Health and Safety

It is the intent of Head Start Nursery School Limited to operate the business in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all applicable regulations made under the Act, ‘so far as
reasonably practicable’.

Management have the responsibility to ensure that Health and Safety is given a high priority and hold a duty to maintain a safe and healthy workplace thereby reducing the risk of personal injury.

It is the duty of all employees to act responsibly and to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves and fellow workers. All staff need to co-operate to provide a safe environment for themselves and the children in their care.

The Head Teacher, Adela Costello, has prime responsibility for all health and safety matters at Head Start Nursery School and will ensure that annual risk assessments take place plus an annual review of this policy.

Fire/Emergency Evacuation
All fire extinguishers are tested annually.
All fire exists to be kept clear at all times and regulation fire exit signs to be displayed.
Evacuation procedures and fire drills take place twice a term and involve as many staff and children as is reasonably possible.
All drills are recorded.

Electrical Equipment
Heaters and electrical points are guarded and serviced annually.
All portable and fixed electrical equipment is PAT tested annually.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
All dangerous substances including medicines and cleaning materials are stored out of the reach of the children and wherever possible are kept in a locked cupboard.
COSSH details are held with the substances.
Only prescribed medicines are administered and according to procedure.

Accidental Injury and Illness
A correctly stocked first aid box is available at all times.
An accident book is kept for the recording of all incidents and is available for inspection.
Accidents occurring to the children are recorded according to the relevant procedure.
Details of injuries to children outside of Head Start are recorded according to the appropriate procedure.
A majority of staff will undergo first aid training to ensure that a qualified first aider is present at every session.
A portable first aid box is taken on any outing undertaken by the members of the school.
All serious injury or illness will be reported under the terms of RIDDOR.
Children and staff are expected to remain at home if they are carrying any infection and notify the school of their absence. They need to be at least 24 hours clear of the illness.
All staff to wear gloves when dealing with any type of bodily fluids to prevent infection.