Staffing and Employment Policy

A high adult: child ratio is essential in providing good quality care. In our Pre-school/club:

• The ratio of staff to children is one staff member to four children aged two to three years and one staff member to eight children aged over four years.
• Our Key person system ensures each child and family has one particular staff member who takes a special interest in them.
• Regular staff meetings provide opportunities for staff to undertake curriculum planning and to discuss the children's progress and any difficulties.
• We work towards an equal opportunities employment policy seeking to offer job opportunities equally to both women and men, with and without disabilities, from all religious, social, ethnic and cultural groups.
• At least half our staff holds a relevant, appropriate childcare qualification.
• Regular accredited training is available to all staff, both paid and volunteer.
• Our budget includes an allocation towards training costs.
• We support the work of our staff by means of regular monitoring/appraisals.
• We are committed to recruiting, appointing and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation.
• Staff members must not be under the influence of alcohol or substances during working hours. If proven to be under the influence of either staff will be sent home without pay and disciplinary measures will be taken.
• Staff will be monitored at supervision meetings to ensure their ongoing suitability to work with children, for example any health issues or concerns.

• STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT

   

  Health and Safety Policy Statement

  Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

   

   

  .This is the Health and Safety Policy Statement of:          Padstow Pre-school/club

   

  Our statement of general policy is:

• To provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our work activities;
• To consult with our employees on matters affecting their health and safety;
• To provide and maintain safe equipment;
• To ensure safe handling and use of substances;
• To provide information, instruction and supervision for employees;
• To ensure all employees are competent to do their tasks, and to give them adequate training;
• To prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health;
• To maintain safe and healthy working conditions; and
• To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.

• Responsibilities

  Overall and final responsibility for Health and Safety is that of Lisa Pompa (Chairperson).

  Day to day responsibility for ensuring the policy is put into practice is delegated to Julie Nicholls. To ensure that Health and Safety Standards are maintained/improved all staff are required to undertake training in Health and Safety and risk analysis.

  All employees have to:

• Co-operate with supervisors and managers on Health and Safety matters.
• Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety.
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety; and report all health and safety concerns to an appropriate person (as detailed in this policy statement).

• Risk Assessments

  Risk assessments will be undertaken by the designated person in charge on the day.

  The findings of the risk assessments will be reported to Julie Nicholls who will then report to Lisa Pompa.

  Action required to remove/control risks (dependant on the severity of the risk) will be approved by Julie Nicholls or Lisa Pompa. These persons will also check that the implemented actions have removed/reduced the risks.

  Assessments will be reviewed continuously. The policy will be reviewed annually.

  Safe Handling and Use of Substances

  Julie Nicholls will be responsible for identifying all substances which need a COSHH assessment. She will be responsible for undertaking COSHH assessments and ensuring that all actions identified in the assessments are implemented. She will also be responsible for ensuring at all relevant employees are informed about the COSHH assessments and will check that new substances can be used safely before they are purchased.

  Assessments will be reviewed when new substances are purchased or when the work activity/staff changes, whichever is soonest.

  Competency for tasks and training

  All training in regard to health and safety issues will be identified, arranged, provided and monitored by the Pre-school/club. In-house training records are kept by Julie Nicholls in the staff files.

  Accidents, first aid and work related ill health

  The first aid box is kept in the kitchen, on a shelf. All staff are contractually required to undertake first aid training and update upon expiry. (Every three years).

  All accidents and cases of work related ill health must be recorded in the staff accident book. The book is kept in the filing cabinet. Julie Nicholls and Lisa Pompa are responsible for reporting accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the enforcing authority. RIDDOR to be notified where appropriate www.hse.gov.uk Also Ofsted must be informed within 14 days of any serious accident, injury or death of a child in their care. This information should be shared with the LSCB and advice followed.

  Emergency procedure, fire and evacuation

  Julie Nicholls is responsible for ensuring the fire risk assessment is undertaken and implemented. Escape routes are checked everyday, fire extinguishers are maintained and checked every year, and alarms are tested yearly. Emergency evacuation procedures are practiced at least termly.