It is obviously in the interests of everyone to adhere to the following guidelines at all times to ensure this setting can operate as safely as possible.

Please respect each other and be aware of distance.

• Do not give your child Calpol or similar before attending the session as this will interfere with temperature reading.

• Do not send your child if anyone in your household is showing signs of Covid 19.

• Children will be collected and walked down with staff keeping 2 metre distance.

• Downs and Balfour children will be in different groups during the session. They will have separate toilets and outside play areas.

• Whenever possible play and activities will happen outside.

• Before entering the building and once in the building hands will be washed with soap and water.

• Adults will socially distance using the 2 metre markings on the pavement while waiting to collect their child and will need to operate a traffic light system for safe distancing up and down the path. Please follow the arrows.

• No parent/carer will be allowed to enter the building.

• Accident forms will now be emailed so please respond swiftly to having read it. If it is a head injury, we will text you.

• A one-way system around the building using the outside paths will always be used by staff and parents/carers.

• If a child shows signs of Covid 19 they will, if possible, be kept outside with a member of staff until they are collected. Please collect promptly if contacted.

We appreciate that this new routine will take some getting used to so please be patient with one another, and with us. Thank you.

If anyone deliberately persists in behaviour that could endanger another, we will take serious action which could lead to the termination of your child’s place.

It is not uncommon for Fiveways staff to offer babysitting services to parents.

This policy has been implemented to provide clarification of some points regarding private arrangements between staff and parents/carers.

• As stated in the Staff Code of Conduct 8.6, Fiveways will not be responsible for any private arrangements or agreements that are made between staff and parents/carers re babysitting.

• Out of hours work arrangements must not interfere with a staff member’s employment at Fiveways

• Confidentiality of employment must be adhered to and respected.

• Parents should be aware that other adults accompanying the babysitter may not have the relevant DBS clearance and it may not be appropriate for them to care for children.

• Fiveways will not be held responsible for any health and safety or other issues that may arise from these private arrangements.

• Fiveways has a duty to safeguard all children whilst on our premises and in the care of our staff, but this duty does not extend to private arrangements between staff and parents/carers outside of playgroup hours.

• We also ask that both staff and parents respect Fiveways Confidentiality Policy and do not discuss nursery matters or any other child/parent.

• Staff, parents/carers are expected to follow the latest Covid 19 Government guidelines related to effective infection control and restrictions that may be in place at the time.

Signed on behalf of the Management Committee ……………………………………



Date ……………………………………………..



Date to be reviewed – September 2021

Fiveways believes that the Health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We make our setting a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and volunteers by assessing and minimising the hazards and risks, enabling children to thrive in a safe environment.

Under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Fiveways has a general duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work.

Our staff responsible for Health and Safety are: Pat Lee and Grace Rapa.

• We display the necessary Health and Safety poster in the internal corridor.

• We have Public Liability insurance and Employers’ Liability insurance, displayed on the notice board by the front desk.

Every staff member, parent/carer or visitor has a role to play in keeping 5ways Covid 19 free for the benefit of everyone in the community. This Policy needs to be read in conduction with the Covid 19 Statement and the Risk Assessment.

Awareness Raising

Our induction training for staff and volunteers includes a clear explanation of health and safety issues so that all adults can adhere to our policy and procedures as they understand their shared responsibility for health and safety. The Induction training covers matters of employee well-being, including safe lifting and the storage of potentially dangerous substances.

• New staff and volunteers are asked to sign a code of conduct to confirm that they have received induction training. By the end of the first day within the induction process the main polices need to be read and they will be shown where the paper copies are kept for future reference later if necessary. The induction Plan for staff last for first six months and need to be signed by the new staff member as well as the manger who is conducting the meeting.

• As necessary, health and safety issues are discussed regularly at staff meetings and training carried out where needed.

• We operate a no smoking policy in the building and the grounds.

• We make children aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.

Safety of adults

• When adults need to reach up to store equipment, they are provided with safe equipment to do so, such as steps or ladders, a second person needs to be present at the same time.

• All warning signs are clear and in appropriate languages.

• Adults take care when leaving the building after dark and try not to leave on their own.

• Staff sickness and their involvement in accidents is recorded and reviewed termly to identify any issues that need to be addressed.

• 5Ways implement the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations [COSHH]. A record of all substances that may be hazardous to health – such as cleaning chemicals is kept in the COSHH record folder that is in the office.

• We keep all cleaning chemicals in their original containers.

• Staff wear protective gloves and/or aprons if necessary when using cleaning chemicals.

• All electrical and gas equipment (including boilers) is regularly tested and checked. 

The Manual Handling Guidelines policy is in place to provide clarity and consistency within 5Ways and needs to be read in conjunction with this policy. Manual handling is frequently carried out by staff at 5Ways when they are lifting play equipment or furniture, the stores/shopping when it is delivered. Lifting children in and out of buggies, from bean bags or sleep mats or lifting children to the changing mat that is at waist height. Taking rubbish, recycling and nappy bags to the bins. We aim to prevent Musculo-skeletal injury to staff as a result of manual handling by reducing the risk to the lowest level.

5ways Manual Handling Guidelines need to be read in conjunction with this policy.

Recording and reporting of accidents and incidents

5ways complies with the Reporting Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR). We report to the Health and Safety Executive:

Recording is used for incidents that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive and/ or the police.

It could be a break in, burglary, theft of personal or the settings property.

Fire, flood ,gas leak or electrical failure.

Attack on member of staff or parent on the premises or nearby.

Any racist incident involving staff or family on the premises

A terrorist attack, or threat of one

Any accident to a member of staff requiring treatment by a GP or hospital.

Any dangerous occurrences. This may be an event that causes injury or fatalities or an event that does not cause an accident but could have such as a gas leak.

Any dangerous occurrence is recorded on an incident form.

5ways have access to telephone numbers for emergency services, including local police as well as contact numbers for gas and electric emergency services, carpenter, electrician and plumber.

Safety of everyone using Fiveways

Windows

We ensure that any blind cords are secured safely and do not pose a strangulation risk for young children.

Doors and gates

Both sets of metal gates at each end of the garden path must to be shut properly. Precautions are taken to prevent children's fingers from being trapped in doors – at arrival and collection times of the day the doors are supervised by staff for extra protection.

The half gates into the playroom and kitchen are kept locked at all times.

Floors and walkways

All floor surfaces are checked to ensure they are clean and not wet or damaged, this is an ongoing process during the course of the day.

Any wet spills are mopped up immediately and a wet floor sign is used to cover the area while it dries.

Walkways are left clear and uncluttered.

Electrical/gas equipment

The boiler/electrical switch gear/meter cupboard is not accessible to the children.

There are sufficient sockets in 5ways to prevent overloading.

Electrical devices are switched off from the plug after use.

Storage

All resources and materials, which are used by the children, are stored safely.

All equipment and resources are stored or stacked safely to prevent them accidentally falling or collapsing.

Outdoor area

The outdoor area is securely fenced.

All gates around the garden are kept closed and bolted.

An outdoor risk assessment is carried out every morning as the area is checked for safety and cleared of rubbish, animal droppings and any other unsafe items before it is used.

Adults and children are alerted to the dangers of poisonous plants such as ivy that on can be found in the gardens of our neighbours.

Receptacles are upturned to prevent collection of rainwater. Where water can form a pool on equipment, it is emptied and cleaned as part of the risk assessment process.

We check that children are suitably dressed for the weather conditions and type of outdoor activities; ensuring that sun cream is applied, and hats are worn during the summer months. Stable footwear or wellington boots are used for wet days along with coats, hats, scarfs, and gloves on cold days.

Outdoor activities are supervised all the time particularly when children are exploring on climbing children equipment. Children are reminded not to run up and down slides.

To be read in conjunction with the Sun Safety Policy

Hygiene

5ways seek information from Public Health England to ensure that we keep up to date with the latest recommendations.

Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene.

A daily cleaning routine is used, which includes the playrooms, kitchen, staff room, toilets and nappy changing areas.

We have a schedule for cleaning resources and equipment [dressing-up clothes and soft furnishings are not used at the moment due to Covid 19] each day.

The toilet area has a high standard of hygiene, including hand washing and drying with disposable blue towels and a clinical waste bin for nappies.

5ways implement good hygiene practices by:

• supporting children to wash their hands when they arrive after they have changed their shoes.

• cleaning tables between activities.

• cleaning and checking toilets regularly.

• wearing protective clothing - such as aprons and disposable gloves - as appropriate.

• Providing clean clothes as well as tissues and wipes.

Activities, resources and repairs

Before 5ways purchases new equipment and resources, they are checked so that they are age appropriate and safe for the ages and stages of the children.

The layout of the play equipment allows adults and children to move safely and freely between activities.

All equipment is regularly checked for cleanliness and safety, and any dangerous items are repaired or discarded.

All our materials, including paint and glue, are non-toxic.

We ensure that sand is clean and suitable for children's play.

Physical play is constantly supervised.

Our children are taught how to handle and store tools safely.

Children who are sleeping are checked at regular intervals of at least every ten minutes a staff member remains in the next room so they can be seen via the window.

If children fall asleep in-situ, it may be necessary to move or wake them to make sure they are comfortable.

Any faulty equipment is removed from use and is repaired. If it cannot be repaired, it is discarded. Large pieces of equipment are discarded only with the consent of the management team.

Jewellery and accessories

Staff do not wear jewellery or fashion accessories, such as belts or high heels, that may pose a danger to themselves or children.

Parents must ensure that any jewellery worn by children poses no danger; particularly earrings which may get pulled, bracelets which can get caught when climbing or necklaces that may pose a risk of strangulation.

We ensure that hair accessories are removed before children sleep or rest.

Fire Evacuation procedures

The safe evacuation of the premises is of prime importance.

• Exits are kept clear.

• Fire appliances: Staff familiarise themselves with the location of these and instructions for use at the start of every academic year during the first cleaning day before the children arrive/return.

• Fire drills are held every half term to familiarise staff and children with the procedure. Drills are held at different times on different days so that all children and staff are familiar. Details of fire drills are recorded in the 5ways Alarm Check and Emergency Lighting book along with the time taken and any issues with the evacuation. This procedure is included in all new staff inductions

• Fire drill details are displayed at each exit.

To be read in conjunction with the Fire Alarm Procedures.

Accidents

All staff deal with minor accidents, anything major is dealt with by senior management. If a child needs urgent medical treatment the emergency services would be contacted as well as the parent/s. A staff member would accompany the child to hospital in the event of the parent being unable to get to 5ways in time. (The parent’s permission is given on the registration form to take the child off the premises for urgent medical treatment).

Accidents are recorded on accident sheets signed by the person concerned and countersigned by the parent on the same day. These entries should be monitored regularly.

OFSTED are informed of any serious accident, injury or death that occurs in any of the groups that are run at 5ways, as soon as reasonably possible, and in all cases within 14 days of the incident.

A First Aid Box is situated in each playroom, this is regularly checked and refilled by Charlie Hague

All staff undertake Paediatric First Aid training that is updated every three years.


Safety is maintained by

• Risk assessments are carried out on activities, projects and individual children where there is a need e.g. giving regular medication, injections.

• Scissors, knives, needles, woodwork tools etc., are never left unsupervised or in reach of children. Children will not have access to unblown up balloons.

• No cloaks or dressing-up clothes [these are not used at the moment due to Covid 19] to be worn on climbing frames or sit & ride toys.

• The children are discouraged from running indoors.

• Children do not have access to the kitchen.

• No hot drinks are allowed in the playrooms.

• The building is kept clean paying special attention to the kitchen and toilet areas.

• Bags of sand to be lifted by two people.

• No plastic bags within reach of the children.

• Children sit down during snack time which is supervised by a staff member.

• Chairs not to be left stacked on tables.

The Health and Safety of the children

Parents must inform 5ways if their child will not be attending. Children should not attend if they have

• a high temperature

• sickness and diarrhoea in the last 48 hours

• conjunctivitis or any infection of the eye

• impetigo

• ear or chest infections

• any of the communicable diseases. ( mumps, measles, rubella, scarlet fever etc. ) We refer to guidance outlined in ‘Infectious Diseases Policy Guidance & Responsibilities for Early Years, Out of School & Childminders’ Document 

If a child is showing any Covid 19 symptoms parents/carers will be contacted immediately. The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

•a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

•a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

If your child has any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:

1. Stay at home (self-isolate) – do not leave your home or have visitors. Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also self-isolate.

2. Get a test – get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible. Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, should also get a test if they have symptoms.

Children Act Regulations- Ofsted must be notified of any communicable diseases as defined by the Health Protection Agency. They will also be notified of any food poisoning affecting two or more children looked after on the premises or any child having a serious disease on the premises

If a child becomes ill whilst at 5ways the parents will be contacted so they can come and collect their child. If the parents cannot be reached the emergency contact numbers will be used.

• 5ways need to be informed if someone else is collecting a child parents need to ring if they are going to be late.

• It is always useful to let staff know if a child needs extra emotional support at any time.

Please do not double-park when bringing or collecting your child – it is dangerous for everyone and the Police are vigilant!

Health of everyone at 5ways

• Ventilation: 5ways is adequately ventilated via doors and windows and fresh air circulating through the rooms.

• Temperature: in the playrooms should be at least 16 °C.

• Lighting: is sufficient to enable people to work and move about safely. Automatic emergency lighting, powered by an independent source, is provided where sudden loss of light would create a risk, it is checked every half term.

• Waste Materials: The removal of waste is carried out daily. Waste is stored in black bags in the building then transferred to the main dust bin at the top of the path. Dirty nappies are kept in Clinical Waste Bins which are also kept outside.

• In light of Covid 19 the children and staff will change their shoes before coming into the building and the doors will remain open with stairs gates across them if the children are inside but much more time will be spent outside.

Welfare of adults

Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities are provided. They are kept clean and have running hot and cold water, soap, and paper towels.

Drinking water

An adequate supply of high-quality drinking water is provided though out the building.

Facilities for staff

The staff rooms are only used by staff, sufficient seats and a table is provided for the number of staff likely to use the rooms at any one time.Due to Covid no more than 4 people are allowed in the staff rooms at any one time. Access is available for disabled people at work. There are fridges for staff to use and they are able to prepare hot drinks as well as heating food.

• Recording Incidents

• Recording is used for incidents that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive and/ or the police.

• These incidents include:

-  Break in, burglary, theft of personal or the settings property.

-  An intruder gaining unauthorised access to the premises.

-  Fire, flood ,gas leak or electrical failure.

-  Attack on member of staff or parent on the premises or nearby.

-  Any racist incident involving staff or family on the premises

-  Death of a child

-  A terrorist attack, or threat of one

• The information that is recorded is the date and time of the incident, nature of the event, who was affected, what was done about it – or if it was reported to the police the crime number. Any follow up, or insurance claim made, should also be recorded.

• This policy needs to be read in conduction with the

• Manual Handling Policy

• The Sun policy

• General Hygiene policy

• Medication Policy

• Fire Alarm Procedures

• Covid 19 statement

Legal Framework

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (2002)

RIDDOR (1995)

Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992)

Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 [Amended 2004]

Manual Handling Code of Practice [Guidelines] 2000




Agreed by the Management Committee 3rd March 2012

Reviewed September 2020

Signed on behalf of the Management Committee..........................................................

Date ………………………………

To be reviewed September 2021

5ways Playcentre has a duty of care for the staff as well as the children that attend the setting. It is an Ofsted expectation that children attending are not put at risk from cross-infection due to poor standards of cleanliness.

Every person that attends 5Ways has a role to play in keeping the area Covid 19 free.

‘The DfE guidance on protective measures outlines steps that can be taken to deal with direct transmission (e.g. via coughing and sneezing) and indirect transmission (e.g. through touching contaminated surfaces). These include:

Minimising contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend our setting.

Cleaning hands more often than usual - wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap and dry them thoroughly or use alcohol hand rub or sanitiser ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered

Ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach

cleaning frequently touched surfaces often using standard products, such as detergents and bleach’

Guidance on how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is updated regularly. For the latest Government guidance: coronavirus advice on GOV.UK

Any adult or child with a contagious infection or illness will not be allowed to remain in the building as disease can spread rapidly and it could be particularly serious to young children. Handwashing is a crucial necessity in safe hygiene procedures, so we teach the children the need to wash their hands before coming into the building, after playing outside, touching animals, getting messy, before and after eating and when they have used the bathroom. They are taught to be independent in hand washing skills and thereafter they are supervised in the process.

Pat Lee and Grace Rapa are responsible for the Health and Hygiene of 5ways Playcentre.

5ways Playcentre operates as a No Smoking area from the top gate.

Staff undergo Food and Hygiene training and risk assessments are produced to maintain acceptable levels of hygiene both indoors and out, around the grounds of the playcentre.


Kitchen:

It is essential that strict hygiene regulations are adhered to and food safety management procedures are followed by all staff.

• The kitchen must be kept clean and tidy.

• All work tops to be wiped down with antibacterial cleaner.

• Fridge to be kept clean with antibacterial cleaner.

• All milk bottles to be wiped before being put in the fridge.

• No open cans to be put in the fridge

• All food placed in the fridge to be covered and dated . Sell by dates to be checked during the end of the day closing procedure.

• The kitchen bin is emptied at the end of the day or earlier if needed.

• Kitchen floor to be swept and mopped at the end of each day.

• No soiled washing to be put in the washing machine with other items.

• All food packages are to be sealed and not left open in the cupboards.

• Colour coded chopping boards are used when preparing food.

• Tables to be cleaned with antibacterial cleaner before food is served.

• Plastic tablecloths are used to cover the tables for snack, lunch, tea and cooking activities.

• Wash hands before preparing any food stuffs.

• The kitchen work surfaces are wiped down before any food preparation takes place with antibacterial spray, this process is repeated at the end of snack, lunch and teatime. The kitchen tiles are wiped over with Milton at the end of the day.

• Staff are required to tie long hair back before they entre the kitchen area and wear an apron, that are kept next to the kitchen gate.

• These aprons are washed at the end of the session.

• Blue plasters are stored in the First Aid Box and need to be worn to cover an open cut or wound.

• Our standards of cleanliness are monitored yearly by the Brighton Council’s Environmental Health Officer.

Toilets:

All areas to be cleaned by staff after each session or as necessary and recorded in the book that is kept on the window shelf.

• Toilets including handles, seats and tops of cisterns with antibacterial cleaner.

• Potties, trainer seats and changing mats to be cleaned with antibacterial cleaner.

• Sinks and mirrors to be cleaned with disinfectant cleaner.

• Toilet cleaner is put down the toilets and left overnight.

• Nappy changing areas to be cleaned after each use.

• Blue roll is used for all these tasks and disposed of in the bathroom bin

• When changing children’s nappies or wet/soiled clothes a disposable plastic apron and gloves must be worn by staff.

• Gloves, aprons, nappies, baby wipes and nappy sacks are all kept at hand in the nappy changing area.

• Nappies and a change of clothes is provided by the parents/carers.

• Nappy changing must be recorded in the nappy book kept on the window shelf.

• Dirty nappies are disposed of in a nappy bag and then into the outside Sani-bin.

• The Sani-bins are emptied by a specialised firm.

• Any ‘misses’ or accidents including First Aid situations are cleaned up immediately, by staff wearing gloves. Any blue roll used is disposed of in a nappy bag and then placed in the Sani-bin. The area is washed down with warm water and anti-bacterial cleaner.

• Potties are sluiced out and sprayed with an anti-bacterial spray after each use.

Sick children:

Sick children will be comforted by a staff member and once cleaned up they will be removed to a cosy area with a member of staff till the parents/cares arrive. We recognise that this is an extremely stressful time for any child.

• If a child is sick on their clothes they need to be removed and securely tied in a bag to be given to the parent/carer when they collect the child.

• The area will be cleaned using the same process as an accident[see above].

• Any cushion covers or playcentre fabrics should be washed on a hot wash.

For a suspected case of Covid 19 the child will be kept outside if possible and away from other children/staff. A staff member will stay with them wearing PPE until they are collected.

It is the responsibility of all staff to implement the above to make sure that 5ways is a safe, hygienic place and minimise the spread of infection.

Agreed by Management Committee January 2007



Last annual review July 2020

To be reviewed September 2021



Signed on behalf of the committee by ............................................................................



Date …………………………………..



To be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety Policy

Covid 19 Statement

This policy is based on how 5Ways Playcentre follows the legal framework set out in the legislation:

Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 [Amended 2004]

Manual Handling Code of Practice [Guidelines] 2000 and the

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety Policy

Manual Handling Operations means lifting, lowering, pushing, carry, moving, holding or restraining any object or person by hand or bodily force [Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992].

There is a legal requirement for 5Ways Playcentre to have a Health and Safety Policy that includes a Manual Handling Statement. Manual handling causes a known risk of Musculo-skeletal injuries.

Manual handling is frequently carried out by staff at 5Ways Playcentre when they are lifting play equipment or furniture, the stores/shopping when it is delivered. Lifting children in and out of buggies, from bean bags or sleep mats or lifting children to the changing mat that is at waist height. Taking rubbish, recycling and nappy bags to the bins.

This policy is in place to provide clarity and consistency of Manual Handling Guidelines within 5Ways Playcentre.

We aim to prevent Musculo-skeletal injury to staff as a result of manual handling by reducing the risk to the lowest level. We aim to provide a safe working environment with suitable and enough equipment to reduce the manual handling risk. We aim to have well trained staff who take care of their own health and the safety and that of others.

• It is the responsibility of the management team to ensure that there are suitable and enough assessments of manual handling tasks within 5Ways that are reviewed regularly.

• It is the responsibility of all staff to follow the procedures below and to assist by identifying manual handling hazards and risks.

• Carry out regular checks to monitor the use of manual handling techniques and any difficulties will be brought to the management team so they can be dealt with immediately.

Managing risks for Manual Handling

• Identifying risks – these will be discussed at team and staff meetings with the whole staff team. Incident and accident records will be checked as well.

• Assess the risk – how much strain, pressure, stress, weight, force, grip skill and duration are required for each activity.

• A risk assessment will be undertaken for any pregnant staff/student or volunteer while with 5Ways Playcentre. This will be reviewed monthly and will need to be reviewed on their return to work after the birth.

• Staff/student or volunteers with a recent injury, hernia, back problems, heart conditions or other risk increasing factors should be considered before they are asked to do manual handling tasks. Medical advice may need to be sought first.

• The Disability Discrimination Act requires 5Ways to make reasonable adjustments to support a person with a disability if they can carry out the manual handling task safely.

• Young people under the age of 18 years of age will require close supervision.

• Control the risk – when putting tasks together think about how to minimise injury, can the task be done differently? Change the equipment to be used or how the task is completed.

• A risk assessment will be in place that needs to be read and followed by all staff. This will be reviewed annually or sooner if any significant changes occur.

• In light of Covid 19 and safe distancing all other options need to be considered before 2 people move anything together.

• The latest guidelines need to be followed regarding Covid 19 at all times.

The EYFS requires that a setting's safeguarding policy 'should be in line with the guidance and procedures of the relevant 
EYFS: 3.4-3.18, 3.19, 3.21, 3.22

 At Fiveways Playcentre we work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children and to give them the absolute best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect, helped to thrive and be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

We support the children within our care, protect them from maltreatment and have robust procedures in place to prevent the impairment of children’s health and development. In our setting we strive to protect children from the risk of radicalisation, and we promote acceptance and tolerance of other beliefs and cultures (please refer to our inclusion and equality policy for further information). Safeguarding is a much wider subject than the elements covered within this single policy, therefore this document should be used in conjunction with the playcentre’s other policies and procedures.

Legal framework and definition of safeguarding:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004

• Childcare Act 2006

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2017 

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016

• What to do if you are worried a child is being abused 2015

• Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, in relation to this policy is defined as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment

• Preventing the impairment of children’s health or development

• Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

(Definition taken from the HM Government document ‘Working together to safeguard children 2018).

Policy intention

To safeguard children and promote their welfare we will:

• Create an environment encouraging children to develop a positive self-image

• Provide positive role models and develop a safe culture where staff are confident to raise concerns about professional conduct

• Educate staff to notice the softer signs of abuse and know what action to take

• Encourage children to develop a sense of independence and autonomy in a way that is appropriate to their age and stage of development

• Children have a key person to build a relationship with, and are supported to articulate any worries, concerns or complaints that they may have in an age appropriate way.

• Provide a safe and secure environment for all children

• Promote tolerance and acceptance of different beliefs, cultures, and communities

• Help children to understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making and how to promote British values through play, discussion, and role modelling

• Always listen to children

• Provide an environment where practitioners are confident to identify where children and families may need intervention and seek the help, they need

• Share information with other agencies as appropriate.

The Playcentre is aware that abuse does occur in our society and we are vigilant in identifying signs of abuse and reporting concerns. Our practitioners have a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children. Due to the many hours of care we are providing, staff may often be the first people to identify that there may be a problem. They may well be the first people in whom children confide information that may suggest abuse or to spot changes in a child’s behaviour which may indicate abuse.

Our prime responsibility is the welfare and well-being of each child in our care. As such we believe we have a duty to the children, parents, and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention. This includes sharing information with any relevant agencies such as local authority services for children’s social care, health professionals or the police. All staff will work with other agencies in the best interest of the child, including as part of a multi-agency team, where needed.

The Playcentre aims to:

• Keep the child at the centre of all we do

• Ensure staff are trained right from induction to understand the child protection and safeguarding policy and procedures, are alert to identify possible signs of abuse (including the signs known as softer signs of abuse), understand what is meant by child protection and are aware of the different ways in which children can be harmed, including by other children through bullying or discriminatory behaviour

• Be aware of the increased vulnerability of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and other vulnerable or isolated families and children such as children with a family member in prison, substance abuse, domestic abuse, homelessness, metal or physical illness and parent’s learning disability, persistent absences, child criminal exploitation, private fostering [duty to inform FDFF if this is happening] and cyberbullying.

• Ensure that all staff feel confident and supported to act in the best interest of the child, share information and seek the help that the child may need

• Ensure that all staff are familiar and updated regularly with child protection training and procedures and kept informed of changes to local/national procedures, including thorough annual safeguarding newsletters and updates

• At every staff meeting, time is allocated to checking and supporting staff with their knowledge of safeguarding issues, a register is kept of who completed the tasks which are set by the DSL and the Deputy.

• Tracy Willard, [DSL] Grace Rapa, Lucy Reading attend up to date refresher DSL training at least every 2 years

• All staff understand that safeguarding is their responsibility

• Access around the side of the building is restricted by locked coded chains.

• Access past the main lobby is restricted by a coded door

• All areas are open plan, Team Leaders always monitor staff and children’s movement around the building and outside areas . No child is left alone with staff or volunteers in a one-to-one situation without being within sight and /or hearing of other staff or volunteers

• Make any child protection referrals in a timely way, sharing relevant information as necessary in line with procedures set out by Brighton and Hove, Front Door for Families.

• Ensure that information is shared only with those people who need to know to protect the child and act in their best interest

• Keep the setting safe online using appropriate filters, checks and safeguards, monitoring access always

• Ensure that children are never placed at risk while in the charge of playcentre staff

• Identify changes in staff behaviour and act on these as per the Staff Behaviour Policy – Code of Conduct.

• Take any appropriate action relating to allegations of serious harm or abuse against any person working with children or living or working on the nursery premises including reporting such allegations to Ofsted and other relevant authorities

• Ensure parents are fully aware of child protection policies and procedures when they register with the Playcentre and are kept informed of all updates when they occur

• Regularly review and update this policy with staff and parents where appropriate and make sure it complies with any legal requirements and any guidance or procedures issued by Brighton and Hove Local Safeguarding Children Board BHLSCB. 

We will support children by offering reassurance, comfort, and sensitive interactions. We will devise activities according to individual circumstances to enable children to develop confidence and self-esteem within their peer group and support them to learn how to keep themselves safe.

Contact telephone numbers

Local authority children’s social care team – Front Door for Families – 01273 290400

Local authority Designated Officer (LADO) Mr Darrel Clews 01273 295643

Ofsted 0300 123 1231

Non-emergency police 101

Government helpline for extremism concerns 020 7340 7264

Types of Abuse and Specific Procedures followed.

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by harming them or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused within a family, institution or community setting by those known to them or a stranger. This could be an adult or adults, another child, or children.

What to do if you are worried a child is being abused (advice for practitioners) 2015

The signs and indicators listed below may not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused but will help us to recognise that something may be wrong, especially if a child shows a number of these symptoms or any of them to a marked degree.

Indicators of child abuse

• Failure to thrive and meet developmental milestones

• Fearful or withdrawn tendencies

• Unexplained injuries to a child or conflicting reports from parents or staff

• Repeated injuries

• Unaddressed illnesses or injuries

• Significant changes to behaviour patterns. 

Softer signs of abuse as defined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) include:

• Low self-esteem

• Wetting and soiling

• Recurrent nightmares

• Aggressive behaviour

• Withdrawing communication

• Habitual body rocking

• Indiscriminate contact or affection seeking

• Over-friendliness towards strangers

• Excessive clinginess

• Persistently seeking attention.

Peer on peer abuse

We are aware that peer on peer abuse does take place, so we include children in our policies when we talk about potential abusers. This may take the form of bullying, physically hurting another child, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. We will report this in the same way as we do for adults abusing children and will take advice from the appropriate bodies on this area.

Physical abuse

Action needs to be taken if staff have reason to believe that there has been a physical injury to a child, including deliberate poisoning, where there is definite knowledge or reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented. These symptoms may include bruising or injuries in an area that is not usual for a child, e.g. fleshy parts of the arms and legs, back, wrists, ankles, and face.

Many children will have cuts and grazes from normal childhood injuries. These should also be logged and discussed with the playcentre manager or room leader.

Children and babies may be abused physically through shaking or throwing. Other injuries may include burns or scalds. These are not usual childhood injuries and should always be logged and discussed with the safeguarding lead; Tracy Willard [DSL] or Grace Rapa [deputy] Lucy Reading.

Female genital mutilation

This type of physical abuse is practised as a cultural ritual by certain ethnic groups and there is now more awareness of its prevalence in some communities in England including its effect on the child and any other siblings involved. This procedure may be carried out shortly after birth and during childhood as well as adolescence, just before marriage or during a woman’s first pregnancy and varies widely according to the community . Symptoms may include bleeding, painful areas, acute urinary retention, urinary infection, wound infection, septicaemia, incontinence, vaginal and pelvic infections with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as well as physiological concerns. If you have concerns about a child relating to this area, you should contact children’s social care team in the same way as other types of physical abuse. There is a mandatory duty to report to police any case where an act of female genital mutilation appears to have been carried out on a girl under the age of 18, we will ensure this is followed in our setting.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/800306/6-1914-HO-Multi_Agency_Statutory_Guidance.pdf

Breast Ironing

Breast ironing also known as "breast flattening" is the process where young girls' breasts are ironed, massaged and/or pounded down using hard or heated objects for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely.

It is believed that by carrying out this act, young girls will be protected from harassment, rape, abduction, and early forced marriage. Although this is unlikely to happen to children in the Pre School or After School Club due to their age, we will ensure any signs of this in young adults or older children are followed up using the usual safeguarding referral process.

Fabricated illness

This is also a type of physical abuse. This is where a child is presented with an illness that is fabricated by the adult carer. The carer may seek out unnecessary medical treatment or investigation. The signs may include a carer exaggerating a real illness or symptoms, complete fabrication of symptoms or inducing physical illness, e.g. through poisoning, starvation, inappropriate diet. This may also be presented through false allegations of abuse or encouraging the child to appear disabled or ill to obtain unnecessary treatment or specialist support.

Sexual abuse

Action needs be taken if the staff member has witnessed an occasion(s) where a child indicated sexual activity through words, play, drawing, had an excessive preoccupation with sexual matters or had an inappropriate knowledge of adult sexual behaviour or language. This may include acting out sexual activity on dolls/toys or their peers or in the role play area, drawing pictures that are inappropriate for a child, talking about sexual activities or using sexual language or words. The child may become worried when their clothes are removed, e.g. for nappy changes.

The physical symptoms may include genital trauma, discharge and bruises between the legs or signs of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Emotional symptoms could include a distinct change in a child’s behaviour. They may be withdrawn or overly extroverted and outgoing. They may withdraw away from a particular adult and become distressed if they reach out for them, but they may also be particularly clingy to a potential abuser so all symptoms and signs should be looked at together and assessed as a whole.

If a child starts to talk openly to an adult about abuse, they may be experiencing the procedure below will be followed:

Procedure:

• The adult should reassure the child and listen without interrupting if the child wishes to talk

• The observed instances will be detailed in a confidential report

• The observed instances will be reported to the Safeguarding Lead

• The matter will be referred to the local authority children’s social care team (see reporting procedures).

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Working Together to Safeguard Children defines CSE as “…a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur using technology.”

We will be aware of the possibility of CSE and the signs and symptoms this may manifest as. If we have concerns, we will follow the same procedures as for other concerns and we will record and refer as appropriate.

Organised crime groups

We will be alert to the threats children may face from outside their families, such as that posed by organised crime groups like county lines

Emotional abuse

Action should be taken if the staff member has reason to believe that there is a severe, adverse effect on the behaviour and emotional development of a child, caused by persistent or severe ill treatment or rejection.

This may include extremes of discipline where a child is shouted at or put down on a consistent basis, lack of emotional attachment by a parent, or it may include parents or carers placing inappropriate age or developmental expectations upon them. Emotional abuse may also be imposed through the child witnessing domestic abuse and alcohol and drug misuse by adults caring for them.

The child is likely to show extremes of emotion with this type of abuse. This may include shying away from an adult who is abusing them, becoming withdrawn, aggressive, or clingy in order to receive their love and attention. This type of abuse is harder to identify as the child is not likely to show any physical signs.

Neglect

Action should be taken if the staff member has reason to believe that there has been any type of neglect of a child (for example, by exposure to any kind of danger, including cold, starvation or failure to seek medical treatment, when required, on behalf of the child), which results in serious impairment of the child's health or development, including failure to thrive.

Signs may include a child persistently arriving at the centre unwashed or unkempt, wearing clothes that are too small (especially shoes that may restrict the child’s growth or hurt them), arriving at the centre in the same nappy they went home in or a child having an illness or identified special educational need or disability that is not being addressed by the parent. A child may also be persistently hungry if a parent is withholding food or not providing enough for a child’s needs.

Neglect may also be shown through emotional signs, e.g. a child may not be receiving the attention they need at home and may crave love and support at nursery. They may be clingy and emotional. In addition, neglect may occur through pregnancy because of maternal substance abuse.

Domestic Abuse / Honour Based Violence / Forced Marriages

We look at these areas as a child protection concern. Please refer to the separate policy for further details on this.

Reporting Procedures

All staff have a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns and suspicions of abuse. These concerns will be discussed with the designated safeguarding leaders as soon as possible.

• Staff will report their concerns to the DSL team 

• Any signs of marks/injuries to a child or information a child has given will be recorded and stored securely in the office, which can be locked.

• If appropriate, the incident will be discussed with the parent/carer, such discussions will be recorded, and the parent will have access to these records on request.

• If there are queries/concerns regarding the injury/information given, then the following procedures will take place:

The designated safeguarding lead team will:

• Contact the local authority children’s social care team, Front Door for Families, to report concerns and seek advice (if it is believed a child is in immediate danger, we will contact the police) •Inform Ofsted

• Record the information and action taken relating to the concern raised

• Speak to the parents (unless advised not do so by LA children’s social care team)

The designated safeguarding lead will follow up with the Local Authority children’s social care team, Front Door for Families if they have not contacted the setting within the timeframe set out in Working Together to Safeguarding Children (2018). We will never assume that action has been taken,

Keeping children safe is our highest priority and if, for whatever reason, staff do not feel able to report concerns to the Safeguarding Lead Team they should make contact with Sean O’Brien, trustee member responsible for safeguarding [contact details are kept on the back of the staff room door] or the Local Authority children’s social care team or the NSPCC and report their concerns anonymously.

Recording Suspicions of Abuse and Disclosures

Staff should make an objective record of any observation or disclosure, supported by the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). This record should include:

• Child's name

• Child's address

• Age of the child and date of birth

• Date and time of the observation or the disclosure

• Exact words spoken by the child

• Exact position and type of any injuries or marks seen

• Exact observation of any incident including any concern was reported, with date and time; and the names of any other person present at the time

• Any discussion held with the parent(s) (where deemed appropriate). 

These records should be signed by the person reporting this and the Safeguarding Lead, dated and kept in a separate confidential file.

If a child starts to talk to an adult about potential abuse it is important not to promise the child complete confidentiality. This promise cannot be kept. It is vital that the child can talk openly, and disclosure is not forced, or words put into the child’s mouth. As soon as possible after the disclosure details must be logged accurately.

It may be thought necessary that through discussion with all concerned the matter needs to be raised with the local authority children’s social care team and Ofsted. Staff involved may be asked to supply details of any information/concerns they have regarding a child. The Play Centre expects all members of staff to co-operate with the local authority children’s social care, police, and Ofsted in any way necessary to ensure the safety of the children.

Staff must not make any comments either publicly or in private about the supposed or actual behaviour of a parent or member of staff.

Informing parents

Parents are normally the first point of contact. If a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents are informed at the same time as the report is made, except where the guidance of the local authority children’s social care team/police does not allow this. This will usually be the case where the parent or family member is the likely abuser or where a child may be endangered by this disclosure. In these cases, the investigating officers will inform parents.

Confidentiality

All suspicions, enquiries and external investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared in line with guidance from the Brighton and Hove’s, Front Door for Families Team.

Support to families

The Play Centre takes every step in its power to build up trusting and supportive relations among families, staff, students, and volunteers within the centre.

The Play Centre continues to welcome the child and the family whilst enquiries are being made in relation to abuse in the home situation. Parents and families will be treated with respect in a non-judgmental manner whilst any external investigations are carried out in the best interest of the child.

Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child's parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child, only if appropriate in line with guidance of the Front Door for Families Team with the proviso that the care and safety of the child is paramount. We will do all in our power to support and work with the child's family.

Allegations against adults working or volunteering with children

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, student or volunteer or any other person who lives or works on the playcentre premises regardless of whether the allegation relates to the Play Centre premises or elsewhere, we will follow the procedure below.

The allegation should be reported to the senior manager on duty. If this person is the subject of the allegation, then this should be reported to the Safeguard Lead Team or the co-manager instead. Sean O’Brien is the trustee with safeguarding responsibilities, he can be contacted by phone or email by anyone in the staff team. His details are kept on the back of the staff room door for ease of access for all staff.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and Ofsted will then be informed immediately for this to be investigated by the appropriate bodies promptly:

• The LADO will be informed immediately for advice and guidance 

• If as an individual, you feel this will not be taken seriously or are worried about the allegation getting back to the person in question then it is your duty to inform the LADO yourself directly

• A full investigation will be carried out by the appropriate professionals (LADO, Ofsted) to determine how this will be handled

• The Play Centre will follow all instructions from the LADO and Ofsted and ask all staff members to do the same and co-operate where required

• Support will be provided to all those involved in an allegation throughout the external investigation in line with LADO support and advice

• The Play Centre reserves the right to suspend any member of staff during an investigation

• All enquiries/external investigations/interviews will be documented and kept in a locked file for access by the relevant authorities

• Unfounded allegations will result in all rights being reinstated

• Founded allegations will be passed on to the relevant organisations including the local authority children’s social care team, Front Door for Families and where an offence is believed to have been committed, the police, and will result in the termination of employment. Ofsted will be notified immediately of this decision. The Play Centre will also notify the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure their records are updated

• All records will be kept until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 21 years and 3 months if that is longer. This will ensure accurate information is available for references and future DBS checks and avoids any unnecessary reinvestigation

• The Play Centre retains the right to dismiss any member of staff in connection with founded allegations following an inquiry

• Counselling will be available for any member of the Play Centre who is affected by an allegation, their colleagues in the nursery and the parents.

Monitoring children’s attendance
As part of our requirements under the statutory framework and guidance documents we are required to monitor children’s attendance patterns to ensure they are consistent and no cause for concern.

Parents should inform the Play Centre prior to their children taking holidays or days off, and all sickness should be called into the Play Centre on the day, so the management are able to account for a child’s absence. A children’s register is taken 5 times a day which covers all the session times from Breakfast club to After school club. Staff are required to sign in and out of the building as well. A staff register is taken 4 times a day, this covers all the sessions. Phones calls are made to families if their child is absent for two consecutive sessions and have not contacted us. Absences are logged on the register. If a child unexpectedly fails to attend and no relevant adult can be contacted via phone from the emergency contacts, staff immediately visit the family at home. If there is no answer at the family home when staff members attend, they immediately contact the police who may force entry. This is a recommendation of the coroner’s report for the Chadrack Mulo case.

Where a child is part of a child protection plan, or during a referral process, any absences will immediately be reported to the local authority children’s social care team to ensure the child remains safeguarded.

This should not stop parents taking precious time with their children but enables children’s attendance to be logged so we know the child is safe.

Looked after children

As part of our safeguarding practice we will ensure our staff are aware of how to keep looked after children safe. To do this, we ask that we are informed of:

• The legal status of the child (e.g. whether the child is being looked after under voluntary arrangements with consent of parents or on an interim or full care order)

• Contact arrangements for the biological parents (or those with parental responsibility)

• The child’s care arrangements and the levels of authority delegated to the carer by the authority looking after him/her

• The details of the child’s social worker and any other support agencies involved

• Any child protection plan or care plan in place for the child in question.

Staffing and volunteering

Our policy is to provide a secure and safe environment for all children. We only allow an adult who is employed by the Play Centre to care for children and who has an enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to be left alone with children. We will obtain enhanced criminal records checks (DBS) for all volunteers and do not allow any volunteers to be unsupervised with children.

All staff will attend child protection training and receive initial basic child protection training during their induction period. This will include the procedures for spotting signs and behaviours of abuse and abusers/potential abusers, recording and reporting concerns and creating a safe and secure environment for the children in the Play Centre. During induction staff will be given contact details for Sean O’Brien is the trustee with safeguarding responsibilities, the LADO (local authority designated officer), the Front Door for Families Team and Ofsted to enable them to report any safeguarding concerns, independently, if they feel it necessary to do so.

We have named persons within the Play Centre who take lead responsibility for safeguarding and co-ordinate child protection and welfare issues, known as the Designated Safeguarding Leads Team. There is always at least one designated person on duty during all opening hours of the setting.

These designated persons will receive comprehensive training at least every two years and update their knowledge on an ongoing basis, but at least once a year.

The Play Centres DSL’s liaise with the local authority children’s social care team, undertakes specific training, including a child protection training course, and receives regular updates to developments within this field. They in turn support the ongoing development and knowledge update of all staff on the team.

Although, under the EYFS, we are only required to have one designated lead for safeguarding, for best practice and to ensure cover always, we have one designated lead in place with a deputy and 1 more as a substitute. This always enables safeguarding to stay high on our priorities . There will always be at least one designated lead on duty or can be contacted by phone when we are open. This will ensure that prompt action can be taken if concerns are raised.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at the Play Centre is: Tracy Willard with Grace Rapa as deputy. Lucy Reading supports this role as well, from 7.30 am till 6.15 pm someone is on site most days or can be contacted by phone.

• We provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of all children

• Applicants for posts within the Play Centre are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed of the need to carry out checks before posts can be confirmed. Where applications are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information

• We give staff members, volunteers, and students regular opportunities to declare changes that may affect their suitability to care for the children. This includes information about their health, medication or about changes in their home life such as whether anyone they live with in a household has committed an offence or been involved in an incident that means they are disqualified from working with children.

• This information is also stated within every member of staff’s contract

• We abide by the requirements of the EYFS and any Ofsted guidance in respect to obtaining references and suitability checks for staff, students and volunteers, to ensure that all staff, students and volunteers working in the setting are suitable to do so

• We ensure we receive at least two references BEFORE a new member of staff commences employment with us

• All students will have enhanced DBS checks conducted on them before their placement starts

• Volunteers, including students, do not work unsupervised

• We abide by the requirements of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Childcare Act 2006 in respect of any person who is disqualified from providing childcare, is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of child protection concern

• We have procedures for recording the details of visitors to the playcentre and take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into the centre so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children

• All visitors/contractors will be supervised whilst on the premises, especially when in the areas the children use

• As a staff team we will be fully aware of how to safeguard the whole Centre environment and be aware of potential dangers on the Play Centres boundaries such as drones or strangers lingering. We will ensure the children always remain safe

• The Staff Code of Conduct sits alongside this policy to enable us to monitor changes in behaviours that may cause concern. All staff sign up to this policy too to ensure any changes are reported to management, so we can support the individual staff member and ensure the safety and care of the children is not compromised

• All staff have access to and comply with the whistleblowing policy which will enable them to share any concerns that may arise about their colleagues in an appropriate manner

• Signs of inappropriate staff behaviour may include inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities; or inappropriate sharing of images. This is not an exhaustive list, any changes in behaviour must be reported and acted upon immediately

• We use peer on peer and manager observations in the setting to ensure that the care we provide for children is at the highest level and any areas for staff development are quickly highlighted. Peer observations allow us to share constructive feedback, develop practice and build trust so that staff can share any concerns they may have. Any concerns are raised with the designated lead and dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner

• The deployment of staff within the Play Centre allows for constant supervision and support. Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group, the door will be left ajar or other safeguards will be put into action to ensure the safety of the child and the adult.

Employees, students, or volunteers of the Play Centre.

We have a Code of Conduct Policy in place that supports us to monitor staff and changes in their character. Staff are aware of the need to disclose changes to circumstance and use the Whistle Blowing Policy where required.

We also operate a Phones and Other Electronic Devices and Social Media policy which states how we will keep children safe from these devices whilst at the Play Centre. This also links to our Online Safety policy.

Extremism – the Prevent Duty

Under the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015 we have a duty to refer any concerns of extremism to the police or Front Door for Families.

This may be a cause for concern relating to a change in behaviour of a child or family member, comments causing concern made to a member of the team (or other persons in the setting) or actions that lead staff to be worried about the safety of a child in their care.

Signs of radicalisation

These may include:

• Changes in behaviour (withdrawn, aggressive)

• Claiming that terrorist attacks and violence are justified

• Viewing violent extremist material online

• Possessing or sharing violent extremist material

If a member of staff suspects a child to be at risk, they will record and observe any information and inform the Safeguarding Team and follow the reporting procedures.

Online Safety.

We take the safety of our children very seriously and this includes their online safety. Please refer to the Online Safety policy for details on this.

Our Play Centre has a clear commitment to protecting children and promoting welfare. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter to the attention of the DSL Team/registered person at the earliest opportunity. 

As practitioners we have a duty of care to keep children safe and healthy, this includes during the summer months when the sun is often strongest. Children need protection from the sun. Cancer Research advise that UV rays can travel through clouds so you can still get sunburnt when it is overcast. Exposure to a lot of sunshine in childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in later life.

"You can use the ‘shadow rule’ to work out whether the sun is strong. Simply look at your shadow and if it’s shorter than your height that means the sun’s UV rays are strong. This is also a good trick to teach your kids!” - Sarah Williams, Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK

Your responsibility to 5ways and your child:

• Your child/ren need to wear loose, tightly woven clothing that covers their back and shoulders, e.g. a T shirt. It is most important to cover up.

• Please provide your child/ren with a hat or cap, clearly labelled, if this could be left at 5ways that is even better. Children will not be allowed outside unless they are wearing a hat/cap. We keep a communal hat/cap box by the back door.

• Children need to arrive at the setting with sun cream already applied to exposed areas. Sun cream will not be provided by the play centre.

• Children are required to bring in their own sun cream, clearly labelled and within date.

Our responsibility to you:

• On extremely hot days we will change the routine to structured outdoor times, if necessary.

• We will use the garden, field, and castle area at different times of the day so the children can enjoy being in the sun but with shade.

• All activities and outdoor equipment will be placed in areas of shade.

• Children will have their own sun cream applied by staff or if your child is at an age or stage of development where they can undertake this process for themselves which will also promote their independence they will be supervised and encouraged to do so.

• Sun cream will be applied mid-morning, after lunch and mid afternoon if it is appropriate for the weather.

• Staff will wear a different pair of gloves to protect children from cross contamination when applying sun cream.

• The staff member may wear a face mask in light of Covid 19 if they so wish.

• The latest Covid 19 Government guidelines will be followed at all times.

• A Sun Cream Applied form will be signed by the staff every time they apply cream, parents/carers will be asked to counter sign the form on collection of the child/ren.

• All children will wear hats or caps outside during the summer months, (depending on the weather), if no hat is worn the child will remain in the playroom but normally children are happy to choose a hat from the 5ways hat box as they come in different colours and styles. Staff always encourage the children to decide for themselves and make their own choice.

• Staff will set a good example to the children and remember the “hidden curriculum” by wearing head gear themselves.

• Children can access drinking water for themselves every day, but additional drinks will be offered in hot weather. This is to make sure all children keep hydrated during the day. Staff will encourage this process by having their own water bottles to drink from during the session.

• The importance of sun safety will be explained to the children at group times and through activities planned in the curriculum.

• Cancer Research Sun Smart website is used to support information shared with the children and parents/carers.

• The named bottles of sun cream are kept in boxes on the shelf in the children’s bathroom.

• By signing the Sun Policy, you are giving permission to the above taking place unless we are notified otherwise.

“Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN [2018] encourage people to enjoy the sun safely and recommend taking the following steps, which fall within their easy to remember C.A.R.E acronym:

C – Cover up

Wear a t-shirt, hat, and sunglasses

A – Aim for the shade

Between the hours of 11am – 3pm in the UK

R – Rub on sunscreen

Use plenty with at least SPF 15 and 4 star rating

E – Enjoy!

Have fun in the sun safely”



Agreed by the Management Committee May 2015

Reviewed August 2020

To be reviewed September 2021

Signed by behalf of the management Committee …………………………………………………….



Date ………………………………





Parent/carer consent and record for sun cream being applied

We hope you will support us in providing protection for your child/ren against the harmful rays of the sun.

Parents/carers need to provide a named bottle of sun cream, and children must arrive at the start of their sessions already with cream on. We do not provide sun cream.

Please sign below that you have read the Sun policy and give permission for staff to apply sun cream to your child/ren . If your child is at an age or stage of development where they can undertake this process for themselves which will also promote their independence they will be supervised and encouraged to do so.



Child’s name............................................................................



Parent/carer signature............................................................ Date …………………………………..



Sun Cream Applied form – to be signed by the parent/carer when they collect their child/ren – Due to Covid this information maybe shared with the parent/carer using technology.

Fiveways recognises the importance of having volunteers in the setting to offer children more adult contact, through a wider section of the community, and a way for new recruits to enter the profession.

• Anyone who is interested in volunteering at Fiveways will be interviewed on an equal basis.

• All volunteers must be DBS [police checked]. The existence of an unrelated criminal record does not prevent individuals from volunteering.

• Fiveways will provide a volunteer induction pack, including full details of the organisation and other documents relevant to the role. This will include an agreed Volunteer Code of Conduct to be signed and dated by both the setting and the volunteer as a contract of commitment by both parties before the volunteer starts.

• All volunteers will be given time to read policies and procedures which will include their Code of Conduct and shown where the policy folder is kept.

• The Student/Volunteer Co-Ordinator will verbally explain the building Evacuation and Safeguarding procedures as well as being given time to read them as part of the policies.

• Individual hours will be agreed by Fiveways and the volunteer as part of the contract.

• Volunteers will be assisted and supported by the Team Leader/senior staff and will be given an induction to ensure they understand the policies and procedures of the group and their role. This will include a tour of the building and guidance and instruction in support of the Health and Safety policy. 

• They will explain performance standards and encourage and support volunteers to achieve and maintain them.

• Fiveways will attempt to give opportunities to broaden experience with activities wherever possible.

• Training will be offered wherever possible, including access to relevant CEYCP courses.

• Volunteers/students should only hand out meals/drinks or snacks if supervised and asked to do so by the staff.

• All interaction is in accordance with our Equality and Diversity Policy.

• The Volunteer Code of Conduct can be cancelled at any time by either party.

Volunteers must be reminded that they are not permitted to do the following:

Go into the bathroom with any children

Answer the telephone

Open the door to anyone

Carry out First Aid

Take their personal mobile phone into the playroom or garden.



They must always wear a visitor/student badge that are always kept in the signing in book, which is on the front desk as well as sign in and out of the building.

In light of Covid 19 and following Government guidelines 5ways Playcentre is not able to take Volunteers at the moment.



Agreed by the Management Committee April 2011

Reviewed April 2015

Updated August 2020

To be reviewed September 2022



Signed on behalf of the management committee ………………………………………





Date ……………………………………………………………….

Walking to and from school ratios of adults to children are: 1:5 infants, 1:6 Juniors. These ratios maybe lower depending on the needs of the individual children, this will be decided by the Centre Manager or the Afterschool Club Coordinator.

Considering Covid 19 the children will be collected from school with 2 staff who will socially distance from each other but not from the children. The staff will be allowed to wear a face covering if they wish to.

Children will be discouraged to bring items from school to Fiveways to minimalize the risk of transferring Covid 19.

Children will be brought down directly with others from their school but not necessarily from their year group only. If a child is showing any Covid 19 symptoms parents/carers will be contacted immediately.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

If your child has any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:

Stay at home (self-isolate) – do not leave your home or have visitors. Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also self-isolate.

Get a test – get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible. Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, should also get a test if they have symptoms.

Links to key government guidance

www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Coronavirus Covid-19

Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (Covid-19) infection

Handwashing advice is at https://youtu.be/bQCP7waTRWU

The Playcentre Manager will ensure that the staff are authorised to take or collect children to school, they will wear a Fiveways high viz jacket, an identity badge, take a basic first aid kit provided and at least one member will have a Playcentre mobile phone.

All children wear a Fiveways high Viz jacket or Band to and from school all year round.

All books and toys are to be placed in the child’s book bag or backpack before they start walking.

Staff need to check all children are safe to walk before setting off: their shoes on properly and done up, they can carry their own bags with ease. Sun hats are worn if appropriate. Staff offer to do up coats before setting off.

Children are reminded of the procedures before they leave and asked to use good listening before you set off. Hearing impaired children need to walk at the front so they can see hand signals clearly and are able to lip read.

If possible, staff will walk up to or down from school in pairs. One staff member in the front and one walking at the back behind all the children.

Staff to walk roadside only on the pavement and children to walk furthest from the road on the pavement.

A direct route should be used when possible.

Crossings are to be used where possible.

Staff will only cross the road where there is a clear view of the whole road and where you are also visible.

Staff will cross at the narrowest and safest part of the road.

The staff member at the front will check driveways and garages before the children reach them.

The Children are encouraged not to run.

The Children are encouraged to walk in pairs.

The staff will try and follow a set route and cross in the same places each time, this enables the children to establish a new routine but only if safe to do so each day.

Staff will encourage the children to stop at the kerbside away from the edge and stand quietly with the staff member facing them when giving instructions.

Each time the road is crossed the children are reminded to wait until they are asked to cross as well as look and listen for any traffic.

A staff member will go into the centre of the road on their own when it is safe to do so then using clear verbal instructions and hand signals the children will be guided across.

A staff member must remain in the centre of the road till all the children have safely crossed over.

In the event of a driver slowing down or stopping for the children to cross, staff should be aware of other drivers as they might not stop.

Staff will be aware that bright sunshine, rain and poor lighting can make it harder for drivers to see you or stop. Heavy vans and lorries need more braking time.

Staff will be aware of cyclists who sometimes cycle and overtake traffic on the wrong side or even cycle on the pavement.

Children will be supervised to wash their hands once they reach 5ways Playcentre and staff will do the same.



Policy written October 2017

Updated August 2020

To be reviewed September 2021

Agreed by Management committee ……………………………………………………………



Date …………………………………………………






Walking to and from school routine

Pedestrian crossings are safer places for pedestrians to cross but:

Staff must remain in the centre of the road till all the children have crossed when using zebra, toucan and pelican crossings as well.

Zebra crossings have black and white lines that go across the width of the road. Check both sides of the road before walking into the centre of the crossing.

Zebra crossings with an island in the middle should be treated as two separate crossings.

Toucan [two can cross] crossings – they allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time.

Pelican crossings – press the button and stand back with the children behind you. Only walk into the road when the traffic lights are red and the green person is shown above the button and traffic is at a standstill on both sides of the road. Staff still need to make a visual check for themselves before they step into the centre of the road. The children will then be given verbal instructions and hand signals to cross the road.

DO not start to cross the road when the lights are red or flashing.

Puffin crossings – look like Pelican crossings but have sensors on top of the traffic lights that can hold the red traffic light if needed. These need to be used like a pelican crossing.

Parents and carers have entrusted us to look after and keep their child safe both on and off Fiveways premises.

Breaching the walking to and from school routine policy is a profoundly serious matter as it is misconduct of duties and could lead to a warning or full dismissal from 5 Ways Playcentre.

Never

• Never allow a child to stand in the centre of the road while others cross over.

• Never allow the children to ride their bikes/scooters or skateboards when going to or returning from school.

• Never cross between closely parked cars or in front of driveways and garages.

• Never allow the children to run ahead of the front staff member.

• Never allow members of the public to walk down with the children.

• Staff and children should never pick up items from the road, pavements or outside buildings and houses/homes.

• Never allow the children to pick flowers or pull at bushes in the gardens or on the pavements.

• Never allow children to walk on garden walls, swing on garden gates or run//jump off steps to private buildings or homes.

• Never allow the children to swing around trees or lampposts.

• Never allow the children to slide on icy pavements or roads.

• Never allow the children to touch bikes/cars that are parked on the road.

• Never allow children to scrape snow from parked cars or the pavement.

Staff to role model respect for other people’s property.

Remember – children have very little concept of speed till around 12 years of age that is why staff need to guide them safely to and from school each time.

Contact Fiveways office on 01273 500257 if you need support when you are walking to and from school.

All staff have a duty of care to the children – if you do not feel safe or comfortable with another staff members attitude walking to and from school these concerns must be shared with the senior management team as soon as possible.