Risk Assessment

Hall & Foyer Area

• Hall door alarmed
• Inner door and outer door locked at 9.40am once children have arrived.
• Password system operated when parents are not collecting their children. Recorded in diary.
• Visitors to sign in.
• Regular fire drills
• First Aid box easily accessible but out of reach of children.
• Staff CRB checked.
• Volunteers CRB checked and NOT left alone with children. Volunteers given a mentor.

Daily Hall Checklist

• Floor - ensure free from hazards i.e. spills, drawing pins, sharp objects, etc.
• Stairs - ensure blocked so children cannot climb onto the stage.
• Heating - ensure radiators are turned down to avoid burns, stack chairs in front of hot radiators whilst they cool.
• Fire Exits - ensure free from blockage and unbolted.
• Lighting - ensure clear lighting and not flashing bulbs.
• Electrical equipment - ensure safe and out of reach of children.
• Windows & Glass - ensure no breakages.
• Stacked Furniture - ensure chairs around the hall are no more than four high.
• Cleanliness & Hygiene - ensure premises are clean and the toilets.
• Play Equipment - ensure checks are made for damages, faults and cleanliness.
• Children /adult ratio are correct.
• Fridge - Check temperature is correct to keep milk fresh.

Kitchen Area

• Kitchen not accessible to children.
• Ensure clean and tidy.
• Hands washed regularly.
• Food prepared hygienically.
• Milk and Water provided fresh daily.
• Fruit washed and sliced.

Toileting

• Only staff member, CRB checked to take children to the toilet.
• Two staff members to accompany children.
• Ensure water temperature not too hot.
• Ensure toilet area clean and tidy.
• Ensure children wash their hands with soap and water to avoid contamination.

Toy Cupboard

• Use ladder to avoid over stretching.
• When using ladder another member of staff to hold ladder steady.
• Stack boxes safely.
• Any spillages to be mopped up and wet floor sign displayed.

Parents

• Parents made aware of 'Safe Lifting' document.
• Pregnant parents will not be asked to lift.

Record Keeping

• All records are secure and only accessible to staff.
• Emergency contact names and details recorded in case of accident or injury for children and staff.
• Details of individual health needs, including allergies for both children and staff are accessible and known to all staff.

See also, Safety Policy & Practice and Health and Hygiene Policy & Practice.

Safe Lifting

1. STOP AND THINK
   Plan the lift where the loads going, the route you will follow, and where you would put it down.
2. CHECK THE WEIGHT
   Lift the edge of the object to get an ideal. If it is too heavy get help.
3. POSITION THE FEET
   Stand close to the object, feet apart, giving a balanced and stable base for lifting.
4. ADOPT GOOD POSTURE
   Squat down with back straight and chin tucked in, knees bent.
5. GET A FIRM GRIP
   Grasp the load firmly with elbows tucked in.
6. KEEP THE LOAD CLOSE
   Stand up slowly, lifting with leg muscles, keeping your back straight as you stand.
7. DON'T JERK
   Lift smoothly, keeping control of the load.
8. MOVE YOUR FEET
   Don't twist your trunk when turning to the side.
9. DURING TRANSIT
   Remember to take a rest during transit if he feel you need to.
10. PUT DOWN
    Put the load down smoothly and slowly, bending your legs. Position the load precisely after putting it down.