Health and Safety Policy

LoveSpring Nursery School - Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Environment

Policy Aims

LoveSpring Nursery School aims to:

Provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children, staff, and visitors
Establish and maintain safe working procedures amongst all users of our nursery
Implement robust emergency procedures and ensure regular practice
Ensure premises and equipment are safely maintained and regularly inspected
Promote a culture of safety awareness and proactive risk management

1. Legislative Framework

1.1 Governing Legislation

Legislation	Key Requirements	Our Compliance
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974	General duties towards employees and visitors	Comprehensive safety procedures and training
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992/1999	Risk assessments and safety measures implementation	Regular risk assessments and safety protocols
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002	Control of hazardous substances	COSHH assessments and safe storage
RIDDOR 2013	Reporting specified incidents to HSE	Strict reporting procedures and record keeping
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005	General fire precautions and safety measures	Regular fire drills and equipment maintenance
EYFS Statutory Framework 2024	Specific requirements for early years settings	Full compliance with safeguarding and welfare requirements

1.2 Key Safety Principles

Safety of children is our paramount concern in all activities
Proactive risk assessment and management approach
Regular staff training and competency assurance
Clear communication of safety procedures to all stakeholders
Continuous monitoring and improvement of safety practices

2. Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 Designated Responsibilities

Role	Key Responsibilities	Accountability
Nursery Manager	Overall responsibility for health and safety implementation	Accountable to owners and regulatory bodies
Health & Safety Lead	Day-to-day safety management, risk assessments, training coordination	Reports to Nursery Manager
All Staff	Follow procedures, report hazards, model safe practice, supervise children	Performance management and professional conduct
Parents/Carers	Follow safety advice, report concerns, provide medical information	Partnership in maintaining safety standards

2.2 Staff Safety Commitments

All staff are required to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others
Cooperate with nursery management on health and safety matters
Work in accordance with training and instructions provided
Report any serious and immediate dangers promptly
Model safe and hygienic practice for children at all times
Understand and confidently implement emergency procedures

3. Fire Safety Procedures

3.1 Emergency Evacuation

Procedure	Frequency	Responsibility
Fire Drills	Once per term	Health & Safety Lead
Fire Alarm Testing	Weekly	Designated staff member
Fire Risk Assessments	Annual review	Nursery Manager
Staff Training	On induction and annual refresher	Health & Safety Lead

3.2 In Case of Fire

Raise the alarm immediately using the nearest fire alarm point
Call emergency services (999) if safe to do so
Evacuate children and staff via nearest safe exit
Assemble at designated meeting point (front of building)
Take register of all children and staff
Do not re-enter building until emergency services declare it safe
Use fire extinguishers only if trained and without personal risk

Special arrangements are in place for children and staff with mobility needs.

4. Hazard Control Measures

4.1 COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Substance Type	Control Measures	Storage Requirements
Cleaning Chemicals	COSHH assessments, PPE provision, safe usage training	Locked cupboard, original containers, clear labelling
Art Materials	Non-toxic selection, supervision during use	Child-safe containers, appropriate shelving
Medications	Secure storage, administration records, staff training	Locked medicine cabinet, temperature control

4.2 Equipment Safety

All equipment is maintained according to manufacturer instructions:

Electrical Equipment: PAT testing, visual checks, safe usage training
Play Equipment: Daily visual checks, regular maintenance schedules
Furniture: Stability checks, age-appropriate sizing
Kitchen Equipment: Regular servicing, hygiene monitoring
Outdoor Equipment: Weather protection, impact-absorbing surfaces

5. Infection Prevention and Control

5.1 Hygiene Protocols

Area	Procedures	Frequency
Hand Hygiene	Liquid soap, warm water, paper towels, supervision	After toilet, before eating, after outdoor play
Surface Cleaning	Detergent and disinfectant, appropriate PPE	Daily, with frequent touchpoints cleaned twice daily
Toy Cleaning	Appropriate methods for different materials	Weekly rotation, immediate cleaning after mouth contact
Nappy Changing	Dedicated area, PPE, clinical waste disposal	As needed, with strict hygiene protocols

5.2 Exclusion Periods for Illness

Key exclusion requirements for common childhood illnesses:

Diarrhoea and Vomiting: 48 hours after symptoms stop
Chickenpox: 5 days from rash appearance, until all lesions crusted
Conjunctivitis: 24 hours after starting treatment
Hand, Foot and Mouth: Until feeling better, no need for full healing
COVID-19: 3 days after positive test result
Impetigo: 48 hours after starting antibiotics

Full exclusion guidance available in our health and safety manual.

6. Site Security and Access

6.1 Security Measures

Security Aspect	Measures in Place	Monitoring
Access Control	Secure entry system, visitor signing-in, staff identification	Continuous monitoring by staff
Perimeter Security	Fenced boundaries, secure gates, adequate lighting	Daily visual checks
Visitor Management	Sign-in procedures, visitor badges, escort requirements	Staff vigilance and challenge protocol
Collection Procedures	Authorised collectors only, password system, ID checks	Strict adherence to protocols

6.2 Lone Working Procedures

When lone working is necessary:

Inform colleague of location and expected return time
Carry mobile phone at all times
Avoid potentially dangerous tasks when alone
Ensure medical fitness for lone working
Regular check-in procedures for extended lone working
No lone working with hazardous substances or at height

7. Off-Site Activities and Educational Visits

7.1 Trip Preparation

Requirement	Implementation	Documentation
Risk Assessment	Site-specific assessment completed in advance	Risk assessment form, emergency procedures
Staffing Ratios	Enhanced ratios based on risk assessment	Staff list, contact details
First Aid Provision	Portable kit, trained first aider, medical information	First aid kit checklist, child medical forms
Emergency Planning	Mobile phone, emergency contacts, meeting points	Emergency procedure card, contact lists

7.2 Essential Equipment for Trips

Fully stocked portable first aid kit
Charged school mobile phone with emergency numbers
Child medical information and consent forms
Parent contact details and alternative contacts
Register of children and staff attending
Risk assessment and emergency procedures
Weather-appropriate clothing and supplies

8. Accident Reporting and Investigation

8.1 Reporting Procedures

Incident Type	Reporting Requirement	Timeframe
Minor Accidents	Accident form completion, parent notification	Same day
RIDDOR Reportable	HSE notification, detailed investigation	10 days (immediate for major incidents)
Serious Incidents	Ofsted notification, internal investigation	Within 14 days
Near Misses	Internal reporting, risk assessment review	Within 24 hours

8.2 RIDDOR Reportable Incidents

Must be reported to Health and Safety Executive:

Fractures (excluding fingers, thumbs, toes)
Amputations
Injuries causing permanent sight loss or reduction
Crush injuries causing brain or internal organ damage
Serious burns covering more than 10% of body
Scalping requiring hospital treatment
Loss of consciousness from head injury or asphyxia
Any work-related fatality

9. Training and Competence

9.1 Staff Training Requirements

Training Area	Participants	Frequency
Health & Safety Induction	All new staff	On appointment
Paediatric First Aid	Designated first aiders	Every 3 years
Fire Safety	All staff	Annual refresher
Manual Handling	All staff handling equipment/children	On induction and as needed
Food Hygiene	Kitchen and feeding staff	Every 3 years
COSHH Awareness	All staff using chemicals	Annual update

Contact Information

Health & Safety Lead: [Lead's Name]

Nursery Manager: [Manager's Name]

Designated First Aiders: As per First Aid Policy

LoveSpring Nursery School: Coventry, CV1 5HA

Emergency Contact: +44 (0)24 1234 5678

Email: healthandsafety@lovespringnursery.co.uk

Date of Policy: [Current Date]

Last Reviewed: [Current Date]

Next Review Due: [One year from current date]

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager/Owner, LoveSpring Nursery School