Safe care at First Steps
All Nurseries are required to carry out risk assessments both of indoor and outdoor space and whenever they take children out. They are also required to record any accidents or incidents and any medication that is given.
At First Steps, the safety of the children in our care is of the highest importance, and we aim to provide a clean , safe and healthy environment for children to learn and play.
Some of the ways we keep your child safe at First Steps:
We have Inhouse CCTV (both inside and outside). This ensures that a manager can monitor all of the rooms at any time and also means that we can check back on the recordings if necessary.
We have duel security entrance doors with security pin pads on all of the doors. Only staff can gain entry to the Nursery.
The perimeter of the Nursery is surrounded by fencing and gates and additionally the playgrounds have a second high gate that is locked when the children are outdoors.
All of the team at First Steps have enhanced DBS checks that are renewed annually on the update service.
All of the childcare team are paediatric first aid trained and they are renewed every 3 years.
The team are not allowed their mobile phones whilst at work.
If anyone other than the designated person known to the nursery comes to collect a child, staff must have been informed prior to collection and a password will need to be in place.
Adult:child ratios are adhered to as follows; Teddybears our baby room for the under two’s works on a minimum 1 adult to 3 babies ratio. Our Sunshine, toddler group for ages 2-3 has an adult to child ratio of 1 to 4 and in our Pre-school rooms for the over three’s, the ratio is a minimum of 1 adult for every 8 children. We also have supernumerary staff in the Nursery, our admin lady Chloe and the Manager and Deputy, ensuring that if any staff are absent they are able to step in and assist in the rooms.
In the case of any minor accidents or emergencies, our fully trained practitioners will give emergency First Aid, before completing an accident form for you to sign on collection. In the case of any head bumps we will always give you, the parent a courtesy call.
Monthly evaluations of all accident forms are completed by the senior team. This enables any trends that are found, such as faulty equipment, or areas that may need addressing.
When children are signed up to start with us at First Steps, we take all information regarding any health care needs or allergies. This information is then displayed in the nursery as well as in the kitchen and our onsite cook is excellent at ensuring all foods are allergy friendly.
Each of our rooms have their own individualised opening and closing checks which enables the staff to check that all equipment is safe to use and any issues are reported effectively.
Before each garden time, a member of the team (and for our older children, garden helpers too) will do a safety check of the garden ensuring everything is fit for purpose and safe for the children to enjoy their outdoor play time.
Regular fire drills take place to ensure all the staff and children are confident and fully aware of the procedures they need to follow in the event of the fire alarm.
Risk assessments are carried out and reviewed annually these help to assess play spaces and equipment and minimise any risks that may be present.
All sleeping children are checked in 10 minute intervals and the checks are recorded by the staff. Safe sleeping practices are followed such as putting children to sleep on their backs and cot spaces are clear of any hazards.
At First steps we follow all relevant legislation and associated guidance relating to health and safety within the nursery including: The requirements of the statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFs) 2017 and any guidance provided by the Public Health England, the local health protection agency, and the local authority environmental health department.
We hope that our safety measures, policies and procedures help you to feel safe leaving your child with us at First Steps. We keep you informed every step of the way and build lasting partnerships with you to ensure the safety, security and happiness of your children.