hands frequently, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after handling tissues.
• Regularly clean and disinfect toys, surfaces, and shared equipment.
• Provide appropriate facilities for the disposal of tissues, nappies, and other waste.

Staff Training and Responsibilities

Health Awareness: Train staff to recognise symptoms of common illnesses and respond appropriately.

Ensure staff are knowledgeable about first aid and the administration of medications.

Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of illnesses, incidents, and actions taken.

Keep parents informed about their child’s health and any potential exposure to illnesses.

Personal Hygiene including oral health

• Personal hygiene is essential in early years settings to promote good health, prevent the spread of infections, and encourage lifelong healthy habits.
• Including oral health in hygiene practices aligns with national health initiatives, such as the promotion of the Start Well campaign in the UK.
• Promote and model good hygiene practices for children, staff, and visitors.
• Encourage age-appropriate independence in personal hygiene routines while providing support as needed.
• handwashing, nappy changing, toileting, - consider procedures - follow guidance

Importance of Personal Hygiene and Oral Health

Prevents Illness: Reduces the spread of germs and infections.

Promotes Self-Care: Encourages children to take responsibility for their hygiene.

Builds Healthy Habits: Establishes routines that support long-term health and well-being.

Supports Oral Health: Prevents tooth decay and promotes positive attitudes towards dental care.

Oral health

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/

NHS England » Starting Well Core

Personal Hygiene

https://cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/child-development-and-growing-up/hygiene/

Meals & Snacks

Food Safety Act 1990: Ensures food provided is safe to eat.

The Food Hygiene Regulations 2006: Sets out standards for food preparation, handling, and storage.

• Providing healthy, safe, and nutritious meals and snacks in an early years setting is essential for children’s development and well-being.
• Policies and procedures related to meals and snacks ensure that food is handled safely, meets children’s dietary needs, and promotes positive attitudes toward healthy eating.

 Meal and Snack Policy

• Ensure meals and snacks are healthy, balanced, and meet individual dietary needs.
• Promote good hygiene and food safety practices during preparation and service.
• Encourage children to develop healthy eating habits and positive social interactions during mealtimes.

Meals & Snacks 

Meal Planning and Preparation:

Policy:

Plan menus that provide a variety of nutrients and cater to different dietary needs (e.g., allergies, religious, or cultural preferences).Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.

Procedure:

Create a rotating menu in consultation with parents and health professionals.

Clearly label allergens and offer alternatives for children with dietary restrictions.

Use fresh, seasonal ingredients where possible.

Food Storage and Safety:

Policy: Store food in a way that maintains its quality and safety.

Procedure:

Refrigerate perishable items below 5°C and monitor temperatures regularly.

Label and date stored food and discard items past their use-by date.

Keep dry food in sealed containers to avoid contamination.

Meals & Snacks 

Food Preparation: Policy:

Maintain high hygiene standards to prevent contamination.

Procedure: Ensure staff preparing food have food hygiene training.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Clean and sanitize food preparation areas and utensils after each use.

Serving Meals and Snacks: Policy:

Serve food safely and in a way that encourages children to eat independently.

Procedure: Serve meals and snacks in child-friendly portions and encourage self-service where appropriate.

Monitor children while eating to ensure safe consumption and address choking hazards.

Hygiene Practices: Policy: Teach children and staff proper hygiene practices during mealtimes.

Procedure: Ensure children wash hands before eating.

Provide clean utensils and seating areas.

Clean tables and chairs before and after meals.

What have you learnt today?

Next week we will...

4.1 Describe action to take to prevent and control infection in an early years setting

5.1 Identify signs and symptoms of ill health in babies and children

5.2 Describe signs, symptoms and treatment of common childhood illnesses and allergies in children

5.3 Identify signs of urgent dental attention in children

5.4 Identify minor injury in babies and children

5.5 Identify serious injury requiring urgent medical attention in babies and children

Activity - padlet sandbox 

In your groups research and feedback the following:

• identify signs and symptoms of ill health in babies and children

• describe signs, symptoms and treatments of common childhood illnesses and allergies in children;  to include signs, symptoms, treatment and possible complications

• identify signs of urgent dental attention in children

• identify minor injury in babies and children

• identify serious injury requiring urgent medical attention in babies and children

https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/colchester-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6632740

Text book

https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/colchester-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6632740

Signs & Symptoms of illness

urgent dental attention in children

minor injuries in babies & children

Serious injury requiring medical attention in babies and young children