 The enlightened choice of Childcare |
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All furniture, toys and equipment are kept clean, well maintained and in good repair and in accordance with BS EN safety standards or the Toys (Safety) Regulations (1995) where applicable. Equipment will be properly maintained and inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All electrical toys and equipment are subject to PAT (Portable Appliance Testing), and that relevant staff are trained on the correct use of computers and other IT equipment. Levels of staff supervision will be sufficient to ensure that the safety of children is assured, and set according to the type of equipment being used, along with the ages and number of children involved in a given activity. All equipment and resources will be selected with care, and risk assessments carried out before new toys and equipment are purchased, according to the principles of the Risk Assessment policy. Jesters has equipment and resources suitable for all children currently in attendance, including those with special educational needs, physical disabilities and for those for who English is not their first language. Jester’s equipment and resources 1 reflects positive images with regard to culture, ethnicity, gender, and disability. Resources will, whenever possible, show men and women in a variety of roles and jobs, and people with different abilities being both active and creative. Examples of every day life will portray people from a variety of family groupings and cultural backgrounds in a range of non-stereotypical roles. Jesters provides a wide selection of books that are regularly updated, as financial resources allow. The selection will always include reference books, dual language books and a range of age-appropriate formats. Staff are encouraged to select books that reflect a multicultural society, challenge stereotypes, and which meet the educational needs of the children. Outside opening hours, all equipment will be kept in a suitable and secure location; safe from unauthorised access or use. When discovered, defective or broken equipment will be taken out of use and stored in a safe place before being disposed of. Flammable equipment will be stored in a safe location away from sources of heat and/or naked flames. There will be a named member of staff with responsibility for planning and reviewing the stock of equipment every three months, and annually updating the Club’s Inventory Record. The Inventory Record must include all electrical items, all items valued at £50 or more and any item not otherwise included that is considered to be at high risk of theft. The Inventory Record will be kept on Jester’s records, and be updated whenever a new item is added or when an old item is removed from use. The Team Leader, or designated member of staff, will keep a formal record of any item of equipment loaned to a member of staff, a voluntary organisation or a parent/carer to ensure that it is returned on time and in a good state..
Equipment refers to such things as books and toys
while Resources could include posters, audio/video equipment, pens and papers.
Jester’s premises are safe, secure and adequately spacious for its purpose. The environment and atmosphere of Jesters is welcoming to children and offers access to the necessary facilities for a broad and varied programme of activities. Jesters is committed to taking every possible step to ensure that all children have equal access to facilities, activities and play opportunities; including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (for further details see the Special Needs policy). Jester’s premises comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and all other relevant regulations and guidance where appropriate. The Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that the Club’s premises are clean, well lit, adequately ventilated and maintained at an appropriate temperature. Daily risk assessments are carried out, in accordance with the Risk Assessment policy, to ensure that the facilities are maintained in a suitable state of repair and decoration. During the opening hours,
the premises are used by and solely available to Jesters, its staff
and the children, as far as this is possible. There is adequate space for storing all the Club’s equipment safely and securely. Under normal circumstances, staff will ensure that there is one toilet and one wash basin with hot and cold water available for every 15 children, ensuring an adequate balance between male and female facilities. No child will be left unsupervised in the kitchen area Members of staff will have access to a Jesters telephone on the premises at all times. Outdoor
Play Outdoor play areas will be well maintained and free from holes, bumps or uneven surface areas. Ponds, drains, pools or any unnatural water will be made safe or inaccessible to children. Any outside water features will be kept safe, and inaccessible to unsupervised children. If children are involved in water sports, staff will ensure that a qualified lifeguard supervises them. In the event of snow or ice on external walkways, staff will ensure that this is regularly cleared and kept safe. Staff will make sure there
is a regular supply of water available to children at all times,
especially in hot conditions. In such circumstances, staff will also
ensure that children are adequately protected from the sun,
according to the provisions set out in the Health, Illness and
Emergency policy.
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