The safety of young children is of paramount importance.  In order to ensure the safety of both children and adults, Rainbow will ensure that:
  • All children are supervised by adults at all times and will always be within sight of an adult
  • A book is available at each session for he reporting of any accident/incident.
  • Regular safety monitoring will include checking of the accident and incident record.
  • All adults are aware of the system(s) in operation for the children’s arrivals and departures and an adult will be at the door during these periods.
  • Children will leave the group only with authorised adults.
  • Safety check on premises, both outdoors and indoors, are made before every day/session.
  • If the main entrance has to be locked, there is a key close by the adults level.
  • Low level glass will be covered, or replaced by safety glass.
  • Adults do not walk about with hot drinks or place hot drinks within reach of children.
  • Fire drills are held at least twice a term.
  • A register of both adults and children is completed as people arrive so that a complete record of all those present is available in any emergency.
  • There is no smoking in a room used by children.
  • A correctly stocked first aid box is available at all times.
  • Fire extinguishers are checked annually and staff know how to use them.
  • Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults are adult.
  • Large equipment is erected with care and checked regularly.
  • Activities such as cooking, woodwork, and energetic play receive close and constant supervision.
  • Outdoor space is securely fenced.
  • Outdoor space is away from the road and is supervised by staff at all times.  Children are encouraged to walk on the concrete path until they reach the grassed area.  Also they are encouraged to stay within a designated area.  There will be sufficient adults to maintain appropriate ratio.  Outdoor area is checked beforehand for anything hazardous, for example broken glass.
  • Outdoor play is supervised with the correct adult/child ratio.
  • Equipment id checked regularly and any dangerous items repaired/discarded.
  • The layout and space ratio allow children and adults to move safely and freely between activities.
  • Fire doors are never obstructed.
  • Fires/heaters/electric points/wires and leads are adequately guarded.
  • All dangerous materials, including medicines and cleaning materials, are stored out of reach of children.
  • Children do not have unsupervised access to kitchens, cookers or any cupboards storing hazardous materials including matches.
  • On outings, the adult/child ratio will be at least one to two or one to three depending on the destination and/or route.
  • If a small group goes out, there will be sufficient adults to maintain appropriate ratios for staff and children remaining on the premises.
  • Children who are sleeping are checked regularly.
  • Equipment offered to children is developmentally appropriate, recognising that materials suitable for an older child may pose a risk to younger/less mature children.
  • Internal safety gates/barriers are used as necessary.
  • The premises are checked before locking up at the end of the day/session.