I want children to feel safe, comfortable and free to explore. I check the home and equipment each day, supervise children carefully and think ahead about the risks of activities and outings. Any checks or incidents that need a lasting record are added to ChildLogs.
Premises, equipment and emergencies
- Entrances are secure; toys, cots, highchairs, pushchairs, harnesses, garden equipment and safety devices are checked, cleaned and used to manufacturer instructions.
- Medicines, cleaning products, matches, batteries, cords, hot items, sharp objects and choking hazards are inaccessible. Smoking and vaping are not permitted.
- Working fire detection/control equipment, first-aid supplies, emergency contacts, identifiable exits and exits easily opened from inside are maintained. Separate accident and evacuation procedures apply.
- Children are within sight or hearing as appropriate, with more direct supervision for eating, water, roads, outings, animals and higher-risk play.
- No dog prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, including an exempt XL Bully, may be kept or present on childcare premises at any time. Any permitted animal is risk-assessed, healthy and supervised around children.
Safer sleep
- Babies are placed on their back for every sleep unless current written medical advice says otherwise. A baby who rolls independently may find their own position.
- Each sleeping baby uses a separate, firm, flat, waterproof sleep surface; children aged 12 months and under sleep in a cot. The sleep space is clear of pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, pods, nests, positioners, toys and loose items.
- Bedding and clothing are light, secure and appropriate to room temperature. Babies' heads remain uncovered, they are placed feet-to-foot where applicable, and overheating is avoided.
- An adult remains in the same room throughout every sleep for a child under six months. All sleeping children are kept within sight and hearing and checked frequently for breathing, position, temperature and wellbeing; checks are recorded where appropriate.
- Car seats, bouncers and other sitting devices are not routine sleep spaces. A child who falls asleep there is moved to a safe sleep surface as soon as practicable. Sleep needs and safe practice are agreed with families, but unsafe requests will not be followed.
Food, allergies and safer eating
- I follow current DfE nutrition guidance, provide accessible fresh drinking water, and agree allergies, dietary needs, texture, choking risk and weaning stage with parents before food is offered.
- Known allergies have an individual action plan, safe preparation controls and accessible prescribed emergency medicine. Ingredient and cross-contamination information is checked; allergens are introduced or avoided in line with family/health advice rather than a blanket ban.
- Food is stored, prepared and cut to reduce choking risk. Children sit safely and remain within my sight and hearing while eating. A person with a current full-course paediatric first-aid qualification is present in the room.
- If a child chokes, I record what happened in ChildLogs, tell their parent and look at whether anything needs to change.
Screen use
I have regard to the current DfE screen-use guidance. Screens are avoided for under-twos except a necessary video call or accessibility need, and carefully limited for ages two to five. Any content is safe, age appropriate, shared with an adult and used intentionally for a specific learning or communication aim. It will not displace sleep, movement, outdoor play, books or responsive interaction.
Physical intervention and hygiene
I will physically intervene only when it is absolutely necessary to prevent immediate danger, injury or serious damage. I will record it in ChildLogs and tell parents on the same day, or as soon as reasonably possible. I also follow careful handwashing, nappy changing, toileting, food hygiene and infection-control routines. Sun protection is agreed with parents and used as directed.