WF6 1.1 2.1 3.1

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

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?

What policies are linked to health well being and safety?

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

What legislation informs the policies?

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.
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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