HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY / CLOSURE POLICY

RATIONALE

The teachers at angelCare preSchool recognise the need to provide and maintain a healthy
and safe environment for all adults and children at the preschool.

PURPOSE

To prevent the spread of germs and to minimise accidents / injuries within the preschool.

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

* The teachers will encourage children to wash their hands:-

- before eating - after going to the toilet (or toileting a child)
- before preparing or handling food - after changing nappies or underpants
- after sneezing into own hand - before and after giving first aid
- after wiping a child's nose if any mucus has come in contact with the skin
* The children will be encouraged to wash their hands with soap in a hand basin with free
flowing water before all meals and after using the toilet.
* The children will be encouraged / assisted to use a damp flannel after meals.
* Teachers and children will use paper towels for drying hands
* A clean face cloth will be used for each child
* The over two’s toilets will also be cleaned at lunchtime.
* Toys that have been used in the nursery will be cleaned weekly or earlier if necessary.
* Disposable gloves will be worn whenever dealing with blood, faeces or urine, if when doing so,
these substances may come into contact with the skin.
* Cuts will be covered immediately
* Cloths and/or implements used for first aid will be soaked in a sterilising solution or thrown
out.
* All nappy changes will be recorded for parents to view.
* Cleaning solutions will be kept in the laundry and the nappy change area in the nursery in a
child safety cupboard.
* Children's medicines will be kept in the fridge if required or on top of the fridge.
* A medicine register will be kept to record all medicine administered to children.
* An accident register will be kept to record children's accidents / injuries
* Illness reports will be kept of children sent home due to illness.
* Teachers’ accidents will be recorded.
* Children will not be allowed in the kitchen during meal preparation time.
* All electric sockets will be covered with socket covers at all times in play areas.
* The sandpit will be raked and hosed once a day when used.
* A teacher will be in charge of keeping the first aid cabinet fully stocked. It will be
kept locked.
* Empty cleaning containers will not be used for collage.
* Toilet rolls will not be used in collage.
* Toilet paper will not be used as tissues for blowing noses.
* Teachers will not carry hot drinks through any play area while there are children present.
* At least one teacher with a current first aid certificate will be on the premises at all times.
* Fire and earthquake drills will be held once a term.
* Teachers will be constantly aware of checking the safety of equipment.
* Sunhats, dough equipment, and paint pots will be washed at least once a week.
* Sheets will be washed after each child's last attendance of the week, or before if required.
* Dress up clothes will be washed regularly.
* Food that children can identify as food on their plate, will not be used for play.
* Playdough, cornflour & water etc. will be acceptable play media.
* Adults and children will not sit on tables and teachers will encourage parents/whanau to
support this policy.
* The preschool will employ a cleaner who will follow the cleaning schedule as laid out in the
job description.
* In the event of any pests or vermin being discovered at the preschool, the “person
responsible” will contact ECOLAB, Pest Elimination, 341-8477 or any other pest control
authority, to have them eliminated. Poisons will be laid after preschool operating hours and
out of the reach of children.
* A pyrethrin based fly spray will be used after the children have left the preschool for the
day.
* The "Smoke Free Policy", "Sun Protection Policy", "Food Policy" and "Infectious Diseases
and Sick Children Policy" will be adhered to.
 NAPPY CHANGING PROCEDURE

Disposable gloves available

1. The teacher will wash their hands.
2. Gloves will be put on when necessary.
3. The nappy will be changed and disposed of in the bin supplied.
4. Any clothes needing changing will be changed.
5. Any gloves will be disposed of in the bin supplied.
6. The team member will wash their hands.
7. The change mat will be sprayed with a solution of disinfectant and wiped dry.
8. If an outbreak of diarrhoea occurs in the centre, a bleach solution will be used to clean the
mat and left for 5 minutes, a second mat will be used if needed in the waiting period.

ANIMAL CARE PROCEDURE

* Teachers will ensure that when animals are kept at the preschool, they will have a healthy
living environment that will include weekends and holidays.
* The cages will be cleaned regularly.
* Animal food will be stored away from other food and be clearly marked.
* Children must wash hands after handling animals.
* All sick animals will be kept away from children and adequate care and veterinary attention
given to them.

CLOSURE POLICY

* In the event that the preschool has to close in an emergency situation that means staying
open may endanger the health and safety of the children and teachers, the “person
responsible” will consult with the management of angelCare preSchool

* Preschool teachers will be guided by the appropriate authorities and act on their advice.

REVIEWED: APRIL 2008

NEXT REVIEW DATE: APRIL 2010