Health and Safety Policy

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY.

This document is a statement of aims, principles and procedures for ensuring Health and Safety at BPTG. It provides a framework for the creation of a safe environment in which to work and play. It is written for the benefit of all members of the group, to allow each to understand the policy of the group and their own responsibilities within this.

The establishment of a healthy and safe environment is an essential prerequisite to the work of the group. It is also a statutory requirement. It depends upon sound management, vigilant supervision and the cooperation of everyone (adults and children)

Health and safety is primarily the responsibility of the Group leader.

AIMS

To provide adequate control of health and safety risks arising from the groups activities.

To provide and maintain safe equipment

To ensure safe handling and use of substances

To prevent accidents to adults and children

To maintain a safe and healthy group environment.

Responsibilities within the policy.

The Leader is responsible for:

Recognising their responsibility for ensuring H&S policy rules are implemented in the group and written risk assessments are carried out.

Ensuring that safe working practices and procedures are applied within the group.

Regular monitoring to ensure that a safe and healthy environment is maintained

Establishing a system for reporting and recording accidents

Ensuring all members of the group are aware of their own responsibilities

Reviewing H&S policy and risk assessments and ensuring that the necessary revisions are undertaken

Taking active steps to ensure that equipment, buildings and grounds and systems work, are safe , secure and well maintained and that and damage is quickly repaired.

Ensuring that there are arrangements for the speedy evacuation of the building in the event of a fire or other  emergency and that fire fighting equipment is available and annually inspected.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE GROUP (Leader, Parents, Carers and Children) ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR: Being fully aware of their role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment

Being familiar with all instructions and guidance on safety within the group.

Taking reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

Reporting hazards without delay

THE LEADER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Taking responsibility for the day to day operation of the H&S policy and procedures.

THE PARENTS AND CARERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Promoting a spirit of safety consciousness amongst children, ensuring that they understand the need for codes of practice and are conscious of their responsibility in taking reasonable care for their own safety and that of others

Being good role models by being vigilant and careful

Taking quick, firm action to ensure that children are not allowed to jeopardize their own safety or that of others.

CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO:

Develop a growing understanding of H & S Issues  

Conduct themselves in an orderly manner   

Take growing responsibility for their own safe conduct within the group  

PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO: Ensure their children attend in good health

Ensure early contact to discuss matters concerning H & S

Accept responsibility for the conduct of their children at all times

Ensure the group has an up to date contact address and phone number in the event of an emergency and  sign the registrartion form to acknowledge they have read and are happy to abide by this policy.

 Racial Equality

      BPTG leadership will establish an ethos which reflects the group’s commitment to equality for all members.

   The religious beliefs and practices of all members of the group will be respected. The group will comply with all reasonable requests relating to religious observance and practice. 

       Racist incidents will be dealt with in accordance with LEA Guidelines.

    The Art and Craft activities will promote positive attitudes to diversity.  

    The group has high expectations of all children and aims to ensure that it is inclusive, in which all children have a sense of belonging and security, and feel that their contribution is valued.        The group aims to cater for the dietary and dress requirements of religious groups wherever this is possible and reasonable.       The leader is responsible for the day to day management of all group policies.  

 Child Protection Policy

Every Child attending the group has a right to be safe. All members and staff have a responsibility to be aware of, and alert to, children who are suffering or are likely to suffer harm. AIMS:- To ensure the safety of children while at the group. To ensure the effective management of child protection procedures

Guidelines Adrienne Bilton is the groups Child Protection Co-Coordinator Access control measures will prevent access to the building by unauthorized people

Children, when needing the toilet must always be accompanied by an adult

No staff member without CRB clearance will be alone with children, individually or in groups.

If a member of the group has a concern about child abuse, they should immediately inform Adrienne Bilton, who will maintain records of concerns and ensure that the Newcastle Area Child Protection Procedures are followed.

If the concerns involve a member of staff, advice will be sought. In the event of an emergency, the police will be called. Categories of abuse include Neglect, Physical Injury, Sexual Abuse and Emotional Abuse.

Staff should be alert to children who may wish to disclose information about abuse. It is important that the children are given time, and are listened to. (See guidelines below)

The group leader will ensure persons involved in any aspect of child protection are properly supported.

Staff should take precautions to ensure that they do not place themselves in vulnerable situations when dealing with children e.g. never being alone with one child.

The following guidelines highlight the most important points to remember in dealing with disclosure of abuse.  

Always accept what the child says no matter how difficult you find it. Remember it has taken a great deal of courage for them to tell you. 

 Never stop a child who is freely recalling events.

Stay calm and be reassuring.

Listen carefully and patiently to the child. Do not press for information as well intentioned questions at this stage could result in the failure of a criminal prosecution.

Never promise to keep a secret no matter how insistent the child is. Explain that you may need to share this information with someone who can help them.

Do not discuss your suspicions with the parents or anyone else involved in the care of the child.

Report the disclosure as soon as possible to Adrienne Bilton – keep the child informed of any actions you are preparing to take at every stage.

Record the details of the disclosure and pass the records on to the person you have reported it to. Any comment by the child, or by an adult, about how an injury occurred should be recorded quoting words actually used as soon as possible after the comment has been made.

Record all subsequent events up to the time of the substantive interview with the Social services and the Police.

Take care of yourself. Make sure you have the opportunity to discuss your feelings with a professional at a later stage.

 Fire Safety Policy

 In accordance with NAPI recommendations a fire drill must be carried out once per term to ensure everyone is familiar with the group procedures in the event of an emergency.

Everyone must sign the attendance register at the beginning of the session (including any visitors). This becomes the role call in the event of an evacuation and is essential.

If you leave early and even if you intend to return during that session, please put a tick by your name in the book so that is clear you have left the premises.

When the fire alarm sounds, please make your way calmly to the nearest fire exit. There are two in the hall – one just next to the stage, the other next to the store cupboard.

Our meeting point is on the grassy area at the front of the building. Please watch your children as there are busy roads close by.

The leader will check the kitchen, toy cupboard, toilets and lobby area before leaving.

The leader will bring the register on the way out so a role call can be carried out. Please remember that some people have more than one child, and may need some extra help.

The safety of you and your children are paramount.