Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to leave the building with anyone other than those named by the parent/carer unless previous arrangements have been made. If parents make arrangements, by phone, the department will require the name address and telephone number of the chosen guardian and will require proof of identity on arrival, WITH A PASSWORD.

All accidents/incidents will be recorded and the parent/carer asked to sign the report on the collection of their child.

The Centre is regularly inspected by the Early Years Advisory Teachers and OFSTED 

The Centre cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to personal property.

Environment

The Centre was designed to be child friendly and is set out to make sure, as much as possible, that the children are safe. The outside area has a high wall with a strong gate which has a high latch. There is a safety surface, a CCTV entry system with camera and phone which ensures everyone who visits the setting can be identified before they are allowed in.

Child protection is a high priority and we have a Child Protection Officer with specialist training. Since the Child Concern Model was introduced and all staff are aware of Every Child Matters requirements through training.

Staff are not allowed phones or their own cameras in the children's areas.

Staff are aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and of the procedures to follow and staff are continually updating their training on child protection.

Regular risk assessments are carried out across the whole Centre and a review of the accident/incident book is carried out monthly, or more regularly if there are concerns.

Resources

We carry out regular equipment checks in every area to make sure all toys and equipment which is used in the centre are safe for the ages and abilities of the children and that it is of good quality.

When equipment needs replacing, we purchase quality toys, and if it is second hand, it is thoroughly checked before being used.

The children enjoy free play and are supervised at all times to make sure they are safe. We have volunteers who maintains toys and equipment and the staff are aware that if anything is broken or dangerous it must be reported to the lead practitioner who will decide whether it can safely be repaired or disposed of.

Supervision

The lead practitioner makes sure that the relevant number of staff are on duty at all times to safely supervise the children and that the adult/child ratio is maintained. 

The layout of the setting allows children to move from room to room whilst still being supervised. Staff are deployed in every room/area.
Staff are continually undertaking training in health and safety, and issues relating to this are brought up at weekly staff meetings and the Trustee meetings. The Centre has a health and safety policy which is updated regularly and is available to all staff, parents, trainees and volunteers.

The Centre has a work book which lists defects so they can be sorted as soon as possible. Safety checks are ongoing and include socket covers, condition of toys/equipment, trailing window chords and kitchen safety – children are always supervised in the kitchen. Floors are non slip and corners are protected.

When children are left and not collected within a certain time we would try repeatedly to contact parent/carer/emergency contact but if not successful, we would ring the child protection team for advice.

If children need to rest they are constantly monitored while they are asleep.

Risk Assesment

Before outings we carry out risk assessments making sure it is safe for both staff and children. Staff ratios are strictly adhered to. Children with special needs have one to one care so we work with Plymouth Inclusion Service to provide extra staff for these outings if needed.

There is always a first aider on duty. Permission for outings is obtained when a child registers but staff always double check with parents/carers beforehand.

Awareness

Children are reminded of every day dangers and staff talk to them about these. The older children talk about stranger danger. Our local community police visit and talk about bullying and street danger.

The Centre has monthly fire drill which is carried out at different times so all of the children have a chance to practice the drill.  There is also a fire alarm system, fire extinguishers and blankets which are serviced annually by Firewatch.

Medicines

Medical administration forms must be completed by parent/carer, with information on the dose, time and make of medicine. After it is administered and  witnessed by a second member of staff, a copy is given to the parent/carer who signs to say they have received a copy. This informs the parent when the last dose was give so the child receives the correct dose.

Staff are expected to have up-to-date first aid training, and to have specialist training for conditions such as diabetes etc.

CRB Checks

All staff, trustees, volunteers and long term trainees undergo checks by the Criminal Records Bureau; we are registered with TGB to carry out these checks. No member of staff is allowed to be left alone with the children or allowed to take them to the toilet until they have completed a satisfactory probation period.