Suitable premises,
environment and equipment
We will
conduct risk assessments and review them regularly - at least once a year or
more frequently where the need arises.
The risk assessment
must identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular
basis: we will maintain a record of these particular aspects and when and by
whom they have been checked. We will determine the regularity of these checks
according to our assessment of the significance of individual risks.
We will
take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children - both indoors and
outdoors - are kept to a minimum.
The risk
assessment should cover anything with which a child may come into contact.
The
premises and equipment should be clean, and providers should be aware of the
requirements of health and safety legislation (including hygiene requirements).
This should include informing and keeping staff up-to-date.
A health
and safety policy is in place which includes procedures for identifying,
reporting and dealing with accidents, hazards and faulty equipment.
As a
Registered providers must inform Ofsted of any change
to the premises on which childcare is provided that may affect the space
available to children and the quality of childcare available to them. If as a
registered provider we, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with this
requirement, we commit an offence. Where it is reasonably practicable to do so,
notification must be made in advance of the event occurring. In all other
cases, notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in
any event within 14 days of the event occurring.
Significant
changes or events which must be reported to Ofsted
include:
· significant changes to the premises, for example structural alterations or an extension;
· something which adversely affects the smooth running of the provision over a sustained period of time;
· changes to the outside of the premises such as adding a pond or taking down fencing.
We will
take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the
premises in the case of fire, and must have a clearly defined procedure for the
emergency evacuation of the premises.
We have
appropriate fire detection and control equipment (for example, fire alarms,
smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire blankets) which are in working
order
Staff know and understand their roles and responsibilities in
the event of a fire.
Fire
exits should are clearly identifiable; fire doors will be free from
obstructions and easily opened from the inside.
Regular
evacuation drills our carried out and details recorded in a fire log book of
any problems encountered and how they were resolved.
The premises and equipment must be organised
in a way that meets the needs of children.
In
registered provision, providers must meet the following space requirements:
· children under two years: 3.5 m2 per child;
· two year olds: 2.5 m2 per child;
· children aged three to five years: 2.3 m2 per child.
We will
ensure that, so far as is reasonable, the facilities, equipment and access to
the premises are suitable for children with disabilities.
The
premises are for the sole use of the provision during the hours of operation.
We carry
public liability insurance for the provision.
The
premises should be clean, adequately ventilated and well lit. Daylight should
be the main source of light. Where, in exceptional circumstances this is not
possible, the provider should ensure that lighting is of good quality and
children have adequate access to daylight.
Calculations
of available indoor space are based on the net or useable areas of the rooms
used by the children (that is, not including storage areas, thoroughfares,
dedicated staff areas, cloakrooms, utility rooms, kitchens and toilets).
There should be adequate space to give scope for free movement
and well-spread activities.
In
addition to the area per child stated in the requirements, there should be
space within the premises to store children's records, toys and personal
belongings. There should also be sufficient space to use and store any
specialist equipment needed, for example, by disabled children. This equipment
should be quickly and easily accessible by staff at the provision so that it
can be used by those children whenever it is required. Security should be
considered.
Rooms
should be maintained at a temperature which ensures the comfort of the children
and staff, including non-mobile children.
There is
a separate baby room for children under the age of two, but they should be able
to have contact with older children and be transferred to the older age-group
after the age of 18 months or as appropriate for their individual stage of
development.
Provision
should be made (space or partitioned area) for children who wish to relax, play
quietly or sleep, equipped with appropriate furniture. This may be converted
from normal play space providing children can rest and/or sleep safely without
disturbance. Each child should have their own bed linen, flannel; Sleeping children should be frequently checked.
There is
an area which is adequately equipped to provide healthy meals, snacks and
drinks for the children as necessary. Ideally, the provision will have a full
kitchen.
There are
suitable facilities for the hygienic preparation of babies' feeds if necessary.
Suitable sterilisation equipment is used for the sterilisation of babies' feeding equipment and dummies.
There
should be at least one toilet and one hand basin for every ten children over
the age of two. There should normally be
separate toilet facilities for adults.
There are
suitable hygienic changing facilities for changing any children who are in
nappies and providers should ensure that an adequate supply of clean bedding,
towels, spare clothes and any other necessary items are always available.
Children should not be allowed access to any laundry facilities that are
provided on site.
© 2010