To meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Childcare Register, I must consider the potential risk of a fire in my home and take the following steps:
- Make sure that evacuation routes have been identified and are always clear and accessible. This will be checked daily.
- Make myself aware of what to do in order to reduce or prevent potential risks.
- Produce a written statement detailing the escape route I will take with children in case of fire.
- Ensure I have the appropriate smoke alarms on each floor and that they are in the most suitable places, considering closed doors and the location of the kitchen.
- Regularly practice a fire evacuation with all children to raise the alarm using the procedure stated below.
- Keep a log of:
- The date of the drill
- Names of children in attendance
- Time taken to evacuate
- Issues which slowed down the evacuation
- Action to be taken
- Date action completed
Procedure
In the event of a fire, I will calmly gather the children together and make our exit via the identified fire exit route. I will ask children to listen very carefully to my instructions. I will ensure the younger children are carried to safety. The children will not collect their belongings.
Once safely out of the building, I will check the register and carry out a headcount of the children in my care. I will ring 999 using my mobile phone. I ensure that my mobile phone is always fully charged and contains the telephone contact details of all parents and/or carers of the children in my care. Parents and/or carers will be informed as soon as possible. We will not re-enter the building for any reason until advised by the Fire Service that it is safe to do so.